When Brigette Peterson first arrived in Gilbert in 1995, the town was a fraction of its current size, with vast stretches of farmland where thriving neighborhoods and bustling businesses now stand. Little did she know that she would play a pivotal role in shaping this community's remarkable transformation over the next quarter century.
As Peterson prepares to conclude her tenure as Gilbert's Mayor, her 25-year journey of public service reflects not just a career in local government, but a deep-rooted commitment to nurturing the soul of a rapidly growing community. From her early days as a Town Planning Commissioner to her final role as Mayor, Peterson's fingerprints can be found on many of the decisions that helped Gilbert evolve from a small agricultural town into one of Arizona's most desirable communities.
"The Gilbert I fell in love with in 1995 had such tremendous potential," Peterson often remarked during community gatherings. "But what made it special wasn't just the open space and opportunity – it was the people who called it home and their vision for the future."
That vision began taking shape during her tenure as a Planning Commissioner and Zoning Hearing Officer, where Peterson helped lay the groundwork for Gilbert's thoughtful development. Her expertise in planning proved invaluable as the town experienced explosive growth while maintaining its cherished small-town character.
During her years on the Town Council, Peterson championed several signature initiatives that helped define modern Gilbert. She was instrumental in developing the Heritage District into the vibrant downtown destination it is today, advocating for the perfect blend of historic preservation and economic vitality. Her support for the military and veterans is found in her connection to programs that helped and honored active military members and veterans, as well as her time spent supporting Gilbert’s role as the host town of the USS Arizona (SSN-803) submarine project, currently under construction. And most noticeably her advocating and addressing Gilbert’s ever-changing transportation needs due to a burgeoning population.
When Peterson assumed the role of Mayor in January 2021, she faced unprecedented challenges as Gilbert, like communities nationwide, grappled with the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her steady leadership helped Gilbert's business community navigate those uncertain times, while her focus on economic development attracted new enterprises to the area, diversifying the local economy.
Some of the most memorable moments of her mayoral tenure came from her constant presence in the community. Whether reading to children at the library, celebrating new business openings, or participating in community events from dawn to dusk, Peterson embodied the hands-on leadership style that had characterized her entire public service career.
"Mayor Peterson wasn't just an elected official – she was our neighbor," says longtime Gilbert resident Sarah Martinez. "You'd see her at the farmers market on Saturday mornings, at high school football games on Friday nights, and everywhere in between. She truly lived and breathed this community."
Under her leadership, Gilbert achieved numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the safest cities in America and one of the best places to raise a family. The town's population surpassed 285,000 residents, making it the fifth-largest municipality in Arizona, all while maintaining the small-town charm that first attracted Peterson and countless others.
Perhaps her most lasting legacy is her role in establishing Gilbert's Public Safety Training Facility, a project she championed to ensure the town's first responders had state-of-the-art training resources to support the ever-growing community. This facility, along with Gilbert’s Advocacy Center, set to open in the coming years, will both serve as testaments to her commitment to public safety and forward-thinking leadership.
As she prepares to pass the torch, Peterson's impact on Gilbert extends far beyond the policies and projects she helped implement. Her quarter-century of service has helped shape a community that has grown not just in size, but in character and identity.
"What I'm most proud of," Peterson reflected recently, "is that even as we've grown into a major city, we've never lost sight of what makes Gilbert special – our sense of community, our commitment to family, and our dedication to building something truly extraordinary together."
As Gilbert turns the page to its next chapter, Mayor Peterson's legacy will live on in the tree-lined streets, thriving businesses, and strong sense of community that she helped foster over the 25 years of dedicated service. Her journey from newcomer to volunteer to the Mayor serves as a testament to the power of civic engagement and the profound impact one person can have when they dedicate themselves to the betterment of their community.
For those who will follow in her footsteps, Peterson leaves behind not just a stronger, more vibrant Gilbert but also an example of what true public service looks like—showing up, listening to residents, and working tirelessly to build a community that future generations will be proud to call home.
"we've never lost sight of what makes Gilbert special – our sense of community, our commitment to family"