The Gilbert Town Council is the seven-member elected body that passes local ordinances, approves the annual budget, and sets policy for the Town of Gilbert, Arizona. It operates under a council-manager structure, so the council legislates while a professional Town Manager runs day-to-day operations. Meetings are held twice a month and are open to the public in person and by livestream.
Who Sits on the Council
The council has one Mayor and six Councilmembers, all elected at-large in nonpartisan races. Because every seat is at-large, each member answers to the entire town rather than a district. As of 2026, the council includes Mayor Scott Anderson, Vice Mayor Chuck Bongiovanni, and Councilmembers Bobbi Buchli, Kenny Buckland, Yung Koprowski, Monte Lyons, and Jim Torgeson.1Town of Gilbert, Arizona. Mayor and Town Council
Members serve four-year staggered terms, with roughly three seats up every two years. There are no term limits, so incumbents can run again. The Vice Mayor is chosen from among the six Councilmembers and steps in when the Mayor is absent.
When and Where the Council Meets
The council meets twice per month on rotating Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the first floor of Gilbert Town Hall, 50 E. Civic Center Drive.2Gilbert, Arizona. Town Council
Every meeting is streamed live on the town’s “Gilbert Live” page and its YouTube channel, and archived recordings are available through the town’s Granicus platform.3Gilbert, Arizona. Gilbert Live
What the Council Decides
Ordinances are the council’s core output: permanent local laws governing zoning, public safety, and much else. The council also adopts the annual budget, deciding how tax revenue is directed to police, fire, parks, infrastructure, and other services.
Two positions are filled by council appointment: the Town Manager, who serves as chief executive over municipal operations, and the Town Attorney, who advises the town on legal matters. The council also appoints residents to advisory boards and commissions that vet policy proposals before they reach a council vote. A subcommittee handles applications, interviews, and selection for those seats.4Gilbert, Arizona. Town Council and Boards and Commissions
How to Speak at a Meeting
Under Arizona’s open meeting law, agendas must be publicly available at least 24 hours before a meeting and must list the date, time, location, and specific matters up for discussion.5Arizona Legislature. Arizona Open Meeting Law Issue Brief Gilbert typically posts its agendas about a week in advance.2Gilbert, Arizona. Town Council
To address the council in person, arrive early and fill out a comment card with your name and the agenda item you want to speak about. Cards must be turned in before the meeting is called to order.2Gilbert, Arizona. Town Council
Public input comes in two forms. “Communications from Citizens” is the open segment for topics not on the agenda. “Public Hearings” are scheduled segments where the council invites testimony on a specific ordinance, budget item, or action. Speakers get about three minutes and should direct comments to the Mayor and Council as a group rather than individual members.
Running for a Council Seat
To run, you must be at least 18 years old, a qualified elector, and a Gilbert resident for at least one year before the election.6Arizona Legislature. Arizona Revised Statutes Title 9 Cities and Towns 9-232
Getting on the ballot requires nomination-petition signatures from registered Gilbert voters. For nonpartisan town elections, the minimum is 1,000 valid signatures or 5 percent of the highest vote cast for any town office at the last election, whichever is lower. The cap is 10 percent of that same vote total.7Arizona Legislature. Arizona Revised Statutes 16-322 Number of Signatures Required on Nomination Petitions Council elections are held in even-numbered years, and staggered terms mean only some seats are on any given ballot.
Financial Disclosure After Election
Once in office, council members file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement between January 1 and January 31 covering the prior calendar year, even if they served only a single day during that year. Members appointed to fill a vacancy must file within 60 days of taking office. Filings go through the Arizona Candidate Portal. Filers may list either a home or work address, and those required to disclose a spouse or minor child can use the generic labels “spouse” or “minor child” for privacy.8Arizona Secretary of State. Officeholder Financial Disclosure Statements
Recalls and Vacancies
Arizona’s constitution allows voters to recall any elected official. To recall a Gilbert councilmember, residents must gather signatures equal to 25 percent of all votes cast for that office in the most recent election.9Arizona Secretary of State. Recall Based on the November 2024 results, that works out to roughly 25,260 valid signatures for a council seat. Petitions must be filed within 120 days of the date the recall application is submitted to the Town Clerk.10Gilbert, Arizona. Initiative, Referendum and Recalls
A seat is deemed vacant under state law if a member resigns, moves out of Gilbert, or otherwise stops being a qualified elector.6Arizona Legislature. Arizona Revised Statutes Title 9 Cities and Towns 9-232 The remaining council members typically appoint a replacement to serve until the next regular election, though state law may require a special election depending on when the vacancy occurs.