MAG News

PHOENIX (June 24, 2020)—Developing and funding a transportation plan that will serve the Maricopa region for the next 20 years is a primary goal of the new chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG).

At its Annual Meeting, the MAG Regional Council elected Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers to lead the organization as chair over the coming year. Other officers selected include Mesa Mayor John Giles as Vice Chair and Avondale Mayor Kenneth Weise as Treasurer. At-Large Members for the MAG Executive Committee include Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Tolleson Mayor Anna Tovar, Carefree Mayor Les Peterson, and Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke.

As he accepted the gavel, Mayor Weiers said a major task ahead is the continued development of a performance-based, long-range plan that addresses the region’s transportation needs.

“With the current funding expiring in 2025, one of my most important tasks in the coming year will be the extension of Prop 400, “ said Mayor Weiers. “There is a lot of hard work ahead and hard choices to make. But these challenges are opportunities for us to work together and ensure the economic vitality of the region’s future.”

Other priorities for the year ahead will be to advance the work of MAG on issues of protecting the environment, stimulating the economy, and coordinating regional responses to homelessness, domestic violence and aging. 

Also during the Annual Meeting, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego was elected to serve as Chair of the MAG Transportation Policy Committee, and Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke was elected Vice Chair.

Officers serve one-year terms. Mayor Weiers will lead the organization for the next year and will preside over the MAG Executive Committee. The Executive Committee serves as MAG's finance committee and holds many administrative responsibilities, such as amendments to the budget and contract selections.

MAG is a Council of Governments and Metropolitan Planning Organization that provides a regional forum for discussion, analysis, and resolution of regional issues, including transportation, air quality, economic development and human services. MAG prepares the 20-year Long Range Transportation Plan and five-year Transportation Improvement Program for the region.

# # #