News Releases

PHOENIX (August 22, 2019)—Leaders from Arizona and the Mexican state of Sonora will come together in Tucson today to trade municipal best practices and discuss topics of mutual interest on both sides of the border. Among the topics to be discussed are transportation infrastructure, the importance of sister cities, and tourism.

The Arizona-Sonora Megaregion (Ari-Son) annual meeting will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2019, at the J.W. Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa, San Luis Conference Room, Tucson, Arizona.

MAG Regional Council Chair Mark Mitchell, mayor of Tempe, says the yearly meeting enhances cross-border relationships and provides an opportunity to strengthen the economies of both Arizona and Sonora.

“Both states continue to experience rapid population growth, and we share many of the same challenges when it comes to preparing and planning for this growth,” said Mayor Mitchell. “There is much we can learn from each other, and we welcome this annual opportunity to address our common challenges.”

Christopher Wilson, deputy director of the Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute, will provide the keynote address on the importance of municipal leadership in the Arizona-Sonora Megaregion.

“There is no doubt that Arizona and Sonora are stronger together. By creating a space for leaders from the two states to work together, the Ari-Son Megaregion Council creates more prosperous and more welcoming communities on both sides of the border,” said Wilson.

In addition to Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell and Mr. Wilson, other speakers include Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney, and Juan Ciscomani, senior advisor for regional and international affairs for Arizona Governor Doug Ducey.

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