Maricopa Association of Governments 302 North 1st Avenue, Suite 300 Phoenix, Arizona 85003 Map | Directions
Phone (602) 254-6300 Fax (602) 254-6490
Para ayuda en español, por favor llame al (602) 452-5029.
The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) provides a forum for local governments working together on issues that affect the lives of everyone in the greater Phoenix region. We are a regional agency that conducts planning and makes policy decisions in a number of core areas. These include safe and smart travel, the economy and growth, environment and sustainability, and improving quality of life, all with a focus on efficient and effective operations. Our members include 27 cities and towns, 3 Native nations, Maricopa County, portions of Pinal County, and the Arizona Department of Transportation. Our planning area encompasses about 10,600 square miles.
MAG provides a forum for research, discussion and study of regional issues. MAG’s goal is to focus on regional coordination, local leadership, and applied research to strengthen the greater Phoenix area. MAG is based on the principle that local governments, which are closest to the people, should have the primary responsibility for addressing those local problems and needs.
MAG formed in 1967 when elected officials recognized the need for long range planning and policy development on a regional scale. They realized that issues such as transportation and air quality affected residents beyond the borders of their jurisdictions. MAG's Policy Principles are outlined in this document.
You can view MAG's Statement Against Racial Violence by clicking here.
You can contact MAG staff members for additional information or download the MAG Agency Overview booklet.
Additional information can be found in MAG's frequently asked questions.
What is the Maricopa Association of Governments and how are we making a difference in the lives of greater Phoenix area residents? See this quick overview about our role in improving the Maricopa region.
MAG Matters video series.
In Maricopa County, local government cooperation in the early 1960's resulted in the completion of the multi-city sewage treatment plant at 91st Avenue. This occurred prior to federal and state initiatives and incentives for regional planning and cooperation.
Changes in the Federal Aid Highway Act led to cooperative transportation planning with the creation of the Valley Area Traffic and Transportation Study (VATTS). Continuing federal government decentralization initiatives led to the establishment of federal regions. Their goals were bringing federal programs to the people and incorporating greater review of federal programs through the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act.
These changing federal policies that required more local planning and review, and the demonstrated success of previous regional efforts led local governments in Maricopa County to form MAG in 1967. It was designed to be a nonprofit corporation to act as the vehicle to address areas of common regional interest. At the first MAG meeting, the consensus of the Regional Council was that the areas of water, air pollution and solid waste disposal were of primary concern. It was also agreed that there was a need for the standardization of building materials and for public works specifications. In addition, the transportation planning efforts that began with VATTS were incorporated into the scope of MAG's work. Several key events in the early history of MAG are outlined below:
The MAG bylaws summarizes the organization:
"The Maricopa Association of Governments is based on the principle that cities, towns, counties, and Indian Communities, which are closest to the people, should exercise the basic initiative and leadership and should have the primary responsibility for addressing those local problems and needs which require action on an area-wide or regional basis."
MAG’s Articles of Incorporation state that the association was formed to do the following:
Download a printable PDF of this map