North Water Treatment Plant / Photo Credit: Town of Gilbert
(GILBERT, AZ.) – The Town of Gilbert has big plans for 2026 following a rough year of delays, infrastructure failure and an ongoing water crisis.
This year, though, the town is looking forward to several improvements as noted in the 2026 fiscal budget report.
Several quality-of-life improvements were recently announced on the town’s website, including a new Advocacy Center, improved sustainability measures, and small but immediately impactful upgrades such as improved accessibility at the water tower located in the Heritage District.
As part of Gilbert’s Capital Improvement Plan, the town is now in Phase 1 of its Gilbert Advocacy Center project, which will serve as a resource center to support victims of crime in various ways, from investigative services to holistic healing services.
Photo Credit: Town of Gilbert
Other big projects include the completion of Heritage Park, a multi-use development that will add several new shops, restaurants, and 288 new apartments to the district alongside a boutique hotel. The project is set to finish mid- to late-year, while The Gilmore, a similar project at Val Vista rd. and Germann rd., is set to open in late 2026 to early 2027.
Phase 3 of the North Water Treatment Plant upgrade is anticipated to finish this year as well, which focuses on the water treatment systems including what the website describes as “ozone disinfection, filtration, and chemical feed infrastructure.”
The town is also looking forward to enhanced sustainability measures, which OpGov will be following closely as the year progresses.
One such measure includes the adoption of glass recycling stations, which were first implemented in September of last year. Following two initial glass recycling stations, three new ones have been installed at various accessible locations.
According to its website, “Gilbert has collected nearly 300 tons of glass, helping reduce landfill waste and promote sustainability in our community.”
Gilbert residents are also hoping for change in the coming year.
When asked on the platform NextDoor, residents chimed in with responses ranging from plot theories to reminiscent reflections on Gilbert’s golden years.
Photo Credit: NextDoor / Teri Tracy
Photo Credit: NextDoor / Teri Tracy
Some comments were focused on positivity, promoting neighborly engagement and thoughtful actions such as slowing down for school bus stops.
It would also appear that the town is looking to obtain more public input on ongoing issues such as the water crisis, inviting town residents to two upcoming open houses held to discuss the impending utility rate increases.
This move follows the three listening sessions hosted by the town late last year, which were intended to inform residents of the situation and how it affects them, as well as open availability for residents to ask questions and provide them with an opportunity to get real, live help with their utility bills.
It seems there’s much to look forward to in 2026, and still more hot debate topics, but the only path for Gilbert this year is forward.
If you have anything to add or to correct in this report, please contact me at tracy.t@lead4earth.org and leave a comment below!
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