MAG News

As we embark on a critical year for transportation planning, it is my honor to serve as the new MAG chair.  The top priority for the agency—and for me—will be to begin development of a new long-range Regional Transportation Plan. The name of this plan is Imagine, a word that aptly describes how we should think about our transportation future. It evokes the freedom we have to consider all of the possibilities a great transportation system brings.

I imagine a plan that will provide opportunities for greater mobility and economic growth. I imagine a transportation system that easily connects people to where they need to go, whether that be their job, an event, or to see their friends and family. 

Over the next year, we will begin to work on the Regional Transportation Plan. We will rely on data received through technical studies as well as analysis of public feedback we received through our values mapping efforts (see cover story). The plan will look to provide transportation options and consider issues like safety, emerging technologies, congestion relief, operations and maintenance, and environmental responsibility. 

While transportation will be a critical focus in this next year, we also will continue MAG’s other important work, such as protecting our environment through air quality planning and developing strategies that enhance economic competitiveness. 

I also believe it is imperative to build upon the work this organization has been doing to address homelessness, domestic violence and connecting older adults to resources, including transportation, health, and community engagement opportunities. As a strong advocate for dementia friendly cities, I encourage MAG to continue its efforts to bring forward information and resources to help our region understand more about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and its effects on families and our communities.

In my role as chair, I will encourage members and staff to come to meetings excited to discuss the actions ahead of us. There is so much good work to be done. I also encourage elected officials to be the trusted voices in our individual communities to communicate the importance of regional transportation investments.

I truly look forward to being chair this year. As MAG members, we speak on behalf of two-thirds of the state of Arizona. When we all come together for a united purpose, we further the prosperity and quality of life for the current and future residents in our region and realize the outcomes that will make an impact.