Gilbert Town Council Approves Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

Gilbert, Ariz. - The Gilbert Town Council approved the Fiscal Year 2027 budget at Tuesday's council meeting, marking one of the more complex budget cycles in recent years. Rather than focusing on new additions, this year's process centered on protecting the services and quality of life Gilbert residents rely on every day.

The budget comes as Gilbert's general fund faces a $20 million annual loss in ongoing revenue driven by external changes at the state and federal level. Those changes include the state's elimination of residential rental sales tax, Arizona's move to a flat income tax, impacts from the One Big Beautiful Bill, and the incorporation of neighboring San Tan Valley. Over five years, the cumulative impact is projected to reach at least $100 million.

To close the gap, the Town drew on a combination of spending reductions, one-time funding sources, and the savings generated through Gilbert's zero-based budgeting practice, which the Town has used since 2018 and has produced more than $5 million in savings to date. Protecting core services, including police, fire, and parks, remains an important focus of the community and the budget.

While the FY27 budget is balanced, Town leadership has been clear that the measures used this year are a bridge, not a permanent solution. Gilbert is already planning for 2028 and beyond, focused on long-term financial stability, maintaining a lean and efficient workforce, and sustaining the high quality of life that defines this community.

Residents can also play a role. Shopping local and supporting Gilbert businesses, whether small or large, puts sales tax revenue back into the community and directly supports the services Gilbert residents count on.

Learn more about Gilbert's budget at www.gilbertaz.gov/Budget.