Happy Holidays

Manager’s Update – December 20, 2012

As I think about the tragedy that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut last week, I realize we have reason to be extra grateful here in Gilbert this holiday season. 

At a time when everyone is noticing the heroics of teachers, public safety officials and volunteers who rushed to help at Sandy Hook Elementary, I wanted you all to know how very appreciative I am of our workforce and the quality services you deliver for our residents, families and children throughout the year here in Gilbert.

Since the tragedy occurred, the Gilbert Police and Fire Departments have been working closely with our schools and EMS to be sure we are prepared if any major incidents should happen.  Both the Mayor and I have received phone calls and emails from relieved parents who were happy to see an increased police presence outside their child’s schools or wanted to commend Town staff for all we do to keep their children safe.

As we look ahead to 2013, we will continue our hard work to ensure that our community remains a safe and wonderful place to live, work and play.  I wish you all happy holidays.  Thank you for all you do for our community

-Patrick Banger, Town Manager

Business Booms in Gilbert

Manager’s Update – December 7, 2012 

As the year quickly comes to an end, I’d like to reflect on Gilbert’s growth during the past year.  Gilbert is thriving and, according to our Office of Economic Development, 2012 has brought nearly 1,500 jobs and $150.7 million in capital investments.

Our focus, as we work toward build-out, is to attract businesses with an emphasis in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) industries.  This year, we have had several great successes in these areas, including the announcement of a new VA Clinic, Banner Health Center, the Ironwood Cancer and Research Center, as well as the expansion of Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center.  In addition, Orbital Sciences is currently pursuing a foreign trade zone (FTZ) status for their Gilbert facility, which will result in further investments ultimately making it the largest satellite integration and assembly facility in the world.  ASU startup Heliae continues its extensive growth as it embarks on a four-year lease for the 40 acres of land next to their current site.

In addition, as part owners, we are dedicated to our investment in the growth and success of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.  The planned expansions are expected to accommodate up to 20 million passengers annually, which is half the size of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.  I look forward to all of the benefits its development will bring to the Town.

We have also made great strides in our tourism efforts this year.  Residence Inn Phoenix Gilbert located on the campus of MD Anderson Cancer Center is near completion, while the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel has announced a flag expansion that will make it the largest hotel in Gilbert. 

Our downtown Heritage District is thriving with more businesses expanding and new ones looking to open.  Popular restaurant, Postino Winecafe opened in March of this year and, already, owner Craig DeMarco is looking to build a Mexican eatery and potentially partner on at least two additional restaurant concepts in downtown Gilbert.

I am also encouraged by the potential growth that Gilbert will see in the year ahead.  We look forward to sharing our successes as we work to further develop our community, making it a tremendous place for people to live, work, and play.

-Patrick Banger, Town Manager

Grateful for Gilbert

Manager’s Update – November 21, 2012

The Thanksgiving holiday is upon us and while I’m appreciative of all that we have in Gilbert year around, I want to take a moment to convey my gratitude.

In November, I’m particularly thankful for our Veterans, especially our own Vice Mayor John Sentz. Vice Mayor Sentz recently helped coordinate a regional Veterans Day Ceremony here at Town Hall.  It was an honor to be surrounded by so many selfless men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving our country.  If you missed this uplifting event, you can view the highlights here.

I’m also grateful for our citizens who give Gilbert the vibrancy that attracts so many people to our Town.  Without citizen engagement, events like the Gilbert Days festivities would not be possible and would most certainly not be as successful as this year’s events were.  The crowds at the Gilbert Days Parade were especially remarkable and it was a great way to celebrate Gilbert’s history and heritage.  For those who weren’t able to make it to the Gilbert Days Parade, be sure to watch the video below to see what I’m referring to.  Our citizens truly care and are committed to improving our community, and for that I am extremely thankful.

Most of all, I would like to express my gratitude to Town Staff who work day in and day out to fulfill the Town’s vision of being “Best in Class”.  Whether that is through keeping our streets and community clean and safe, teaching the youth in our recreation centers or by helping local businesses grow, the work of each staff member makes Gilbert a better place to live and work.

Happy Thanksgiving, Gilbert!

-Patrick Banger, Town Manager

Honoring Veterans in Gilbert

Manager’s Update – November 7, 2012

As Veterans Day approaches, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the ways our local veterans are being recognized here in Gilbert.

Tomorrow, the Town will be hosting its eighth annual Veterans Day Ceremony; an event that has been recognized by the Veterans Day National Committee as one of three regional sites in Arizona for celebrating Veterans Day 2012.  Joey Strickland, Director of the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, will be this year’s guest speaker and lunch will be served to all in attendance.  I hope you will join us at Town Hall tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. as we recognize our local Veterans.  For more information, visit www.gilbertveteransday.com.

And, after a nationwide site selection process, Gilbert veterans and veterans throughout the Valley will soon have access to a VA Community Clinic in Gilbert.  The two-story, 60,000 square foot building is scheduled to begin construction in January and will be located on the northeast corner of South Val Vista Drive and Market Street.  This facility is estimated to provide outpatient services for more than 19,000 veterans annually.  We are honored to have a facility that will serve those who serve our country located right here in Gilbert.  Below is a brief video on the new VA Community Clinic.

These are just a couple of ways the Town of Gilbert is recognizing those who serve our country.  We hope that you will join us in thanking local patriots for their commitment to keeping our country safe this Veterans Day.

- Patrick Banger, Town Manager

Wildly Important Goals

Manager’s Update – October 25, 2012

Every day, here at the Town, we are thinking about connecting the work we do to our core purpose and the strategic initiatives set by our Mayor and Council.  Each and every “Wildly Important Goal” we set and attain supports these initiatives.  Whether it’s helping to expand Economic Development or improve community livability and ensure we are a technology leader, we are all dedicated to improving the work we do and the quality of life for our residents.

We’ve made a slight modification to our Five Strategic Initiatives by adding a Sixth.  Our Sixth Initiative focuses on “High Performing Government” by committing to highly efficient operations while delivering superior results.  We will achieve optimal performance by aligning strategy with operational goals supported by best management practices and effective internal and external collaboration.

At our recent Council retreat, Town staff laid out new goals for the coming year.

Utility billing planned to increase the number of accounts on auto-pay to 15,000 by October.  To date, they have exceeded their goal with 15,021 accounts now on auto-pay.

The accounting department also met a goal early!  They were able to reduce electronic document storage by 50%.

Development Services is making great progress on their goal to increase the number of available electronic files from 1,450 to 4,000 by December.  They are currently 85% complete.

And the Clerk’s office had set a goal last year to utilize technology to reduce staff time spent retrieving property files by 90% by January 31, 2013.  They have completed their goal early.

We continue to work towards accomplishing existing goals while also creating new ones.  Want to know how we are doing?  Our progress can be tracked at http://www.gilbertaz.gov/strategic/default.cfm.

-Patrick Banger, Town Manager

Making a Difference in October

Manager’s Update – October 11, 2012

As the weather finally begins to cool off, many of our employees and residents are looking for ways to get out and get involved in our community.  It’s fitting that October 20th is Make a Difference Day here in Gilbert.  “For Our City Gilbert” is coordinating 15 different events around Town involving an estimated 1000 volunteers.  Events range from painting schools to helping clean up the Riparian Preserve.  If you’re looking to lend a hand, visit “For Our City’s” Facebook page.

During the evening of October 20th, the Town is encouraging you to get to know your neighbors. October is National Crime Prevention Month and the Gilbert Police Department’s G.A.I.N. (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods) program is inviting neighborhoods to host a G.A.I.N. event in their community. The program is designed to heighten crime awareness, generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts, as well as build community relationships. For more information, call (480) 635-7520 or email the Crime Prevention Unit at policecrimeprevention@gilbertaz.gov.

Gilbert is also recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness this month. Throughout October we will be collecting various items such as toiletries, blankets, kitchen supplies, new kids and women’s clothing, and baby food for My Sister’s Place; one of only two domestic violence shelters in the East Valley. For a full list of needed items and drop off locations visit www.gilbertaz.gov/dva.  Also, the week of October 29th  is “Wear Purple Week”.  Please be sure to wear purple to show your support for ending domestic violence.

And, as always, thanks for all you do to make a difference in our Town.

-Patrick Banger, Town Manager

A Year in Review

Manager’s Update- September 27, 2012

It’s been just over a year since I came to Gilbert as the Town Manager. I wanted to take this opportunity to share some highlights from the past year and talk about what the years ahead will bring. I’ve spent a large portion of my time reviewing the needs of the organization and community and focusing on future growth and development as we approach build-out.

The highly successful zero-based budgeting process stands out as a significant accomplishment during the past year. Other initiatives that are currently underway that will pay large dividends include redefining our Mission, Vision & Values and commitment to customer service excellence, the Digital Roadmap, Talent Management Program, Long-range Revenue Forecast, Long-range Infrastructure Forecast, Performance Metrics, Benchmarking & Service levels, Zero-waste and Green Initiatives and the overhaul of our Safety Programs. All of this will help Gilbert continue to excel as a model of good governance with high value services and efficiency.

-Patrick Banger, Town Manager

Gilbert’s Digital Road Map

Manager’s Update- September 13, 2012

I am pleased to announce the unveiling of the Town’s first Digital Road Map by our Chief Digital Officer, Dana Berchman.  The Road Map supports our strategic initiative to be a technology leader and sets the stage to establish the Town as a leader in citizen engagement, open government, and digital industry growth.

So, how do we do accomplish this?

One of the first steps is to redefine transparency and open government by unlocking public records and engaging our citizens through digital communications.  We are also looking to increase internet access for our residents, engage with intuitive web design, improve and expand our Social Media efforts, and develop Mobile Applications.

By coordinating digital initiatives that support the efficient and effective exchange of information and services, we will enable unprecedented transparency, communication and collaborative community development through access, open government, engagement, and industry.

The implementation of the Road Map is already underway.  We are currently in the process of a website redesign to improve the user interface and make it more citizen-centric.  The new website will include a digital newsroom that will provide residents and media a centralized location to find Town news like this video on the new and innovative Fire Station 10.

In addition, the Town is going social. We have launched an official Town Facebook page, a central Twitter account and are going to be announcing the creation of a Social Media Advisory Research Taskforce (SMART), a team of the Town’s social media leaders.

I invite you to follow us, “like” us and connect with Gilbert as we take the next steps in becoming a leader in digital communications.

-Patrick Banger, Town Manager

Gilbert, Arizona: 33rd Best Place to Live

Manager’s update- Thursday, August 29, 2012

It pleases me to announce that Money Magazine recently named the Town of Gilbert the “33^rd Best Place to Live” in the country.   CNN’s article states:

“Light-years from its days as Hay Capital of the World, this fast-growing city outside Phoenix is shaking off the doldrums of the housing crash and working toward a brighter future.”

Money Magazine points to Gilbert’s fast-growing health care industry and new Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, education improvements, and low crime rate.  But, Money Magazine isn’t the only one spreading the word about the town’s recent achievements. 

Studies from Scottsdale, Chandler, and Tempe reveal Gilbert’s place at the top of the list of municipalities in Arizona.  A Chandler comparison on government employee to resident ratios ranked Gilbert number one.  For every 1,000 residents, Gilbert employs 5.4 people compared to other cities that employ more per capita.

A Scottsdale tax study listed Gilbert as having the second-lowest combined property and sales tax burden on its residents, and new crime statistics show Gilbert’s dramatically low crime rate;  the lowest of any surrounding municipality.

Based on data provided by the Tempe Police Department Crime Analysis Unit, Gilbert has once again retained its position as having the lowest crime rate of comparable communities in Arizona.

These are just some of the reasons the Town of Gilbert is gaining national recognition for being a wonderful place to live and work.  With its “safe streets and sunny skies,” according to Money Magazine, the town will continue to grow and thrive.

-Patrick Banger, Town Manager

Gilbert sees additional bond rating improvement

Manager’s Update – Thursday, August 16, 2012

As Gilbert’s economy continues to thrive, the town is seeing another improvement in bond ratings.  The better the rating, the more Gilbert can do to invest in and improve our community.   Each bond initiative can get its own rating, like its own credit score.

Fitch Ratings Services increased our town’s bond rating from AA to AA+ for Gilbert Public Facility Municipal Property Corporation revenue bonds, which come from rental revenues paid by corporations.  The organization also affirmed its ‘AA’ rating on Gilbert’s $2.5 million 2003 street and highway user revenue bonds.  We are expecting to maintain this positive financial rating.  According to Fitch, “The local economy has outpaced other communities in the Phoenix metropolitan area.”

The increase reflects Gilbert’s fast-growing economy when it comes to residential and business development, primarily in the health-tech industry.  Fitch attributes the improved rating in part to the town’s low maximum debt, low unemployment and high growth rate.

To give an example, Gilbert accounted for 20 percent of Maricopa County’s building permits in 2011, while making up just 5 percent of the county’s total population.   Because of our town’s fiscal responsibility in the face of a recession, business and development continue to thrive.

This isn’t even our first rating increase.   A total of six bonds have increased in ratings since October 2011.