Looking back at 2025, the Maricopa Association of Governments' success was driven by regional collaboration—delivering on Proposition 400, advancing transportation planning, and addressing critical environmental and human services priorities. Together, the MAG member agencies accomplished the following: General News, News Maricopa Association of Governments sent this bulletin at 12/30/2025 09:50 AM MST Happy New Year from the Maricopa Association of Governments Maricopa Association of Governments sent this bulletin at 12/30/2025 09:50 AM MST Looking back at 2025, the Maricopa Association of Governments' success was driven by regional collaboration—delivering on Proposition 400, advancing transportation planning, and addressing critical environmental and human services priorities. Together, the MAG member agencies accomplished the following: I-10 Broadway Curve Completion The largest freeway reconstruction effort in Arizona history finally came to an end with the opening of the Broadway Curve. The effort spans 11 miles of I-10 between Loop 202 (Santan/South Mountain Freeway) and I-17. More than 300,000 vehicles pass through the Broadway Curve each weekday. GLOR Study / International Emissions MAG partnered with ASU on the Ground Level Ozone Research (GLOR) Study to better understand persistent ozone challenges. The study found that more than 80 percent of regional ozone originates from natural sources or is transported from outside Arizona, shaping future air quality strategies. Consumer Fireworks Awareness Campaign Following severe air-quality impacts on January 1, 2025, the MAG Regional Council directed MAG staff to develop a consumer fireworks awareness campaign. The effort emphasized how fireworks contribute to harmful pollution and highlighted the shared responsibility to protect air quality and public health. More About Fireworks and Air Quality Light Rail South Central Extension The opening of the South Central Extension and Downtown Hub expanded light rail service and mobility options for South Phoenix residents. Funded in part by Proposition 400, the project includes 5.5 miles of track, eight new stations, and improved regional transit access for residents of south Phoenix. More About Light Rail and Prop 400 Projects PIT Homelessness Count MAG led the Point-in-Time Homelessness Count, with volunteers across the region conducting a one-night snapshot of homelessness. The data gathered is essential to understanding regional needs and guiding coordinated strategies that support effective, long-term housing solutions. More About the PIT Count Heat Relief Network Throughout the summer months, MAG partnered with Maricopa County to maintain and update the Heat Relief Network Map. This critical regional tool supports coordinated efforts to reduce heat-related illness and death as communities work together to protect residents during extreme heat events. More About Heat Relief Community Initiatives Coordinating Committee The Community Initiatives Coordinating Committee was formed by the MAG Regional Council in April after an extensive assessment of how MAG conducts regional human services planning. This was done to align regional activities with local priorities in a holistic, nimble, and action-oriented manner. I-10 Bridges Over Gila River The Wild Horse Pass Gila River Bridge project is part of the larger I-10 Wild Horse Pass Corridor extension, which will widen I-10 and improve safety and capacity through the Gila River Indian Community by adding lanes and replacing bridges with funding from several sources, including Prop 400. We enter 2026 with optimism and a shared sense of purpose. On January 1, 2026, Proposition 479 collections begin, securing 20 more years of transportation investment for the region. Our investments in air quality planning have paid off, and our coordinated response efforts are impacting the adverse effects of heat on the homeless population. Working as one region, our future is bright. Happy New Year! Published December 30, 2025