Gilbert Opts for Sales Tax Hike to Fund Essential Community Projects

Gilbert is embarking on a significant initiative to bolster its community infrastructure without raising property taxes, opting instead for a half-cent sales tax increase to fund essential capital improvement projects.

This strategic move, decided upon during the town council's annual financial retreat, is aimed at generating $650 million to support 24 priority projects across parks, police, and fire services. By embracing this approach, Gilbert aims to create a more equitable financial burden, spreading the cost among both residents and visitors, while ensuring vital community enhancements move forward without delay.

This plan, along with the implementation of a use tax and a proposed near-doubling of the town's bed tax, marks a clear preference for sales-based revenue over property tax increases or the pursuit of general obligation bonds.

The council's decision reflects a conscientious effort to engage a broader base for funding, recognizing the potential volatility of sales tax revenue yet choosing it for its broader equity and impact.

The prioritized projects encompass a wide range of enhancements, from park expansions and new recreational facilities to critical upgrades for police and fire departments. These developments promise to elevate the quality of life in Gilbert, reinforcing the town's commitment to safety, leisure, and community well-being.

This approach to funding, set to be formalized with a proposal for the sales and use tax increase in the fall, demonstrates Gilbert's innovative and responsive governance in meeting the needs of its growing community.

Famous 66 Debuts in Gilbert with Nostalgic Car Show and Americana Festivities

Famous 66, a new dining establishment with a distinct Americana roadside tavern ambiance, is set to celebrate its grand opening with a unique collector car show in Gilbert.

Located at 1026 S. Gilbert Road, the venue, created by Square One Concepts, embodies the spirit of classic American road trips, adorned with vintage road signs, gas station pumps, and iconic figures like Dino the Dinosaur from Sinclair gas stations, and Big Boy statues.

The grand opening event, scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, from 4 to 9 p.m., promises an array of attractions for all ages. Highlights include a special session from 5 to 6:30 p.m. where guests can take pictures with mascots from Arizona's major sports teams, including the Phoenix Suns' "Gorilla" and the Arizona Diamondbacks' "Baxter."

Attendees will also enjoy all-day Happy Hour specials, 50% off the "Shake & Bake" dessert counter's custom-order milkshakes and ice cream cookie sandwiches, a DJ for musical entertainment, a bounce house, and face-painting activities. Gilbert Mayor Brigette Peterson is honored as the guest of honor, signifying the event's significance to the local community.

Famous 66's grand opening and car show offer a unique blend of classic American nostalgia, family-friendly entertainment, and culinary delights, positioning it as a vibrant addition to Gilbert's dining scene.

More Info: https://famous66.com/

Phoenix to Host 41st St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire: A Cultural Extravaganza

Phoenix is set to paint the town green with its 41st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire, bringing a touch of Irish cheer to the heart of the city on March 16, 2024. The festivities kick off with the parade at 10 a.m., weaving through Downtown Phoenix along 3rd Street, from Oak St. to the verdant expanse of Margaret T Hance Park.

The celebration continues at Hance Park, where the Faire invites attendees to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of Irish culture. The day-long event promises a lively showcase of traditional Irish music, intricate step dancing performances, the stirring sounds of bagpipers, and an array of booths hosted by Irish organizations and the broader community. Whether you're of Irish descent or simply in the spirit to celebrate, the Faire offers a vibrant slice of Ireland in the heart of Phoenix.

For more details on the parade route, Faire activities, and how you can be part of the festivities, visit stpatricksdayphoenix.org.

More Info: https://stpatricksdayphoenix.org/

Joy & The Valentine: Crafting Confidence Through Wardrobe Mastery in Gilbert

In the heart of the Valley of the Sun, Abigail Valentine has seamlessly transitioned from dressing Hollywood's elite to empowering Gilbert's residents with her bespoke wardrobe consultancy, Joy & The Valentine. Leveraging years of experience as an assistant designer in the high-stakes world of film and television, Valentine now brings her keen eye for style and personal expression directly to individuals seeking to refine their personal and professional image.

A New Chapter in Gilbert

Valentine's journey from the glamour of Los Angeles to the community-oriented lifestyle of Gilbert was inspired by the birth of her daughter and the desire to be closer to family. It was here that she founded Joy & The Valentine, transforming her passion for design into a thriving wardrobe coaching business. Her service portfolio extends beyond mere fashion advice, offering comprehensive wardrobe creation, personal shopping, color analysis, and style consultations that cater to both men and women aiming for a polished look.

Crafting Personal Style Over Trends

Valentine's philosophy, "you don't have to be trendy to have a sense of style," underpins her approach to wardrobe coaching. By focusing on the unique personality and lifestyle of each client, she curates outfits that not only elevate their image but also resonate with their individuality. Her versatility allows her to shop across a broad spectrum of retail environments, from TJ Maxx to Saks Fifth Avenue, ensuring that every client's budget is respected and every style aspiration is met.

The Power of Virtual Styling

Embracing technology, many of Valentine's services are offered virtually, providing her clients with the convenience of refreshing their wardrobes without leaving home. This innovation has broadened her reach, allowing Valentine to serve clients beyond Gilbert, maintaining her commitment to exceptional service and personal attention.

Testimonials Speak Volumes

Valentine's impact on her clients' lives is profound, with many expressing newfound confidence and joy in their personal style. Debra Ferguson's testimonial highlights Valentine's ability to rediscover and refine her clients' styles, attesting to the transformative power of personalized fashion.

A Lifelong Passion for Design

Valentine's affinity for clothing and design dates back to her childhood, where she explored her creativity through various artistic mediums. The influence of her artistically inclined family and her professional experience in Hollywood have both shaped her distinctive approach to styling. Her work on acclaimed shows like "American Horror Story" and "Grey's Anatomy" has honed her ability to express character and narrative through clothing, a skill she now applies to helping her clients tell their own stories through their wardrobes.

From Hollywood to Gilbert

Today, Valentine's focus is on empowering her clients to present the best versions of themselves through thoughtful and expressive wardrobe choices. Joy & The Valentine stands as a testament to her journey from behind the scenes of television to the forefront of personal styling, making a marked difference in the lives of those she serves in Gilbert and beyond.

More Info: https://www.joyandthevalentine.com/

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