San Tan Valley moves closer to becoming Arizona's next city

In a recent council meeting, the Gilbert Town Council unanimously adopted Resolution 4501, expressing support for a public vote on the municipal incorporation of San Tan Valley, Arizona. This resolution signifies Gilbert's non-opposition to San Tan Valley's efforts to become an official municipality, a move that could potentially transform the area into Arizona's 92nd city.

San Tan Valley, currently the largest unincorporated census-designated area in the United States with approximately 91,000 residents, has faced challenges in its previous attempts at incorporation. Council members who attended a recent presentation on the incorporation process expressed enthusiasm about the community's determination and the groundwork laid for this initiative. They noted the area's lack of substantial infrastructure, relying heavily on county and state roads, which presents hurdles for future development.

Councilmember Ban Giovanni highlighted the excitement of witnessing the potential birth of a new city, while Councilmember Buckley emphasized the dedication of the San Tan Valley community and their collaborative efforts to achieve incorporation. The council's resolution is a significant step forward, as it allows the residents of San Tan Valley to decide their governance structure through a ballot measure.

The council's decision reflects a broader commitment to supporting local governance initiatives, even as it may impact state-shared revenue among existing municipalities. The meeting concluded with plans to address citizen communications, indicating ongoing engagement with the community on this and other matters.