You, the region’s residents, are impacted every day by the decisions made within MAG. I am honored to have been selected as the new MAG Chair. MAGAZine Message from the Chair, August 2020 Regional Council, Chair Message, Weiers You, the region’s residents, are impacted every day by the decisions made within MAG. I am honored to have been selected as the new MAG Chair and promise to lead this organization while we continue to establish the new normal. We truly understand how critical it is to be prepared for the future. MAG has always embraced future planning and our focus continues to be on five critical areas of planning: Safe and Smart Travel, Protecting the Environment, Growing the Economy, Improving Quality of Life, and Safe and Efficient Operations. Developing a new Regional Transportation Plan is our next major goal. The current sales tax expires in 2025 and one of my most important tasks in the coming year will be supporting the continued development of a performance-based plan that will guide us, as policy makers, in addressing the region’s transportation needs. The name of the plan is “MOMENTUM” and it is up to us to continue moving the region forward when it comes to our transportation investments. We remain the fastest growing county in the nation and we must continue to expand and improve our transportation system. At the same time, what we build—and what has been built—must be maintained. We must look at innovation and technology to carve out new and more cost-effective transportation solutions, while also improving the safety of our transportation system. This includes not only our freeways, but also transit, streets, bikeways and pedestrian facilities. I know this is not an easy task ahead of us. The most recent estimates of our transportation needs are between 60-90 billion dollars. Our projected revenue from current sources is unfortunately far less, which means we have a lot of hard work ahead of us. We will have difficult choices to make and we will rely on public input to help guide us in these decisions. But that’s not all! We have other important responsibilities as well. We must continue to look at ways to protect public health by improving air quality, as well as protect and support our most vulnerable populations who may be facing homelessness, domestic violence and aging. Together, we have the talent and grit to take on these tough challenges. I consider them opportunities to create a thriving, strong and attractive region while we all adapt to a rapidly changing world. I look forward to working with you on these goals. In Your Service, Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers Published July 30, 2020