Archived News

Former news items and events are compiled for reference.

MAG Hosts National Conference on Elderly Mobility
PHOENIX (January 14, 2001) — Someone turns 50 every seven seconds in the United States. Responding to the transportation challenges caused by an aging population will be the focus of a National Conference on Aging & Mobility: Senior Mobility in the 21st Century – What Can We Do to Prepare? more...

Survey Shows Support for Extension of Regional Sales Tax
PHOENIX (January 10, 2002) — A survey of Maricopa County voters indicates that there is solid initial support for the extension of a regional sales tax to fund transportation and transit improvements. more...
(Download PDF version, 81 KB)

Western States Transportation Planners meet in Phoenix
PHOENIX (September 26, 2001) – Transportation planning experts from around the Western United States will convene in Phoenix September 30 through October 2, as the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) hosts the Western States Intermodal Planning Group (IPG) 2001 Annual Conference. The conference will focus on a variety of regional transportation issues, especially those commonly affecting Western states. The conference is being held at the Doubletree Guest Suites, 320 N. 44th Street, Phoenix. A schedule of sessions can be found here.

Desert Peaks Awards 2001
The fourth annual Maricopa Association of Governements Desert Peaks Awards Evening will be held in conjunction with the Regional Council Annual Meeting. more...

Open Comment Period for Alteration to MAG's Public Involement Process
PHOENIX (May 16, 2001) — The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), in accord with federal requirements, is conducting a 45-day open comment period on proposed changes to its public comment process. The changes are related to procedures for public comment at MAG Regional Council meetings. Information on the proposed changes can be obtained through MAG's Web site by clicking on the link below, by visiting MAG's library at 302 N. 1st Ave, Suite 300; or by contacting MAG at 602-254-6300. The proposed changes will be on the July 25, 2001 meeting agenda for action by the Regional Council. more...

MAG Holds Elderly Mobility Forums
If you’re an older adult concerned about getting around in the Valley, or if you are a son, daughter, friend or care-giver of an older adult and are concerned about their transportation needs, you might want to attend one of three MAG forums on “Getting Around Safe & Sound.” The forums will be held from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. on the following dates:

The forums will examine a variety of senior mobility issues. No fee is required and refreshments will be provided. Seating is limited – please RSVP by Friday, April 20th at (602) 452-5002 or by e-mail to bmead@mag.maricopa.gov.

MAG Conducts Travel Survey
PHOENIX (March 5, 2001) — Want to help transportation planners get accurate data so they can help us get around better in the future? It's as easy as answering your phone. The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is working to update travel data for the region, and is seeking help from local residents. During the next few weeks, professional surveyors from NuStats will call households in Maricopa County asking for participation in a travel survey. NuStats is a market research firm based in Austin, Texas that specializes in travel behavior studies. MORE...

MAG to Host Booth at Sunday on Central
More than 100,000 people are expected to saunter along Central Avenue this Sunday, April 8th, for the 11th annual “Sunday on Central” street festival. The free event will be held from noon to 6:00 p.m. on Central Avenue between Osborn Road and Virginia Avenue. The festival will feature music, jugglers, stilt walkers, clowns, and of course, the MAG booth, which will entice the crowd with the “Are You a MAG Mastermind” trivia game for those who want to test their regional knowledge. MAG staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide information and materials about MAG programs. Look for us on the west side of Central, just north of Earll Drive.
For more information contact Jason Stephens, MAG Public Involvement Planner, (602) 254-6300.

Transportation Public Involvement Opportunities
MAG will be hosting an Open House and Public Hearing scheduled for March 1. The Open House will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the Public Hearing to follow from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Both the Open House and Public Hearing will be held at the MAG offices, 302 N. 1st Avenue, Second Floor, Phoenix.

MAG to Conduct Trail Design Workshop for Rivers through West Valley
PHOENIX (September 25, 2000) — West Valley residents interested in helping to create a 42-mile system of paths stretching from New River to Avondale are encouraged to attend a Trail Design Workshop October 6 -7. MORE...

Grand Avenue Northwest Corridor Study
PHOENIX (September 14, 2000) - You are invited to attend an open house and public hearing, Wednesday, September 27, 2000, 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM (A brief presentation will be made at approximately 6:00 p.m.) at the West Valley Art Museum, 114th Avenue & Bell Road (17420 N. Avenue of the Arts) Surprise, Arizona. The study will consider future improvements to Grand Avenue, between Loop 101 and Loop 303. MORE...

Livable Communities a Focus of Try Transit Week
PHOENIX (August 31, 2000) - Growth. Transportation. Air quality. These and other quality
of-life issues remain at the top of the Valley's hot-topics list. They are also just three of the
components planners must consider when developing livable communities. MORE...

Regional Cooperation Nets Awards
PHOENIX (June 22, 2000) - From a program aimed at preventing childhood deaths and injuries, to an intergovernmental revenue-sharing agreement between two cities - the Maricopa Association of Governments honored those committed to regionalism at its Desert Peaks Awards. MORE...

MAG to Fund Freeway Service Patrols
PHOENIX (May 25, 2000) — The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) voted unanimously to provide $750,000 in funding necessary to help launch and operate the Freeway Service Patrol program. The implementation of the Freeway Service Patrol program was announced by Governor Jane Dee Hull during a press conference May 25. MORE...

Clean Fuels for Clean Cities: Forum Showcases Alternative Fuels
PHOENIX (April 19, 2000) — Want to help clean up the Valley's "Brown Cloud?" How about driving an electric Porsche to work? That's just one of the alternatives to healthier air being promoted through an alternative fuels forum on Tuesday. MORE...

FY 2001-2005 Draft MAG Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
PHOENIX (April 10, 2000) — The FY 2001-2005 Draft MAG Transportation Improvement Program is available for public comment and can be viewed in Adobe PDF format. MORE...

MAG Regional Council to Vote on Superstition Widening
PHOENIX (March 22, 2000) — The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Council will vote tonight on a five-year transportation plan which includes more than 1200 projects totaling $4.54 billion. The FY 2001-2005 MAG Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) includes more than a billion dollars in transit improvements and contains numerous projects that are part of an accelerated plan to complete the regional freeway system by 2007, seven years earlier than originally planned. MORE...

National Expert on Domestic Violence to Provide Regional Training
PHOENIX (March 17, 1999) — Sarah Buel, a national expert on Domestic Violence, will visit the Valley March 22nd to provide training and advice to the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Domestic Violence Council. MORE...

Citizens to Help Plan Trails, Pathways
PHOENIX (March 15, 1999) — What if the next time you wanted to go to your favorite spot in your community you could walk or bike there along a pleasant paved path, instead of hopping in your car? Better yet, what if you helped plan that pathway? MORE...

Valley Vision 2025 Vision Report Released
PHOENIX (February 29, 2000) — A report summarizing the Valley Vision Process and lists of Vision Goals is available for free download. MORE...

Desert Peaks Awards Nomination Forms Available
PHOENIX (March 9, 2000) — On June 21, 2000 MAG will hold the third annual Desert Peaks Awards recognizing regional excellence. Nominations will be accepted until March 31. Discover more about the awards and download nomination forms. MORE...

Valley Vision 2025 Vision Report Released
PHOENIX (February 29, 2000) — A report summarizing the Valley Vision Process and lists of Vision Goals is available for free download. MORE...

Value Lane Study Fact Sheet (PDF, 222KB)
PHOENIX (January 6, 2000) — You can download this 4 page fact sheet describing the Value Lane Study underway. download pdf file

Agencies Provide Opportunities for Transportation Input
PHOENIX (February 22, 2000) — Valley citizens will have two opportunities in the coming days to tell decision makers what they think about key regional and state transportation plans. MORE...

Regional Domestic Violence Council Holds First Meeting
PHOENIX (January 24, 2000) — In the first comprehensive, regionwide effort to address the Valley's dramatic rise in domestic violence, the MAG Domestic Violence Council will convene for the first time on January 27, 2000. MORE...

Executive Director's Annual Report — Accomplishments 1999
PHOENIX (December 22, 1999) — A summary of important accomplishments and projects of Maricopa Association of Governments is summarized. MORE...

Maricopa County Nears 3,000,000 Mark
PHOENIX (December 9, 1999) — Maricopa County saw a significant increase in population the past year, swelling by more than 107,000 people to 2,913,475. If growth continues at its current pace, Maricopa County will exceed 3,000,000 people sometime in the next six months, according to projections by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG). MORE...

Internet Taxation Focus of MAG Forum
PHOENIX (December 9, 1999) — Want a copy of the latest bestseller? Click. Some camera equipment? Click. Baby clothes? Click. Click. Today, with a few clicks of a computer mouse, consumers can order everything from groceries to gaskets, videos to vacations — without paying a cent in sales taxes. But what may be a good deal for consumers may put local businesses at a disadvantage, straining local revenues and impacting a city's ability to provide services such as police and fire protection. MORE...

TIP Data Entry System Available for Download
PHOENIX (December 9, 1999) — MAG Members can download the TIP Data Entry System and data files here. MORE...

Update of MAG Plan the "Intelligent" Way to Go
PHOENIX (November 1, 1999) — From onboard computers that bring instant warnings of traffic problems, to advanced cruise controls that adapt to keep cars a safe distance apart — motorists of the future will likely rely heavily on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to keep them moving. MORE...

Valley Vision 2025 Community Forums
PHOENIX (October 6, 1999) —You can help determine what the Valley will look and feel like for future generations. Valley Vision 2025 is a call to action to create a better future for ourselves and our children. We need a shared vision that will ensure this region remains a great place to live, work and raise a family. MORE...

MAG Y2K Forums
The Maricopa Association of Governments is sponsoring a series of forums that address the Y2K computer bug issue. The next forum is scheduled for October 25. MORE...

Aviation Stakeholders Meeting
PHOENIX (August 30, 1999) — On September 14, 1999, MAG will be hosting a Aviation Stakeholders Meeting to discuss important issues covering regional aviation. MORE...

TIP Data Entry System
PHOENIX (August 23, 1999) — Jurisdictions can download the Transportation Improvement Program Data Entry System program here. MORE...

MAG Transportation Open Houses
PHOENIX (August 23, 1999) — We want to know what issues are important to consider in updating our 20-year transportation plan and five-year short-term priorities. What issues are important? How can they best be resolved? Does transportation concern you? How should limited funding be spent to resolve transportation issues? MORE...

Transportation Plans and Air Quality Conformity
Executive Summaries of the Draft Long Range Transportation Plan Update and the Conformity Analysis of the plan are available on-line. MORE...

Videoconferencing Forum
PHOENIX (July 20, 1999) — You are invited to participate in a Videoconferencing Forum to share experiences and provide input. The forum is being held in response to a recommendation by the MAG Telecommunications Advisory Group (MAGTAG). During the coming year MAG will be implementing a region-wide videoconferencing system to link its member agencies. The discussion will help guide the Videoconferencing Project. MORE...

Regional Excellence Honored Through Desert Peaks Awards
PHOENIX (June 24, 1999) — From a cooperative agreement providing life-saving fire protection in the East Valley, to a coalition of cities promoting economic growth in the West Valley — the Maricopa Association of Governments honored those committed to regionalism at its Desert Peaks Awards. MORE...

Regional Recycling Information Exchange Workshop
PHOENIX, March 19, 1999 — What areas of my community generate the most waste? How much cardboard gets thrown into landfills instead of being recycled? How much money could my city generate by recycling all of the recyclable materials in our waste stream? These are just some of the questions that can be answered through the Maricopa Association of Governments' Regional Recycling Information Exchange (RRIE) Project. MORE... Part of the project included the creation of a website to exchange information about solid waste reduction and recycling in the Phoenix metropolitan area. VISIT THE RRIE WEBSITE.

MAG Regional Plan on Domestic Violence Draft Recommendations
PHOENIX, March 5, 1999 — Recommendations are available on-line, and also is the opportunity to provide feedback. MORE...

Deadline Approaching For Regional Awards Nominations
PHOENIX, March 22, 1999 — Time is running out for those wanting to nominate an individual or group for the Maricopa Association of Governments' (MAG) Desert Peaks Awards. The deadline for submitting nominations for the Awards, which recognize excellence in regional cooperation, is March 31, 1999.. MORE...

Freeway Acceleration Plan Slated for Action
PHOENIX, March 22, 1999 — Millions of dollars worth of transportation projects that will accelerate the Regional Freeway System, construct improvements along Grand Avenue and add HOV lanes to the Superstition Freeway will go before the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Council Wednesday. MORE...

Transportation Group Recommends Bike, Pedestrian Projects Worth $2.3 Million
PHOENIX, January 22, 1999 — Murals on freeway underpasses and bike, pedestrian and equestrian trails are among the projects that are being recommended for funding by the Arizona Department of Transportation Enhancement Review Committee (TERC). MORE...

The Executive Directors Report - Accomplishments - 1998
The report summarizes and highlights accomplishments of the organization during the past year. You can read it online (HTML) or download a formatted version. (PDF, 2 MB)

Clean-Air Success: Valley Records Two Years of Good Readings for CO
PHOENIX, January 1, 1999 — Maricopa County has reached a milestone on the road to cleaner air: chalking up two straight years of acceptable readings for carbon monoxide pollution. MORE...

Urban Atlas Provides Unique Look at Maricopa Region
PHOENIX, December 9, 1998 — The Maricopa Association of Governments are offering the first "Urban Atlas for the Phoenix Metropolitan Area" for sale. MORE...

Transportation Fair, Open House Seek Citizen Input
PHOENIX, February 12, 1999 — Citizens will have the opportunity to learn more about the region's transportation needs and plans, as well as the chance to provide their own input and ideas, at three special events scheduled for February 18th and 23rd. The events are sponsored by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), the Arizona Department of Transportation, and the Regional Public Transportation Authority. MORE...

Building Codes Stakeholders Meeting
The Maricopa Association of Governments cordially invites you to participate in a Valley Building Codes Stakeholders Meeting on December 15, 1998 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. MORE...

MAG DEVELOPS TENTATIVE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
PHOENIX, November 16, 1998 — On Wednesday, the Maricopa Association of Governments will present a first look at transportation projects which potentially could be built with additional funding provided by the new Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) and other available state revenue.

Domestic Violence Safety Plan
PHOENIX, October 26, 1998 — Knowing what to do while living in an abusive household or planning what steps to take when leaving an abuser could mean the difference between life and death for thousands of Valley abuse victims.MORE...

Pedestrian Projects
PHOENIX, August 12, 1998 — The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) says considering the needs of pedestrians is critical in planning transportation facilities of the future. MORE...

Valley Freight Forum
PHOENIX, September 22, 1998 — They bring us our food, our cars, our clothes. Without them, furniture stores would stand empty and construction crews would be left without materials to build our homes. MORE...

Citizens Invited to Voice Wants, Needs for Human Services
PHOENIX, September 16, 1998 — From working mothers who need reliable public transportation, to elderly persons who need help finding a home-delivered meal — the Maricopa Association of Governments wants to hear from citizens in need of human services. MORE...