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Government Relations

Weekend Update

MAG Regional Council Meets

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Council met this week for their regularly scheduled December meeting. The meeting began with a recognition of Governor Stephen Roe Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community. Governor Roe Lewis was recently recognized by TIME Magazine as part of their Time100 Climate awards for 2024. Governor Roe Lewis provided Regional Council members with an overview of the innovative projects that have been implemented within his community, including the installation of solar panels across canals, and how the Gila River Indian Community is investing in sustainable agriculture. By 2025, over 60% of the electricity generated within the area will be directly put back into agricultural development, further expanding the Gila River Indian Community's efforts to become a net zero community. Regional Council members highlighted Governor Roe Lewis' sustainability efforts as well as celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Gila River Indian Community's landmark Arizona Water Settlements Act of 2004.

MAG staff then provided members of the Regional Council with an update on the Regional Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Investment Plan (RSTIIP) Implementation Activities. John Bullen, Chief Transportation Officer, walked members through an overview of the RSTIIP as it relates to the successful passage of Prop 479 by Maricopa County voters. Through Prop 479, the RSTIIP will maintain a critical funding stream for project implementation and program development. Mr. Bullen provided MAG Regional Council members with a comparative look at the Freeway Life Cycle Program under Prop 400, and Prop 479 noting the defined list of projects that will be funded based on the dedicated half-cent sales tax's continuation. These projects include the completion of the Loop 303 between Lake Pleasant Parkway and I-17, construction of SR's 30 and 24, and reconstruction of the I-17, among others. Mr. Bullen also provided similar comparisons for the Arterial Life Cycle Program and the Transit Life Cycle Program.

Regional Council members were then given a Heat Relief recap presentation. Deputy Director Amy St. Peter was joined by Dr. Nick Staab of Maricopa County Public Health to provide an overview of the heat relief efforts that have been implemented across the region. Deputy Director St. Peter highlighted the 43% increase in site development between 2023 and 2024, as well as the innovative new ideas put forth to address heat, including expanding Lyft rides, pet protection, heat kits, and other solutions. The presentation concluded with a Regional Homelessness Coordination update which included a look ahead at the next steps for the Pathways Home program.

Environmental Director Matt Poppen also provided Regional Council members with an update regarding ongoing air quality issues, specifically related to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action and Particulate Matter 2.5 developments within the Maricopa region. Director Poppen also briefed members on the efforts made to date regarding Ozone Compliance, which included an overview of MAG's strategy in addressing the issue and emphasizing their continued engagement with the EPA. The Regional Council meeting concluded with an Executive Director's report by Ed Zuercher, which highlighted several transportation projects across the region that will directly benefit MAG member agencies.

As this was the last Regional Council meeting for several members, MAG staff provided outgoing elected officials with commemorative plaques to highlight their service on the Regional Council. The next MAG Regional Council Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22nd. To view a recording of the meeting, please click the button below.

Burn Cleaner, Burn Better Campaign

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has launched the “Burn Cleaner, Burn Better” (BCBB) campaign, running through January 2, 2025. The BCBB campaign aims to encourage residents, visitors, and businesses in Maricopa County to refrain from burning wood and instead opt for cleaner burning alternatives to mitigate the negative impact of wood smoke on public health and air quality.

The BCBB campaign raises awareness about the health risks associated with breathing polluted air caused by wood smoke. Each year during the holiday season, local hospitals observe a notable increase in patients with respiratory ailments due to smoke from fireplaces, fire pits, and open outdoor fires.

Reducing air pollution not only minimizes health risks, like asthma or bronchitis, but also ensures adherence to federal health standards, thereby averting the necessity for more stringent and costly regulatory measures. For more information about the BCBB campaign and programs to reduce air pollution, please click the link below!

CSA County Managers & Administrators Monthly Meeting

On Friday, the County Supervisors Association (CSA) held their monthly County Managers & Administrators meeting which helped prepare counties for the upcoming legislative session. The meeting began with an update on scheduled legislator meetings and general information on legislative committee rosters. CSA Executive Director Craig Sullivan led a detailed discussion on some proposed county treasurer training requirements and best practices.

CSA Legislative Director Jacob Emnett revisited HB 2210 from the 2024 Legislative Session, which established the Municipal Timeframes Advisory Committee (MTAC). MTAC is still in the early stages but is working to establish planning and zoning reporting requirements for cities and counties. Next, staff provided an overview of reports on the Superior Court Survey Results, an Indigent Defense Case Study, and the Public Safety Workgroup. Finally, there were updates on Public Safety Personnel Retirement System, broadband deployment, and the federal agenda for the new Congress.

Staff outlined the new County Supervisor onboarding plan and set the next meeting for January 10, 2025. For more information about CSA research projects, please click the link below!

Maricopa County Government Relations