A somber moment marked the Gilbert Town Council meeting on December 3, 2024, as members paid tribute to fallen firefighter Joseph Counts. The council expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Counts, a dedicated three-year veteran of the Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department, who was remembered for his commitment to both his colleagues and the community. His memorial service is scheduled for this Saturday, with council members extending their thoughts and prayers to his family and fellow firefighters.

In lighter news, the council announced several festive events aimed at bringing the community together this holiday season. The Riparian Preserve will host "Riparian After Dark," featuring thousands of holiday lights and local food vendors from December 13 to 22. Additionally, the "Hello from Heritage District" postcard campaign invites visitors to send warm messages from downtown, with mailing stations set up in local businesses.

The meeting also highlighted the grand reopening of Water Tower Plaza, set for December 16, coinciding with the Gilbert Water Tower holiday lighting event. This renovation aims to enhance community engagement and celebrate local traditions.

Furthermore, the Office of Economic Development launched the "Shop Small, Celebrate Big" campaign to encourage residents to support local businesses during the holiday shopping season. The recent "Harvest in the Heritage District" event was noted as a success, showcasing increased participation and engagement.

As the meeting concluded, Mayor Scott Anderson reflected on recent community engagements, including a tour of businesses at Phoenix Mesa Gateway, emphasizing the importance of local economic development and innovation, particularly with the upcoming construction of Virgin Galactic's spaceship facility. The council's discussions underscored a blend of community spirit and economic growth, setting a hopeful tone for the holiday season ahead.