In 1902, the Arizona Eastern Railway sought donations of right of way to establish a rail line between Phoenix and Florence. A rail siding was set up on land owned by William “Bobby” Gilbert, and the town that emerged around it eventually became known as Gilbert. The town thrived as a farming community, bolstered by the construction of the Roosevelt Dam and the Eastern and Consolidated Canals in 1911. For many years, Gilbert remained an agricultural hub and was known as the “Hay Capital of the World” until the late 1920s.

In the 1970s, the Town Council made a strategic decision to approve a strip annexation encompassing 53 square miles of county land, setting the stage for Gilbert’s future growth. Although the population was only 1,971 in 1970, the Council anticipated that Gilbert would eventually expand and develop similarly to its neighboring communities, Tempe, Mesa, and Chandler. This foresight allowed Gilbert to position itself for significant growth in the 1980s and beyond.

The Gilbert Town Council is composed of a Mayor and six Councilmembers. Both the Mayor and Councilmembers serve at-large, representing all citizens for four-year terms. There are no term limits, allowing members to be re-elected for consecutive terms. Gilbert’s municipal elections are non-partisan.

The Town of Gilbert offers several strengths that drive business growth and economic expansion across multiple industries.

High-Tech Innovation: Gilbert has become a hub for technology companies focused on software development, IT services, digital solutions, and innovation. The town supports startups and established firms with a pro-business climate and access to a highly skilled workforce.

Advanced Manufacturing: Gilbert continues to expand its advanced manufacturing sector, especially in aerospace, automotive, and electronics production. The town provides modern infrastructure, industrial facilities, and qualified talent to support long-term industry growth.

Agribusiness: Agriculture remains an important part of Gilbert’s economy. The community supports agribusiness sectors such as food production, sustainable farming, agricultural technology, and food processing.

Technology Ecosystem: The town has built a strong technology ecosystem that includes startups, software firms, IT providers, and data centers. Businesses benefit from access to tech talent, innovation resources, and strategic industry partnerships.

Talent and Education Access: Gilbert benefits from nearby institutions such as Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, and the Maricopa Community Colleges system. These schools produce skilled graduates in engineering, technology, healthcare, and business. Gilbert’s workforce remains highly educated and deeply rooted in professional and technical industries.

Transportation Infrastructure: Gilbert offers strong regional connectivity through major transportation corridors including the US 60 and Loop 202 freeways. These routes support logistics, commuting, and efficient business operations throughout Metro Phoenix.

Healthcare and Bioscience: Healthcare serves as a major economic engine for Gilbert. Leading institutions such as Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, Banner Gateway Medical Center, and MD Anderson Cancer Center attract top medical talent and support growth in biotechnology, healthcare services, and medical device manufacturing.

Quality of Life: Gilbert maintains a high quality of life through master-planned neighborhoods, community amenities, parks, dining, and family-friendly environments. These features help businesses recruit and retain skilled professionals.

Retail and Hospitality: The Town of Gilbert’s retail and hospitality sectors continue to grow, supported by destinations like SanTan Village. These attractions draw residents and visitors while supporting restaurants, retail businesses, entertainment venues, and service-related jobs.

Sustainability Initiatives: Gilbert promotes sustainable development and green technologies. The town attracts companies involved in renewable energy, environmental innovation, and sustainability-focused solutions.

Business-Friendly Environment: The town supports companies with streamlined permitting, competitive tax structures, economic development programs, and incentives for expansion and relocation. Gilbert maintains a strong reputation as a business-friendly community.

Primary Gilbert transportation routes include…

Loop 202 (Santan Freeway): Primary east-west freeway in Gilbert, providing access to Chandler, Mesa, and Queen Creek as well as connecting to other major freeways across Metro Phoenix.

US 60 (Superstition Freeway): Major east-west highway located just north of Gilbert, connecting to Mesa, Tempe, and Phoenix, offering an alternative route for accessing the rest of Metro Phoenix.

Gilbert Road: Major north-south arterial road that runs through the center of the town, providing access to neighborhoods, businesses, and retail centers. It connects to the Loop 202 and US 60.

Val Vista Drive: North-south road running through Gilbert, offering access to residential areas, shopping districts, and connects to Loop 202.