About MAG

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is a voluntary association of governments formed as a nonprofit 501(C)(4) in 1967. MAG is based on the principle that local governments, which are closest to the people, should have the primary responsibility for addressing local issues that require coordinated regional action.

Download the MAG Overview

The MAG Region

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) was founded in the spirit of cooperation. MAG members believe that by uniting, they can solve common problems, take an active role in long range regional issues, and address concerns that affect communities in the greater Phoenix region.

Spanning 10,600 miles in central Arizona, MAG’s regional planning area and member agencies include 28 cities and towns, three Native nations, the Arizona Department of Transportation, all of Maricopa County, and parts of Pinal County. Our primary focus areas include transportation planning, including the implementation of Proposition 479, environmental and air quality planning, and human services planning. MAG member agencies work collaboratively to shape the future of the region and serve approximately 5 million people -- nearly 70 percent of the state’s population.

Download the Region in Review

Core Work

MAG is federally and locally designated as both a council of governments (COG) and a metropolitan planning organization (MPO).

The COG

A COG is a multi-service entity with state- and locally-defined boundaries that delivers a variety of federal, state, and local programs while carrying out its function as a planning organization, technical assistance provider, and “visionary” to its member local governments.

The MPO

MPOs must plan for regional transportation planning expenditures and are responsible for the continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process for their urbanized area.

MAG plans and allocates funding for the regional transportation system including freeways, arterial streets, transit and more.

MAG provides communication, planning, policymaking, coordination, and technical assistance for air quality planning, water quality management, and solid waste planning.

MAG coordinates human service strategies ranging from addressing homelessness to ending domestic violence, and advancing planning efforts across the region.

See Programs

Governance

The MAG Regional Council, composed of elected officials from 32 member agencies and supported by ex officio transportation representatives, serves as the governing body, with an Executive Committee that manages business between meetings and acts as the finance committee. The Management Committee, made up of chief administrators from member agencies, and various policy and technical advisory committees provide analysis, recommendations, and guidance to support regional planning and policymaking.

Regional Council

Alexis Hermosillo, Chair — Mayor, City of El Mirage

Transportation Policy Committee

Jerry Weiers, Chair — Mayor, City of Glendale

Management Committee

Reyes Medrano, Chair — City Manager, City of Tolleson

Community Initiatives Coordinating Committee

Doreen Garlid, Chair — Vice Mayor, City of Tempe

Download the MAG Committee and Policy Making Structure See Committees

A History of Success

Early 1960s

Cities in Maricopa County collaborate to build a regional sewage treatment plant at 91st Avenue, demonstrating the success of local cooperation before federal incentives for regional planning.

1962

The Federal Aid Highway Act mandates regional transportation planning.

1965

The Valley Area Traffic and Transportation Study (VATTS) is established to meet new federal planning requirements.

1966

The Federal Housing Act Amendments (1965) and Metropolitan Development Act (1966) provide legal and financial support for creating regional agencies.

1967

MAG is officially formed through concurrent resolutions by member agencies to address common regional concerns like air and water pollution, solid waste, transportation, and public works standards. VATTS is incorporated into MAG, expanding its scope to include transportation planning.

1970

Executive Order 70-2 creates six planning districts in Arizona, including MAG's planning area.

1972

MAG is designated as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Maricopa region by the Arizona governor.

1975

MAG is designated by the Governor as the Water Quality Planning Agency.

1978

MAG is designated as the Lead Air Quality Planning Agency.

1979

MAG is designated as the Solid Waste Planning Agency.

1980

MAG Human Services Planning Office established.

1982

A revised carbon monoxide plan is adopted by MAG to reduce auto emissions.

1985

Prop 300 passes, dedicating a half-cent sales tax to transportation.

1988

Construction of the Regional Freeway System is underway.

1993

MAG prepares the Moderate Area Carbon Monoxide and One-Hour Ozone plans.

2000

MAG begins hosting Continuum of Care for homelessness planning.

2002

The Regional Council creates the Transportation Policy Committee (TPC).

2004

Prop 400 passes, continuing the half-cent sales tax for transportation.

2005

The EPA announces the region has attained the carbon monoxide standard.

2013

New members join MAG: Pinal County, the Town of Florence, and the City of Maricopa.

2024

Prop 479 passes, continuing the half-cent sales tax for transportation for another 20 years.