Phil Gilbert

Phil Gilbert, a sitting Warren City Council member and county Tax Claim Bureau director, is running as an independent candidate for Warren mayor.

Incumbent Mayor Dave Wortman is also on the ballot for the Nov. 4 election.

“I am running as an Independent because the challenges facing Warren–from downtown revitalization to business growth–require a mayor who is focused solely on our community, not on the demands of a political party,” Gilbert stated. “My commitment is to Warren, and my track record proves I work with and for everyone, regardless of affiliation.”

Gilbert has served on the City Council since 2016, is the chairman of the Warren County Redevelopment Authority and Warren County Landbank. Gilbert said he has reduced costs and coordinated with delinquent taxpayers to reduce the number of properties going to tax sale.

Gilbert said he has taken the lead on redevelopment issues, addressing blighted property in a fiscally responsible manner. That includes demolishing a dilapidated building in Sheffield Township that can now be transferred to neighbors or made available for new home construction. Gilbert also pushed to implement a Safe Exchange Place

in the city that opened earlier this year to provide a secure, monitored location for online marketplace transactions and custody exchanges.

Gilbert received the Governor’s Award for role in creating the Innovault co-working space, a project that

fostered new business and entrepreneurship in the PNC building downtown; applied for and secured the PA

Wilds Remote Worker Grant, a program that has attracted new remote professionals to Warren County; and advocated modernization of the local YMCA weight room by forming a member group, organized a “work bee,” and helped secure new lifting equipment. Gilbert also touts his initiative to install custom bike racks featuring the

city’s logo around town, a project with more and more businesses requesting installations.

Gilbert said he wants to redevelop and revitalize downtown Warren, particularly the riverfront space, making it a centerpiece of the community. To enhance the riverfront as a key destination, Gilbert proposes installing an architectural arch over Liberty Street, creating a distinct gateway leading down to the redeveloping waterfront. He is also collaborating with Warren Worx to install a large, high-impact “Warren” sign in the downtown area, utilizing the Warren Worx logo to boost city branding, pride, and tourism.

Gilbert is also pushing for the implementation of a modern, comprehensive wayfinding signage system throughout the city. This infrastructure will ensure a seamless experience for visitors by guiding them to key attractions and businesses, elevating Warren’s image as a welcoming, professional, and accessible destination. He also said he wants to do more to repair Warren’s roads and expand on the co-working concept to create more business opportunities.

“As your Independent Mayor, my only priority is the person across the table, not the party on the ballot,” Gilbert said. “I’m ready to continue turning ideas into action and blight into opportunity for every resident of Warren.”

Gilbert has resided in Warren most of his life, is a graduate of Warren Area High School, and is currently serving his third term as a City Council member. He currently works as the director of the County Tax Claim Bureau and is also the owner of a local photography business. He serves as President of the Warren Area Student Union.

He is currently 43 years old and resides in Warren County with his girlfriend, Tessa Brown. His son, Holden, is now 18 years old.