Gilbert residents have a say in how the town will invest federal funds into local development for the upcoming year. The town is formulating its 2026 Annual Action Plan (AAP) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which sets the allocation of funds towards housing, infrastructure, and services to assist low- and moderate-income citizens. Priorities and projects outlined in the AAP are mirrored in the broader 5-Year Consolidated Plan, underscoring the town's long-term objectives in community development.
Local engagement is considered a key element of the planning process, hence the importance of the public meeting scheduled on January 14, at 5:30 PM, at the Gilbert Heritage Center, located at 132 W. Bruce Avenue. As reported by Gilbert's official announcement, this meeting will open the floor for discussions about community needs and proposals for the upcoming CDBG funds. The insights gathered will be foundational in drafting a plan that truly addresses local concerns.
A draft of the AAP will be published on the Town’s website on January 21, giving residents an additional platform to understand and respond to the proposed allocation. Public hearings on February 18 and March 4 will further this conversation, featuring presentations from town staff. These interactions are not simply exchanges of information; they are discursive avenues where the seeds of community enrichment and empowerment are sown.
Those unable to attend can still participate through the public comment period spanning January 14 to March 4. During this window, in-person attendance isn't the only way one's voice can be heard. Rather, residents are invited to channel their feedback via email to [email protected], according to the town's instructions. As the dates for the public hearings approach, the first being set for February 18 at 5:30 PM at Town Hall, 50 E. Civic Center Dr., and the second on March 4 at the same time at Southeast Regional Library, 5775 N Greenfield Rd., it's clear that accessibility and inclusivity are central to the town's approach on civic engagement in this process.
