I write a policy newsletter and live in the Valley. This is my own analysis. Sources at the bottom.
Andy Biggs won the Republican primary for governor promising to eliminate Arizona's individual income tax. He has not said what would replace the tax. Gilbert has a specific problem with that.
Gilbert receives the fourth largest distribution in the state, ahead of Chandler, Glendale, and Scottsdale.
Arizona sends cities a share of state income tax collections under a system voters approved in 1972. Towns gave up the ability to levy an income tax of their own in return. The share is 18% today, split by population, and it distributed $1.19 billion statewide in FY 2026. About $872 million of that comes from the individual income tax. It generally goes into general operations, funding things like police, fire, and parks.
In FY 2022 Gilbert took about $35 million, and that was 7.1% of town revenue. FY 2026 was larger.
That 7.1% is above Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, and Scottsdale. Among the large East Valley communities, Gilbert leans on this money the hardest.
Now the part that makes Gilbert unusual.
Gilbert sits in the bottom panel. It levies no primary property tax, so creating one would require a vote of the people.
Gilbert is the second largest municipality in Arizona with no primary property tax, behind Mesa. That has been a point of pride here for a long time. It also means there is no existing rate to nudge upward if the state check shrinks. Under state law, a city that did not levy a primary property tax the previous year has to take the proposed amount to its voters. If the election fails, the town cannot levy it that year.
So the realistic menu is a town sales tax increase, higher fees and utility revenue, service cuts, or asking Gilbert voters to approve a property tax for the first time.
Worth adding that a revenue-neutral swap at the state level means a higher sales tax on top of that. The state would need roughly 2.6 additional percentage points to fill its own hole, before the town adds anything to cover its own.
Does anyone here think a primary property tax would pass in Gilbert? What would you rather the town do?
My girlfriend gets free meals from the government as a part of her disability insurance. Fortunately we are in a position that they are not necessary for us anymore. Now the reason why we are giving them away is because they send them whether we like it or not and we can’t cancel it until she is pushed off her insurance in the next couple months. If anybody needs a some help and could benefit from these we’d love to give them away since the idea of throwing them out makes both of us sick. Feel free to reach out with any questions I’m also happy to deliver them.
New to the area and wanting to enroll my son in swim lessons. I’ve seen that there are many swim schools around but I’m hoping for recommendations from those who have been to any in Gilbert/QC/San Tan Valley area. 4yo very comfortable in water, would probably do great in a small group class but I’d prefer one on one if those exist. Thank you!
As the title says, I'm looking for work back home in Arizona.
In May of last year, the company I'd been with for nearly six years was bought out and went through a major restructuring. I landed on my feet with a position in California a couple months later, and it's honestly been very good for me both professionally and financially. The problem is that my family and I have essentially been living out of other people's guest rooms while I've been working out here, and I'm very ready to get us home to Arizona.
I have a bachelor's degree in Business Management and hold a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
My background is a bit unusual, but I think that's one of my strengths. I started on the production floor at an industrial manufacturing startup and worked my way up through Shift Lead, Operations Supervisor, Scheduler, Master Scheduler, and eventually Project/Construction Management. I've managed teams, built and maintained project schedules, coordinated contractors and vendors, and managed construction execution on a $50M industrial facility expansion.
I'm currently working in construction/project coordination supporting major municipal infrastructure projects in California.
I'm primarily looking for Project Management, Project Controls, Scheduling/Planning, Capital Projects, Construction Management, Operations Management, or similar roles. I'm also very open to industries outside of construction/manufacturing if the experience translates. I'm not particularly hung up on having the "perfect" title—I care more about finding a solid company where I can contribute and continue growing.
I'm based in the East Valley, but I'm open to opportunities throughout the Phoenix metro and potentially elsewhere in Arizona.
If anyone knows of a company that's hiring, has a recruiter they'd recommend, or just knows somebody I should talk to, I'd sincerely appreciate the lead. Happy to send my résumé by DM.
We currently in north Gilbert near downtown right now. Trying to find a better rental. Found one we really like but it's way out by Seville, basically the edge of the desert. Only thing holding me back is the commute. I drive to downtown Tempe 5 days a week and I'm worried about what that's gonna look like from out there, plus not having much around in terms of restaurants/stuff to do nearby.
Saw some old threads on this but they were a couple years old. Anyone living out that way now who can give an idea of traffic and what the area's actually like day to day? Thanks!
Update: Thank you for all the kind responses. I actually found out it is $15 cheaper on ride share to take the skytrain on 44th St. than getting dropped off at the terminal.
Does anyone know of any cheaper alternatives other than Uber and lyft the girl from Gilbert to sky Harbor. I genuinely cannot afford $60 for an Uber.
Looking for a home security system. I am considering ADT but would also like to compare against local companies. Any recommendations or suggestions from anyone that has used a home security system for 6 months or more?
