The Maricopa Association of Governments Quarterly Newsletter February—April 2020 Vol. 25: No. 1 Congressman Ed Pastor Freeway Opens to Traffic Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway has been on the map since 1985

he Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway, also known as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Director John TCongressman Ed Pastor Freeway, is now open to traf- Halikowski, and other Valley leaders. fic, providing a direct link between the East Valley and West Valley and serving as a much-needed alternative to Interstate “Arizona has solidified its reputation as a state that is open for 10 through downtown Phoenix. The freeway will complete opportunity, and as we welcome hundreds of new residents the Loop 202 and Loop 101 freeway system in the Valley and every day, we are making sure our infrastructure remains some improve the quality of life in a fast-growing region. of the best in America,” Governor Ducey said. “This Loop 202 opening represents a big step forward in connecting the East The freeway opened Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, three days after and West Valleys, as well as prioritizing safety for drivers. My a grand opening ceremony that featured Governor Doug thanks to the local, state, tribal, federal and private partners Ducey, Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Chair who helped bring this project to fruition ahead of schedule Mark Mitchell, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Federal Highway with major cost savings.” Administration (FHWA) Arizona Administrator Karla Petty, Continued on page 10

Message From the Chair ...... 2 Affordable Housing (continued)...... 7 Voices From the Council...... 3 McSally/Stanton Tourism Bill ...... 8 INSIDE Put Your Money Where Your House Is... 3 Broadway Road Improvements ...... 9 Regional Profile: Mayor Hermosillo...... 4 South Mountain Freeway (continued).... 10 this issue The Road Ahead in 2020...... 5 Upcoming 2020 Census...... 11 Homeless Point in Time Count...... 6 Calendar...... 12 Message From the Chair MAG Regional Council Members had the unique pleasure of was included as part of Proposi- Executive Committee Members Mayor Mark Mitchell being the MAG chair as the Val- tion 300 in 1985. Since then, it has I Tempe, Chair ley saw the opening of Congress- faced a number of obstacles. First, Mayor Jerry Weiers man Ed Pastor Freeway (Loop 202 it met delays due to a declining Glendale, Vice Chair Mayor John Giles South Mountain)—the largest free- economy and funding limitations. Mesa, Treasurer way project in state history. Never It also required the deliberative Mayor Kenneth Weise before have 22 miles of freeway and detailed development of al- Avondale, At-Large Member Mayor Mark Mayor Kate Gallego Mitchell, City of opened up in one fell swoop. I was ternatives, and the most extensive Phoenix, At-Large Member Tempe proud to witness this milestone, environmental review of any high- Mayor Anna Tovar Tolleson, At-Large Member not only as the leader of an East way project to date. Lastly, it had Mayor Gail Barney Valley community that will see to overcome legal challenges that Queen Creek, Past Chair an important new connection to were finally resolved in late 2017. Councilmember Robin Barker the Southwest Valley, but also as Apache Junction the representative of MAG, which The freeway will create important Mayor Jackie Meck charted the course for this day 30 new economic opportunities. As Buckeye Mayor Les Peterson years ago. noted in our cover story, MAG Carefree estimates that the majority of Councilmember David Smith Cave Creek MAG worked tirelessly over three the population and employment Mayor Kevin Hartke decades to see this moment, and it growth in our region will take Chandler was my honor to be the chair who place within the areas of the Valley Mayor Alexis Hermosillo El Mirage bears final witness to the delivery of connected by the South Mountain Mayor Tara Walter a promise to Maricopa County vot- Freeway corridor. This means Florence President Bernadine Burnette ers to complete the Loop 101 and economic vitality not just for those Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation 202 system. It truly was a historic areas, but for the entire region. Mayor Ginny Dickey moment. Fountain Hills Mayor Tommy Lee Sikes That is why I also want to take Gila Bend But I want to take this opportunity this opportunity to express my Governor Stephen Roe Lewis to speak directly to those com- gratitude for my Regional Council Gila River Indian Community Mayor Jenn Daniels muters who are now traveling this predecessors and peers, as well as Gilbert pavement on a daily basis. Because to numerous MAG staff who have Mayor Georgia Lord Goodyear of your support, we have the op- worked on this project. I applaud Mayor Valerie Molina portunity we need to position our previous Regional Councils for Guadalupe region for growth and opportunity. their leadership in bringing us to Mayor Thomas Schoaf Litchfield Park This new freeway will connect this important freeway facility. I Mayor Christian Price communities and employment also want to call out two people Maricopa (City of) Supervisor Clint Hickman centers that will bring about future who were involved with this project Maricopa County prosperity, and for that, we are from the beginning: current Exec- Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner grateful for your support. utive Director Eric Anderson and Paradise Valley Mayor Cathy Carlat former MAG Executive Director Peoria The freeway was first identified Supervisor Todd House as the South Mountain Loop, and Continued on page 3 Pinal County President Martin Harvier Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Mayor Mark Mitchell Mayor W.J. “Jim” Lane City of Tempe, Regional Council Chair Scottsdale Mayor Skip Hall Eric J. Anderson, Executive Director Surprise Mayor Rui Pereira MAGAZine is a quarterly newsletter of the Maricopa Association MAG Contributors: Laurie Berg Sapp, John Wickenburg of Governments (MAG). It focuses on the issues and concerns Bullen, Sarah Kent, Audra Koester Thomas, Mayor Michael LeVault Marcy McMacken, Brande Mead, Kristin of the cities, towns, counties, and Native nations of the MAG Youngtown Myers, Anne Scott, Shantae Smith Sam Elters & Jack Sellers region. If you know of a friend or colleague who would like to Arizona Department of Transportation receive MAGAZine, please call the MAG office, (602) 254-6300. Kelly Taft, Editor; Gordon Tyus, Graphics Visit www.azmag.gov and click on Regional Council.

Page 2 MAGAZine Voices From the Council 2019

Homelessness is a complicated issue, and resources are finite. That’s why working together is so important. By partnering with cities and towns that are also making large investments in homelessness, we can make our dollars stretch further and increase our impact. —Maricopa County Supervisor Jack Sellers, Arizona State Transportation Board

Chandler is focused on providing forward-thinking transportation networks that connect our community to the Greater Phoenix region and allow convenient access to our employment corridors. The opening of the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway expansion is extremely exciting for the City as it is connects to a vibrant and dynamic employment corridor. We have seen redevelopment and repositioning of existing buildings to attract companies that will benefit from this enhanced access. With this convenient connection to the West Valley, I look forward to working with regional partners to continue bringing a diverse array of high quality jobs to the state. —Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke

Message From the Chair Putting Your Money Where Your House Is (continued from page 2) As housing costs soar, economic development Dennis Smith. They stimulated, leaders seek ways to create affordable housing sustained and steered this proj- ect through several transporta- s the Valley’s population tion elections and numerous A continues to grow, the region rounds of determining funding is seeing significant increases in priorities. It was their vision and housing demand, but the supply of stewardship that saw this project affordable housing is decreasing. through to its completion. As housing costs increase faster than income, many residents are And while we are discussing struggling. The Maricopa Associa- visionaries, we are naming this tion of Governments Economic stretch of highway after one of Development Committee (MAG the most iconic Congressional EDC) recently convened a group delegates for Arizona. of experts to discuss the need for affordable housing solutions. Congressman Ed Pastor served Arizona for 24 years in Congress “The market is moving along by flippers or sitting empty for and served on the County Board smoothly, but there are a lot of long periods of time. of Supervisors before that. He differences between today and the was instrumental in shaping previous boom,” said Jim Belfiore, “If you drive around a new home the Phoenix metro area that we founder and president of Belfiore community, you’re going to see see today. Nearly every major Real Estate Consulting. “The ma- curtains in the windows. People infrastructure project in Arizona jor difference is there is a lack of are purchasing them, and they’re during his years of service was supply in the marketplace.” living in them,” Belfiore said. helped to fruition by Ed Pastor. Not only a lack of supply, but “With land and labor costs ris- So the next time you are driv- with millennials, empty nesters, ing at a double-digit percentage ing on the Loop 202, let it be a and middle income Americans rate in recent years, ‘affordable’ reminder of the hard work put in jumping back into the market, housing is difficult to tackle,” said by Congressman Pastor and know vacancy rates are low for both Belfiore. Contributing to the rise that you are driving on what 30 rental and for-sale housing. Gone in home prices is that construction years ago was just a dream. are the days of homes being owned Continued on page 7

February—April 2020 Page 3 Regional Profile: Mayor Alexis Hermosillo

Childhood Dreams Become Reality for El Mirage Mayor fourth-generation resident of “She has a passion for law and jus- A El Mirage, Mayor Alexis tice. She enjoyed aiding family and Hermosillo now runs the city in friends in navigating legal process- which she grew up. es and procedures. My mom was very vocal about anything she felt Mayor Alexis was unjust, and she taught me the Hermosillo, Her great grandparents first came City of El Mirage to El Mirage as field workers. Her responsibility of standing up and grandmother was 3 years old when speaking up for myself and others. they made El Mirage their home. It is because of her that I enjoy be- It is the only home Hermosillo has ing the voice of my constituents.” ever known. As a child, Hermosillo would gaze at the fields and imag- Today, Hermosillo is focused on ine the possibilities. issues such as expanding public transportation and improving “My great grandmother would take economic development in her me on walks through the communi- community. ty. At the time, El Mirage was only Mayor Hermosillo with a 2020 Census about a 1-mile radius. I remember “I believe economic development coloring contest winner during Winterfest. seeing the open fields and realizing and access to public transporta- we were at the end of the commu- tion go hand-in-hand. We have That love for learning is apparent nity. And even at 3 or 4 years old, been focusing on the industrial and in her resume. Hermosillo received I had this feeling, ‘there has to be commercial growth in the southern her undergraduate degree in more. So many things can go in region, and how that translates to Interdisciplinary Arts and Perfor- these fields.’ Fast forward to today the quality of life of our residents. mance with a minor in Spanish and and the visions I had as a child are Connectivity is at the forefront of her Master’s degree in Broadcast coming to life now as an adult. I’ve our conversations—connecting Journalism from ASU. She is cur- always wanted more for my city.” residents to opportunities, as well rently pursuing her doctorate in as connecting residents to regional Organizational Leadership with Mayor Hermosillo says helping im- mobility. Our priority is the resi- an emphasis in Organizational prove the quality of life for others dents and our focus is creating a Development from Grand Canyon has been her “calling” ever since better community moving forward.” University. She studied business she can remember. She says she has journalism in China and spent Mayor Hermosillo come to realize that her mom, who Hermosillo calls herself a life- time as a journalist. She worked as high fives a fan worked for the court system, was a long learner who loves data and a district representative for Con- at a 2019 Public significant role model. research. Most recently she has gressman Raul Grijalva and in con- Safety Day event. focused on small business de- stituent services for (then) Phoenix velopment and organizational Vice Mayor Michael Nowakowski. development. She helped businesses prepare for light rail development while work- “I come from a family of entre- ing at Valley Metro, and she was the preneurs and was raised in an manager of a radio network that environment where generating spanned three states. In her spare business ideas were as normal as time, Hermosillo devoted her time deciding what to eat for dinner. to youth leadership development, While I enjoy researching business allowing her to train and mentor development practices in my spare youth to be leaders, themselves. time for my own curiosity, I am All of which she believes uniquely simultaneously thinking of ways to prepared her, at the age of 29, for bring this information to residents her role as mayor. through programming.” Continued on page 5

Page 4 MAGAZine The Road Ahead in 2020

The year 2019 ended with the opening of South Mountain Freeway, the larg- est freeway project in state history. While 2020 won’t see quite such a major freeway achievement, construction crews will be busy on four important freeway projects. Below is a short summary of what you can expect in the year ahead.

I-17: Central Avenue Bridge This project will replace the existing bridge at Interstate 17 and Central Mayor Hermosillo (continued) Avenue on the Maricopa Freeway. The bridge height will be brought up to cur- rent clearance standards and lengthened to accommodate the Valley Metro “A lot of this work revolved around people and help- South Central Light Rail Extension. The bridge will be widened to accommo- ing people, and that’s exactly what being a mayor is date auxiliary lanes between successive ramps on I-17. The project includes all about. The radio station I worked for was under new I-17 roadway approaches, retaining walls, technological improvements, the Cesar Chavez Foundation that emphasized a double bottom line. The focus wasn’t only to meet lighting improvements, drainage improvements, and signing and striping. business goals but also to meet community goals. It Construction cost: $20.4 million really helped me in understanding the link between business and community.” Loop 303 (Estrella): Happy Valley Parkway to Lake Pleasant Parkway This project will construct one general purpose lane in each direction in the Mayor Hermosillo says she most enjoys ensuring median of Loop 303/Estrella Freeway (SR-303L) from Happy Valley Parkway the voices of residents are heard. “I definitely feel to Lake Pleasant Parkway. The project also will include the construction of a very proud of being that person who brings middle new traffic interchange at Jomax Road. The new interchange will be signal- ground. I feel we have worked very strongly to form ized and accommodate two through lanes in each direction. The project work a council that gets along, plays as a team, and builds includes new concrete pavement, sound walls, drainage improvements, sign- consensus. That has trickled down into our commu- ing and striping, technological improvements, ramp gore lighting, upgrades nity as well. I feel our community believes they are that will improve ADA accessibility, and landscape seeding. being heard and that their voice counts.” Construction cost: $34.8 million

Hermosillo says she considers all of El Mirage’s SR-24 (Gateway): Ellsworth Rd. to Meridian Rd. (Ironwood Rd.) 35,000 residents as family. “I feel responsible for This project will construct a new interim freeway from Ellsworth Road to them and I take that responsibility seriously. I want Ironwood Road within the right of way for the ultimate State Route 24/Gate- everyone to be happy, healthy, safe, and I try to pro- way Freeway (SR-24). The interim freeway facility will include a new traffic vide a high standard for their quality of life.” interchange at Ellsworth Road. The interim roadway will be two lanes in each direction separated by a graded median and will follow the entrance and exit An avid art aficionado, Hermosillo says she has grown ramp alignments with at-grade intersections at Williams Field Road, Signal into a “foodie.” Lately, she has discovered how food can be artistic, and has been on a mission to find Butte Road, Meridian Road, and Ironwood Road. The project will provide a some of the most dynamic restaurants locally. Her grade separated structure at Mountain Road and an offsite drainage channel favorite food is as American as it gets. on the north side of the SR-24 alignment. The project includes improvements to the Powerline Floodway within ADOT’s right-of-way, signing, striping, and “When it comes to comfort food, I can never pass up minimal utility relocations. a really good burger. A lot of people love and rave Construction cost: $134.8 million about tacos, but I love burgers. How can you say ‘no’ to a burger?” she laughs. I-10: SR-85 to Verrado Way This project will add one general purpose lane in each direction in the median Still, greater than her love for food is her love for El of Interstate 10/Papago Freeway (I-10) between State Route 85 (SR-85) Mirage. “El Mirage is so full of life and opportunity. and Verrado Way. The project also will reconstruct the traffic interchanges Our community is really amazing. We have a history at Miller Road and Watson Road. The project work will include new concrete of coming together, and together we have made El pavement at the cross streets, new lanes on I-10, sound walls, drainage im- Mirage the best community to live, work and play. I provements, signing and striping, technology improvements, ramp gore light- want to build on that legacy and provide even more ing, upgrades that will improve ADA accessibility, and landscape seeding. opportunities and resources for our residents and Construction cost: $103.8 million businesses.”

February—April 2020 Page 5 Hundreds of Volunteers Turn Out to Count People Experiencing Homelessness

efore the sun rose over the Valley on January 28, understand where we can intersect people along these B 2020, hundreds of volunteers fanned out across pathways, and change the course of homelessness in the region in an annual effort to count the number of our region.” people experiencing homelessness. The volunteers crisscrossed assigned grids to search alleys, parks, For the first time, the annual count was conducted riverbeds, streets, and doorways as part of the annual entirely electronically using a cell phone app, follow- Point in Time Homeless Street Count. The count ing a successful pilot program conducted over the provides a one-night snapshot of the number of men, past two years. women and children living in unsheltered situations or on the streets. “Electronic data gathering enables us to get results more quickly. We also can map geographically where concentrations of homeless populations exist,” said Tempe Police Sgt. Robert Ferraro, co-chair of the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care Board, which develops regional solutions to end homelessness.

West Valley communities requested a new question be added this year related to foster care.

“We hope this question gives us additional informa- tion on those who age out of the foster care system who are now experiencing homelessness,” said Goodyear Councilmember Wally Campbell, chair of the MAG Human Services and Community Initiatives Committee. “Communities are interested in working with the Department of Child Safety to connect those Outreach worker without traditional family supports with services that Tara Devlin of Coordinated by the Maricopa Association of Govern- will help connect them with stable housing resources.” Community ments (MAG), the annual count utilizes volunteer Bridges, Inc., teams that include city, town, county, and state repre- In 2019, the unsheltered count portion identified interviews Tony sentatives; community and faith-based organizations; 3,188 people living in a place not meant for human Cañes about his businesses; and private residents. habitation, such as on the street, in desert washes, or experience with in vehicles, noted Systems Transformation Advisor homelessness as part of the Point The point-in-time data are submitted annually to the Tamara Wright of Community Solutions, also co-chair in Time Homeless Department of Housing and Urban Development, of the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care Board. Count. which uses the information to allocate and prioritize funding for homeless programs. Regionally, the infor- “This represented an increase of 22 percent over mation is analyzed to better understand root causes 2018. Nearly 13 percent, more than 400 people, of homelessness, including what leads to chronic reported to be experiencing homelessness for the first homelessness, what leads to first-time homelessness, time. Our hope is that these numbers will be lower and the causes of veteran and family homelessness. this year and that we can start moving the trend line the other direction,” Wright said. The 2019 Count found that the number of people experiencing homelessness increased in Maricopa Going back to 2014, the unsheltered homeless popu- County for the sixth straight year. lation has increased 200 percent

“These aren’t just numbers, these are 6,614 stories of For the first time, the 2019 unsheltered count also in- individuals with 6,614 personal pathways into home- cluded a tally of pets. Overall data identified 182 pets lessness,” noted Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell, chair on the street, 10 of which were service animals. The of the MAG Regional Council. “Our job is to better 2020 count also included a count of pets.

Page 6 MAGAZine Putting Your Money Where Your House Is (continued from page 3) costs have increased and it is more selected the city of Tempe as a case difficult to find skilled workers. study for its unique approach to solving housing affordability. “When the housing bubble burst, that labor left here, and it has not For example, the city created an come back,” said Belfiore. “To- affiliate nonprofit housing authori- day’s issue is supply, and that is ty. The authority buys townhouses, going to put tremendous pres- homes and apartment complexes sure on housing prices in the near and permanently converts them to future. We’ve seen what happens affordable rental housing. in other markets with increases in the Tempe workforce to live in our homelessness when housing costs “We will always have a base num- city,” said Tempe’s Economic Devel- rise. We all should be concerned. ber of units—albeit not enough— opment Program Manager Maria We are encouraging our builder but there will always be a base Laughner. “These are our teachers, clients and our developer clients to number of affordable units so we bank tellers, car mechanics, store figure out ways to bring affordable know we will have some affordable clerks, construction workers and product to the market.” housing,” said Tempe Housing police officers. If they can’t afford to and Revitalization Manager LeVon live in the city where they work or The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is Lamy. near the city where they work, that a global nonprofit research orga- means they have to drive. It is a se- nization focused on “creating and The profits earned from the rent- rious economic issue when you have sustaining thriving communities als are put into buying more hous- to deal with cars every day jamming worldwide.” ULI Arizona recently ing, as well as for providing incen- up the roads and creating a lot of received a grant that is helping tives for developers to build and traffic and the stress that comes with fund research on housing afford- create more affordable housing. that. Just the impact on infrastruc- ability. Kristen Busby, director of ture alone is big.” ULI Arizona, says the lack of af- Lamy also expressed concern that fordable housing can have damag- the lack of affordable housing is While Tempe can’t require devel- ing effects on individuals. leading to an increase in homeless- opers to create affordable hous- ness throughout the region. But ing, it can ask them to complete Our zip code is more he added that affordable housing an affordable housing impact also is needed for those in the statement stating what housing is important to our health workforce. being removed, what housing is than our genetic code. being added, and the price points “When you have an area median for both. This helps the city track “Health is not what just happens income of $70,000 for a fam- what is happening in the market in the doctor’s office,” Busby told ily of four, and you’re a brand and then find ways to incentivize the EDC. “Housing and transpor- new teacher making $35,000 to developers. tation and job opportunities in the $40,000 a year, the ability to afford world around us extremely affect your apartment gets really difficult ULI hopes that learning about each person’s health. Our zip code really quickly,” said Lamy. successful programs like those in is more important to our health Tempe will help them create a ro- than our genetic code. Children Because housing affordability bust toolkit of affordable housing born in neighboring zip codes can impacts workforce availability, solutions. have decades of difference in life Tempe also looked at the issue expectancy,” she said. from an economic development “There is no silver bullet strategy, standpoint. which is why we are studying with a Under the grant, ULI Arizona cre- lot of partners,” said Busby. “We’ve ated a Task Force for Health, Eq- “We thought, if we can’t attract been talking about challenges a uity and Housing Solutions. The more businesses to come here long time. We want to have con- task force will solicit best practices because they can’t get employees, versations around solutions,” she around affordable housing. It has then we need to find a way to help said.

February—April 2020 Page 7 McSally/Stanton Bill to Expand Tourism Secures Strong Support in Arizona New bill would boost tourism from Mexico for greater economic opportunity

ourism is Arizona’s lifeblood. Every year, thou- generate up to $181 million in additional spending Tsands of frequent, low-risk, short-term visitors during the first year. travel from Mexico into Arizona to conduct business, visit family and friends, or shop at local stores— “Extending the tourism and shopping zone would spending billions of dollars. Currently, pre-cleared allow these visitors to come to Phoenix-area shopping travelers with U.S.-issued Border Crossing Cards centers, attend spring training baseball games, or ex- cannot travel beyond Tucson or Yuma. Legislation perience the natural beauty that Arizona has to offer introduced in Congress would change that. by visiting Flagstaff, Sedona or the Grand Canyon,” said Mayor Mitchell. “Allowing for easier and quicker In late December, Sen. Martha McSally and Rep. border crossings will encourage more business and Greg Stanton introduced the Southwest Tourism personal travel to our great state, which means more Expansion Act as companion bills in the House and spending and more tax generation to benefit all of Senate, with Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and Rep. David our communities. This is a win for both tourists and Schweikert signing as original cosponsors. The bill Arizona’s economy.” would allow holders of a U.S.-issued Border Cross- ing Card to travel anywhere in the state of Arizona. MAG, which has supported a travel zone extension The Southwest Tourism Expansion Act would create for many years, had received strong support for the a 5-year pilot program and would allow pre-cleared effort from dozens of partners across Arizona, rang- visitors to enter without applying for an additional ing from metropolitan planning organizations to federal I-94 form. economic development agencies to businesses. One letter of support came from the Inter Tribal Associa- “Arizona is open for business and when we allow tion of Arizona, representing 21 Tribal Nations. approved visitors into more areas of our beautiful state, we unleash the potential for greater economic “As sovereign nations, we see statewide extension of growth, more jobs, and additional sales tax rev- the border crossing card zone as an important eco- enue,” Sen. McSally said. “Our bill would start a pilot nomic opportunity,” said Salt River Pima-Maricopa program allowing Border Crossing Card Holders to Indian Community President Martin Harvier. “Tribal reach popular Arizona tourist destinations and busi- nations have significant investments in service indus- nesses, generating hundreds of millions in dollars in tries that depend on tourists, including visitors from additional annual spending.” Mexico.”

“This is an economic stimulus bill—it’s a common- Currently, Border Crossing Cards (BCCs) limit travel sense change that will open Arizona to more business, in Arizona to 75 miles entering through Arizona’s more tourism, and more economic opportunities,” land ports of entry, about as far as the city of Tucson. said Rep. Stanton. “Our state benefits in so many In the Yuma region, travel is even more restrictive, ways from a strong relationship with Mexico—and a with a 25-mile limit for visitors entering through the pilot program that invites Mexican nationals to ex- San Luis port of entry. plore and invest more throughout our entire state can only strengthen those ties.” Applicants for BCCs must provide fingerprints, pho- tography, employment information, a security back- Tourism is Arizona’s largest sector, with 192,000 jobs ground check, and an in-person interview. The BCC statewide generating $24.4 billion in total direct is a B-1/B-2 visa issued exclusively to Mexican citizens travel spending. Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell, chair by the U.S. State Department and includes an RFID of the Maricopa Association of Governments Region- chip. Holders of these cards also must demonstrate al Council, says the initiative will mean more tourism that they have ties to Mexico, including financial, dollars throughout the state. A University of Arizona that would compel them to return after a temporary study conducted at the request of the Maricopa As- stay in the U.S. Penalties for abusing the visa include sociation of Governments (MAG) in 2015 found that revocation of the BCC with a fee, as well as losing the expanding the border zone to the entire state could privilege for future visa application.

Page 8 MAGAZine Your Tax Dollars Working for You Under Proposition 400 in 2004, Maricopa County voters approved an extension of the half-cent sales tax for transportation. This series highlights projects built under Prop 400—to let you know where your money is going and how it is improving your transportation experience.

Commuters Seeing Benefits From Broadway Road Improvements or many years, Broadway Road Fdead-ended at 43rd Avenue in the Southwest Valley. Today, thanks to a multi-phase project that began in 2014 and was completed last year, Broadway Road has been widened, extended to 51st Avenue, and portions renamed to Avenida Rio Salado, making travel in the south central portion of the Valley significantly easier for more than 26,000 commuters each day.

“We have seen a significant rise in traffic each day now with this improved corridor. The addition of this stretch of roadway has reduced congestion for several other major roadways in the area. It also has increased access, improved the economy, and reduced travel time from the southwest metro area to An aerial view of the Broadway Road/Avenida Rio Salado project. downtown Phoenix,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “This project of trucks in and out daily and it has extensive right of way acquisitions, is a great example of how invest- made their life a lot easier, going as Broadway Road had several ment in transportation through and coming,” says Mohkami. “It adjacent front-facing businesses. Proposition 400 has paid off for helped traffic quite a bit also. It The city commissioned an artist Valley residents.” slowed down the traffic on 51st, to design and incorporate several and I can’t tell you how much it’s small rest areas to enhance the One of those residents is Reza Mo- helped. It’s too early even to say landscape. hkami. He owns Rio Grande Mate- (how much), but without a doubt it rial, a sand, gravel and rock sup- helped quite a bit.” This project was one of many plier at 51st Avenue and Broadway included in the MAG Arterial Life Road in Laveen, where the project The project included widening Cycle Program (ALCP). The ALCP ends. Before the project, customers Broadway Road to six lanes be- is the financial management tool to would have to take surface streets tween 51st Avenue to 7th Street. implement arterial street projects and come north on 51st Avenue Additional project improvements identified in the MAG Regional from Southern Avenue. included new traffic signals, medi- Transportation Plan (RTP) and is ans, bike lanes, sidewalks, curb and funded through the Proposition “Without a doubt, it did help our gutter improvements, extensive 400 half-cent sales tax extension business as far as the traffic goes, storm drainage improvements, and and federal highway funds allo- because you are dealing with a lot landscaping. The project included cated to the region.

February—April 2020 Page 9 South Mountain Freeway (continued from page 1)

The South Mountain Freeway travels between Inter- state 10 at the Loop 202 Santan Freeway in the East Valley and I-10 at 59th Avenue in the West Valley. Signs at both ends of the freeway carry the honor- ary designation of Congressman Ed Pastor Freeway, approved this fall by the Arizona State Board on Geographic and Historic Names. The designation recognizes the efforts of the late Arizona Congress- man in securing federal funding for the freeway.

The freeway is projected to carry about 117,000 vehicles per day within its first year and as many as 190,000 vehicles per day by 2035.

“This new freeway will create important new econom- ic opportunities,” said MAG Chair and Tempe Mayor MAG Executive Director Eric Anderson and former Executive Mark Mitchell. “MAG estimates that 55 percent of Director Dennis Smith add their names to a memorial sign. the population growth and 58 percent of the employ- ment growth will take place in the southeast and the FHWA Arizona Administrator Karla Petty added that southwest areas of the Valley connected by the South “the new segment will provide faster and easier access Mountain Freeway corridor.” between East Valley and West Valley cities, while mak- ing it more convenient for residents to access other Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego noted that MAG and its parts of the Valley for work, shopping, education and partners have worked tirelessly over 30 years to bring entertainment.” the project to fruition, and she specifically thanked voters for their ongoing support. Using an innovative public-private partnership for the state’s largest-ever highway project, ADOT was “Funding was allocated in 1985 and then again in able to open the 22-mile freeway three years earlier 2004 through voter-approved regional transporta- than if it had been built as a series of traditional proj- tion funding known as Prop 300 and Prop 400,” said ects. The agreement also allowed ADOT to deliver Mayor Gallego. “The area where we sit now may be the $1.7 billion South Mountain Freeway at a cost part of an even larger corridor with State Route 30. savings of more than $100 million. We’re continuing to ask our voters to support our freeway infrastructure and they continue to step up “This is Arizona’s first highway project built using a Ramp from South and say, ‘yes we do want to invest in infrastructure in public-private partnership, which combined design, Mountain Freeway America’s fastest-growing county.’ So we would not be construction and maintenance in a single contract,” on the south to here today without the wisdom of our voters.” said MAG Executive Director Eric Anderson, who I-10 on the west. helped shepherd the project through the most exten- sive environmental review of any highway project to date in Arizona. “It represents the innovative ap- proach needed for large-scale infrastructure projects, and sets a standard of flexibility that can serve as a model as we begin development of our next genera- tion Regional Transportation Plan.”

Former MAG Executive Director Dennis Smith also worked on the project since its inception. He credits former and current Regional Council members for sticking with the project through funding and legal challenges and an ever-changing political landscape.

Continued on page 11

Page 10 MAGAZine Everything You Need to Know About the Upcoming 2020 Census

The 2020 Census is nearly here— The iCount2020 campaign includes make sure you count! icount2020.info, an interactive and Every 10 years, the U.S. Census social media-friendly website in Eng- Bureau counts how many people are lish and Spanish; targeted advertising living in the United States, and uses across all media platforms to reach that data to distribute $675 billion in diverse audiences; and a public rela- federal funds to support programs tions campaign to promote awareness “Although we just celebrated the opening of the in education, healthcare, transporta- and to educate and motivate people South Mountain Freeway, in large part it repre- tion, parks and recreation services to complete and submit their census sents the determination of local elected officials and many other important community forms. to keep a promise that was made to the voters in resources. The census also is used 1985,” he said. to redraw legislative districts and How to Participate determine Arizona’s representation in The United States has counted its The South Mountain Freeway features three travel Washington, D.C. population each decade since 1790. lanes and an HOV lane in each direction. Among Participating in the census is now the freeway’s 15 interchanges are Arizona’s first two For each person counted in Arizona, easier than ever, as this is the first using a diverging diamond configuration promot- the state receives about $3,000, Internet census in history. By Census ed through FHWA’s Every Day Counts Innovation totaling more than $20 billion per Day on April 1, 2020, every home will Initiative to improve traffic flow and safety. The year. Arizona also is likely to pick up a receive an invitation to participate in freeway’s 40 bridges include two half-mile spans seat in Congress, bringing the state’s the census. There are three ways to over the Salt River that have the longest concrete delegation to 10 members in the U.S. participate: online, by phone or by bridge girders—175 feet—ever used in Arizona. House of Representatives. mail. You can even respond on your mobile device. Each method takes Connect 202 Partners, the developer chosen for the “The stakes couldn’t be higher,” says fewer than 10 minutes to complete. project, will maintain the South Mountain Freeway Goodyear City Manager Julie Aren- The deadline to respond is June 30. for the next 30 years under the agreement. Connect dall, who co-chairs MAG’s Regional However, census workers will begin 202 Partners consists of Fluor Enterprises Inc., Gran- Census Communication Group with following up in person with house- ite Construction Co., and Ames Construction Inc., Chandler City Manager Marsha Reed. holds that have not responded by April with Parsons Brinckerhoff Inc. as the lead designer. “We’re one of the fastest growing 30, 2020. Connect 202 completed more than 5.5 million hours regions in the country, and it’s critical of work without an incident causing lost time while to capture that growth and bring our How the Census Protects You using more than 120 subcontractors and suppliers. fair share of federal resources and Your responses on the census form representation to our communities.” are safe, secure and protected by fed- “This freeway is open on an ambitious timeline eral law. Answers can only be used to because of the innovation, creativity and dedication iCount2020 produce statistics, which helps guide of our teams at ADOT and at Connect 202 Part- MAG’s iCount2020 campaign is a re- funding for important community ners,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “This gional public outreach initiative funded services such as road improvements, monumental achievement will benefit Arizonans by member agencies. emergency services, hospitals and for decades to come.” schools. By law, your information is “We want everyone in the region to protected from being shared with any While the freeway is open to traffic, work will con- know that they count,” says Chan- person, organization, court, business tinue into 2020 in several areas, including a traffic dler City Manager Reed. “Through or government agency, including law interchange at 32nd Street, a 6-mile multi-use path iCount2020, we intend to demonstrate enforcement. between 40th Street and 17th Avenue in Ahwatu- how every woman, child and man kee, and landscaping. The 32nd Street interchange has an impact on the future of the Visit iCount2020.info to learn more was added after the initial design at the request of Maricopa region by participating in about the regional campaign. area residents. the 2020 Census. Our goal is for that Follow the regional efforts on awareness to lead to a complete and Facebook.com/iCount2020official, The Arizona Department of Transportation contributed to accurate count of all people living in Twitter @iCount2020 and this article. the region.” Instagram @iCount2020Official.

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MAG fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. For more information on rights afforded under Title VI, relevant activities at MAG, or if you feel these rights have been violated, please visit the agency website at www.azmag.gov or call (602) 254-6300. A Quarterly Newsletter Focusing on Regional Excellence February—April 2020 Vol. 25: No. 1 Spring 2020 Calendar February March April

4th 11:30 a.m. Economic Development 3rd 10:00 a.m. Solid Waste Advisory Committee 1st 10:00 a.m. Intelligent Transportation Systems Committee (Saguaro) (Saguaro) Committee (Ironwood) 5th 10:00 a.m. Intelligent Transportation Systems 3rd 11:30 a.m. Economic Development 1st 1:30 p.m. Standard Specifications and Details Committee (Ironwood) Committee (Saguaro) Committee (Ironwood) 5th 12:00 p.m. Management Committee (Saguaro) 4th 10:00 a.m. Intelligent Transportation Systems 2nd 1:00 p.m. Regional Domestic Violence Council 5th 1:30 p.m. Standard Specifications and Details Committee (Ironwood) (Saguaro) Committee (Ironwood) 4th 1:30 p.m. Standard Specifications and Details 7th 11:30 a.m. Economic Development Committee 6th 1:00 p.m. Regional Domestic Violence Council Committee (Cholla) (Saguaro) (Saguaro) 10th 1:00 p.m. Street Committee (Ironwood) 8th 12:00 p.m. Management Committee (Saguaro) 11th 1:00 p.m. Street Committee (Saguaro) 11th 12:00 p.m. Management Committee (Saguaro) 9th 1:30 p.m. Human Services Technical 12th 11:30 a.m. Transportation Policy Committee 16th 12:00 p.m. Regional Council Executive Committee (Chaparral) (Saguaro) Committee (Ironwood) 13th 12:00 p.m. Regional Council Executive 13th 1:30 p.m. Human Services Technical 17th 1:00 p.m. Active Transportation Committee Committee (Ironwood) Committee (Chaparral) (Ironwood) 14th 1:00 p.m. Street Committee (Saguaro) 18th 12:00 p.m. Regional Council Executive 18th 9:30 a.m. Maricopa Regional Continuum of 15th 9:30 a.m. Maricopa Regional Continuum of Committee (Ironwood) Care Committee (Ironwood) Care Committee (Ironwood) 18th 1:00 p.m. Active Transportation Committee 18th 10:00 a.m. Elderly and Persons with 15th 11:30 a.m. Transportation Policy Committee (Ironwood) Disabilities Transportation Committee (Cholla) (Saguaro) 19th 9:30 a.m. Maricopa Regional Continuum of 18th 11:30 a.m. Transportation Policy Committee 15th 2:00 p.m. Building Codes Committee (Ironwood) Care Committee (Ironwood) (Saguaro) 16th 9:30 a.m. Transit Committee (Ironwood) 19th 2:00 p.m. Building Codes Committee (Ironwood) 18th 2:00 p.m. Building Codes Committee (Ironwood) 21st 1:00 p.m. Active Transportation Committee 20th 9:30 a.m. Transit Committee (Ironwood) 19th 9:30 a.m. Transit Committee (Ironwood) (Ironwood) 24th 1:30 p.m. Maricopa Regional Continuum of 23rd 1:30 p.m. Maricopa Regional Continuum of 22nd 11:30 a.m. Regional Council (Saguaro) Care Board (Chaparral) Care Board (Chaparral) 23rd 10:00 a.m. Transportation Review Committee 25th 10:00 a.m. Population Technical Advisory 24th 10:00 a.m. Transportation Safety Committee (Saguaro) Committee (Chaparral) (Ironwood) 23rd 1:30 p.m. Air Quality Technical Advisory 26th 11:30 a.m. Regional Council (Saguaro) 24th 10:00 a.m. Population Technical Advisory Committee (Saguaro) 27th 10:00 a.m. Transportation Review Committee Committee (Chaparral) 27th 1:30 p.m. Maricopa Regional Continuum of (Saguaro) 25th 11:30 a.m. Regional Council (Saguaro) Care Board (Chaparral) 27th 1:30 p.m. Air Quality Technical Advisory 26th 10:00 a.m. Human Services and Community 28th 10:00 a.m. Population Technical Advisory Committee (Saguaro) Initiatives Committee (Chaparral) Committee (Chaparral) th th The dates, times and locations of all meetings may 26 10:00 a.m. Transportation Review Committee 28 10:00 a.m. Elderly and Persons with change. Other committees not listed may meet during (Saguaro) Disabilities Transportation Committee (Cholla) these months. For confirmation, call (602) 254-6300. 26th 1:30 p.m. Air Quality Technical Advisory 29th 10:00 a.m. Elderly and Persons with Parking is available under the building. Please ask for Committee (Saguaro) Disabilities Transportation Committee (Cholla) parking validation at the meeting. A transit ticket will be provided for anyone who purchased a transit ticket The newsletter is available at www.azmag.gov. All meetings, unless indicated otherwise, will be held in to attend a meeting. Bike racks are available at the Click on the MAGAZine Newsletter link under the the conference rooms located in the MAG office on the entrance to the parking garage. NEWSROOM menu. 2nd floor of the building, 302 N. 1st Avenue, Phoenix.