The Town of Gilbert has been honored by a leading industry news publisher and was named Civic Engagement Program of the Year. 

Gilbert's Office of Digital Government was recognized by Smart Cities Dive as part of the 2017 Dive Awards, which highlight cities and companies who are "top disruptors and innovations" in tansforming urban landscapes and helping to shape the future. 

“It’s an honor to be recognized as the Civic Engagement Program of the Year since we are so focused on expanding our reach and interacting with citizens through the use of digital communications,” Gilbert’s Chief Digital Officer Dana Berchman said in a press release. “Our entire team works tirelessly to push information out through the use of social media, video and even a podcast. We are committed to engaging and spreading the word about all of the amazing things happening in Gilbert so that people across the country are aware.”

Established in 2012, Gilbert's Office of Digital Government handles over three dozen social media accounts and also produces a regular podcast to facilitate communication between the town's government and its citizens. 

“Gilbert is a city that’s meeting its residents where they are: online," Smart Cities Dive Associate Editor Cody Boteler said in a statement. "Gilbert’s Office of Digital Government is a model department that other cities can – and should – look to when developing engagement strategies.