Gilbert Arizona has experienced a rapid transition from a historically agriculture-based community to an urban center and suburb in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. In the last two decades, Gilbert Arizona has grown at a pace unparalleled by most communities in the United States, increasing in population from 5,717 in 1980 to over 138,000 in January 2003. As Gilbert has grown, the community has recognized the need to develop a strong, diverse economy while preserving its highly desirable quality of life. To proactively direct the growth and development of the community, the Town Council adopted the General Plan 2001 on July 10, 2001, which revised existing elements, added those required under Arizona "Growing Smarter" legislation, and incorporated new land use and economic growth considerations. Gilbert Arizona is a relatively new community that has seen tremendous growth during the past two decades. The 2003 Gilbert Community Profile provides a broad overview of this growing town and metropolitan area, including demo-graphics, business resources, and community resources. It is an excellent reference for businesses and residents alike The Town of Gilbert Arizona is continuously planning for the future in order to meet the needs of tomorrow. As the Town continues to grow so does Gilbert's commitment to providing residents, businesses and employees with the best possible services, programs and accommodations. Several new projects, recently completed or currently under construction, demonstrate this commitment. These include the new Gilbert Public Safety Complex, Gilbert Community Development Building, Gilbert Freestone Recreation Center and Gilbert's continued investment in the Heritage District. The Town Council adopted the Gateway Area Plan on July 25, 2000. The plan is part of the General Plan 2001, ratified by Gilbert voters in November 2001. The Gateway Character Area is adjacent to Williams Gateway Airport and Arizona State University East Campus. These two facilities are in Mesa, but their entrances are adjacent to Gilbert. The Gateway Character Area covers approximately 4,320 acres, generally located between Warner Road and Pecos Road; from Power Road to Greenfield Road. Gilbert has been a partner in the Williams Gateway Airport Authority since the Air Force announced the closure of Williams Air Force Base in 1992. The Authority and several other regional institutions have converted the base to a mix of employment and educational facilities. The Gateway Area will establish a neighborhood village feel in the area that serves William Gateway, ASU East, and the thousands of new residents that will be living near both of these facilities. The Gateway Area will not only provide shopping and services, but also a vibrant entertainment element. The combination will create a new traditional village center for the region that will grow with the area as it matures. Faced with limited resources and unprecedented growth, the Town of Gilbert has turned to strategic management to transform the entire organization, and the services we provide. In conjunction with the Town of Gilbert Corporate Strategic Plan, the Gilbert Economic Development Department and the Gilbert Economic Development Advisory Board developed the first Gilbert Economic Development Department Five Year Strategic Plan in 1999. Each year the plan is revisited to ensure current economic issues and trends are addressed appropriately by staff. The current plan, now in the process of being updated, addresses advertising, database management, marketing, targeted business clusters, prospect management, department structure and more. Strategic planning is planning for results. Successfully carrying out the plan will ensure positive results now and in the future. Gilbert Arizona is growing faster than any other municipality in America, and it exudes affluence like few other Arizona communities. The strong demand for Gilbert Arizona new homes and Gilbert Arizona real estate investments has created huge growth. High-speed growth is Gilbert's most publicized dynamic, yet its country charm and small-town character are more reminiscent of a static, Midwest community, not the boom town growth of Gilbert Arizona new homes and Gilbert Arizona real estate investments. Gilbert Arizona has many planned communities with parks, fishing, boating and horse trails. Gilbert Arizona is family oriented and encourages new businesses to provide employment for the young families who are flocking to the Gilbert Arizona area.

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