We have all handled the impact of COVID-19 differently. Some are angry, some are scared, some are loving a slower pace of life and having their family all home together. Some own a business that has been severely impacted or are working on the front lines as a healthcare worker. If we can come together as a community and extend grace to everyone to deal with this crisis however they need to, I know we will come out on the other side stronger.
Gilbert is a community of kindness and we want the whole world to know. In fact, our Council adopted "Kindness USA" as the community's official nickname. I have been grateful to see countless stories showing remarkable examples of how people are treating each other with kindness. I am especially loving the creativity in how people are reaching out to others in a way they have never tried before due to the unique environment. Our residents find joy in serving others and Gilbert Kindness has only increased over the last few months.
To business owners that are struggling, your Town is here for you. The Town of Gilbert wants to be a strong partner, so we can see local businesses recover as quickly as they can. We've been highlighting Gilbert businesses and all they're doing to positively impact their communities throughout COVID-19. If you are a resident who needs a neighbor or friend, you are in the right community. Reach out. There are more than 250,000 people here to help you.
This is, no doubt, a strange time in our life. However, it’s a time I hope we never forget and a time we can learn some tremendous lessons from. For example, our Town employees transitioned to remote work within 24 hours’ notice. They developed rapid solutions to ensure no interruption to Town services occurred throughout this time. Team Gilbert developed new processes and innovative strategies that will remain in place even after the end of this pandemic, so we can better serve you. As a Mayor, I do nothing alone. I am so grateful for our Town employees and an amazing Council with vision for this community.
The 2020 Census is also here and in Gilbert, everyone counts. When you complete the 2020 Census, you’re making an investment in your community. The Census secures funding for the next 10 years. We only get one chance every ten years to get this right and it only takes a few minutes to complete. Let's make it count. Please visit my2020census.gov to complete the census online.
It’s a historic year for our Town for another reason. On July 6, 2020, Gilbert will celebrate our 100th birthday! Our Centennial is an opportunity for our community to remember our past and plan for our future. Gilbert is growing and we’re nearly 260,000 residents strong. As leaders, we are hyper focused on keeping the thriving community that Gilbert is today well into the future. Join us and write Gilbert’s story for the next 100 years.
Jenn Daniels
Mayor