MAG News

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the way businesses around the world conduct business, and MAG is no exception.

To respond to COVID-19, MAG took numerous actions to make information and resources available to members and the public and to ensure there was no interruption in business operations. MAG also worked to ensure all public meetings were available online.

MAG created a response web page that includes a variety of resources. These include links to local, regional and state resources to provide the latest information about what is happening in individual communities and statewide. The page also provides resources for business and economic assistance programs, domestic violence resources, and homeless services. You can access the page by clicking on the home page banner or at https://azmag.gov/Programs/Public-Outreach/MAG-Response-to-COVID-19.

In addition to offering links to resources, MAG has been partnering with the county and state to track the current level of services offered by homeless services providers and coordinate the submission of requests for funding. 

To assist member agencies in coordinating their response, the MAG Regional Analytics division worked to develop an interactive map on health assets. The map includes locations for vulnerable adults as well as health and hospital locations.

To show appreciation to first responders, healthcare workers, local governments, and all of those on the front lines of this epidemic, MAG is using our Facebook and Twitter platforms to compile messages of gratitude. We are posting these inspiring messages on our website. (See examples on the right.) 

We encourage you to add yours through our Facebook and Twitter pages using #MAGgratitude and #thankyou. You also can submit your message through azmag.gov/comment.

MAG has cancelled all public meetings without time sensitive agenda items. For meetings with time-sensitive agenda items, MAG began offering virtual opportunities through Adobe Connect. The official meeting notices location for MAG meetings temporarily changed to the MAG website at www.azmag.gov/Newsroom/Public-Notices. 

In compliance with an opinion issued by the Arizona Attorney General, MAG provides advance notice of the technological means through which public meetings may be accessed. These meetings are available to the public to watch and listen through links available on the appropriate committee page. MAG recommends that anyone interested in attending a meeting check the website frequently.

The calendar page displays canceled meetings in red font, and scheduled meetings in black font. The calendar listing provides a link to the agenda and a link to join the meeting.

The public should note that while this special notice is in effect, public comment at meetings is accepted only through written submissions. MAG accepts public comment up to one hour prior to each meeting at azmag.gov/comment. Attendees also can post comments via the “chat” function on Adobe Connect. Comments may or may not be read aloud during meeting. 

MAG began offering voluntary telecommuting options in early March. Telework has been an alternative commute option for MAG’s employees for many years, and many staff were already set up for telecommuting. After Governor Doug Ducey issued a stay-at-home executive order March 31, all 116 MAG employees began working remotely. Normal business operations have continued without interruption.

To reach MAG staff during this time, you can call the office number at (602) 254-6300 and use the staff directory to reach your party. To reach an operator, please dial (602) 828-2494.