Gilbert: 5-year strategic plan update

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE

The plan builds upon an established ecosystem that attracts, grows and retains science and technology-based firms.

Two notable investments in the last year and a half that enhance Gilbert’s ability to attract top-tier businesses and high-wage jobs include:

Development of Class A Office Space
Gilbert approved a development agreement with Nationwide Realty Investors for Rivulon, a 250-acre master planned development within Gilbert’s Central Business District along the 202 corridor that will bring 3.3 million-square-feet of office space, essentially doubling the community’s current office square footage.

Recruitment of a Higher Education Institution
Upon finalizing the development agreement in September, Chicago-based St. Xavier University, a Catholic school founded in 1846 will move forward with its plans to open a campus in Gilbert’s Heritage District. The university’s presence will enhance the educational opportunities for residents of Gilbert and residents in the region and will generate additional commercial activities in the Heritage District.

Jennifer Graves, CEcD
Business Retention and Expansion
Jennifer focuses on supporting the growth of local businesses. In her role, she executes initiatives and activities to facilitate local business retention and expansion, including real estate selection, completion of job training grant applications as appropriate, conducting market research, providing project management and general economic development assistance.

Karla Moran
Business Attraction
In her role of business attraction, Karla focuses establishing, developing and maintaining relationships with the goal of transitioning prospects into locates for Gilbert. While Karla will assist the team in the national business attraction efforts, she will also develop and lead Gilbert’s international strategy targeted at foreign companies that have the objective of expanding into Arizona and particularly Gilbert.

Five year goals include:

• $1.1 Billion in Capital Investment Announced
• 10,000 Net New Jobs Announced
• 200 Companies – Expanded or New Investment