Gilbert uses forward-thinking boldness to cultivate big-city economic growth
"When someone celebrates a milestone birthday, it’s not unusual to hear phrases like, “Wow, she really looks good for her age,” or, “So-and-so has really come a long way from when I first met him.”
This year, as Gilbert celebrates its 100th birthday, anyone who knew the town “way back when” would likely agree that both previously mentioned comments are applicable. After all, once referred to as the “Hay Capital of the World,”
Gilbert has evolved into a cutting-edge center of innovation over its first 100 years.
From plenty of hay to Gilbert today
“When one looks back, it’s unavoidable to view Gilbert as a farm community,” says Richard Morrison, water law attorney and co-founder of the Morrison Institute for Public Policy, “although it’s certainly not perceived that way now.”
Morrison knows Gilbert’s history intimately.
Both sides of his family were farmers who migrated to the town specifically for its agriculture properties during Gilbert’s early days.
“With the building of the Roosevelt Dam, people knew there would be a reliable source of irrigation and an abundant source of water from the Salt and Verde rivers,” Morrison says..."
“Our culture reflects our shared values, beliefs and practices, and that we are committed to being driven, kind, bold and humble,” says Jenn Daniels, mayor of Gilbert. . .
Next 100 years
Daniels’ efforts have not gone unnoticed. CTIA, the wireless industry association, presented Daniels with its 5G Wireless Champion Award, honoring her focus on infrastructure modernization that will bring new investment to the Gilbert community.
The award recognized Daniels’ leadership in making Gilbert the first community in Arizona to streamline the ability of wireless companies to deploy small cells – next-generation 5G wireless infrastructure – in accordance with Arizona House Bill 2365. . .
In addition, we have increased transparency within the Gilbert community by unveiling Alex, an open data portal, that gives information such as trends, statistics about Gilbert’s safety, growth, development, finance, transportation and more.”
. . . If the last 100 years is any indication of the future possibilities Gilbert has in terms of maturation and milestones — across the board — great things are yet to come.
You’ve come a long way, Gilbert.
Happy birthday.
Happy birthday.
Hmmm. So why did current mayor Jen Daniels choose to resign from office early?
