A Quarterly Newsletter Focusing on Regional Excellence August—October 2017 Vol. 22: No. 3 MAG Celebrates Golden Anniversary Decade Four: 1997-2007 April 12, 2017, marked 50 years that the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) has been serving the region. This is the fourth part of a five-part series that covers the five decades of MAG and the major milestones that represent how MAG has made a difference to the residents of our region.

equitable share of state and federal gas taxes. As a re- sult, MAG and ADOT were able to accelerate comple- tion of the freeways by another seven years.

A New Director In 2002, the Regional Council launched a nationwide search for a new executive director. Former Queen Creek Mayor Wendy Feldman-Kerr, who served as MAG chair from 2002-2004, says that the best can- didate was found within MAG’s own ranks. Dennis Smith, who had been a critical part of MAG since 1976 MAG Executive and had served as both an assistant director and in- Director Dennis terim director, was officially promoted to the position. Smith Freeway Acceleration and “Fair Share” Following the identification of $500 million that “With his knowledge of where MAG had been and the put previously cut freeways back on the map, the knowledge of where we were headed, it was a good focus turned to the reauthorization of the federal time for us to turn everything around and move posi- transportation funding. MAG expected a significant tively into the future,” states Feldman-Kerr. increase, but a surprise was in store. Soon after the transportation legislation was passed, MAG learned Prop 400—Take Two that only about 10 percent of the Department With the half-cent sales tax set to expire in 2005, of Transportation’s (ADOT’s) discretionary (flexible) MAG would need the support of voters to continue funding would be coming to the region. This created transportation progress in the region. This meant a major controversy over how funding was allocated. learning from the 1994 election defeat. MAG, together with the Pima Association of Govern- ments, conducted an analysis of the funding. “There’s a saying, ‘from failure comes great wisdom,’” notes MAG Executive Director Dennis Smith. “Even Months of negotiations with ADOT culminated in an though we lost that election, we learned so much from accord that cemented MAG’s “fair share” of transpor- losing that when we went for the sales tax extension in tation funding, meaning the region would receive an 2004 we corrected all of those mistakes.” Continued on page 10 Message From the Chair ...... 2 MAG Elects New Officers...... 7 Voices From the Council...... 3 Export “Boot Camp”...... 8 INSIDE Regional Profile: Mayor Molina...... 4 Arizona “Secure Your Load Day”...... 9 Wrong-Way Driver Detection System....5 MAG Golden Anniversary (continued)....10 this issue Passing of the Gavel Ceremony...... 6 Calendar...... 12 Message From the Chair MAG Regional Council Members s MAG steps into a new decade the recent MAG at 50 celebration, Executive Committee Members of service, it is my honor to the one thing that jumped out to Mayor Jackie Meck A Buckeye, Chair serve as the new Regional Council me was the personal investment Mayor Gail Barney Chair. I look forward to bringing each of them had placed in MAG. Queen Creek, Vice Chair Mayor Lana Mook the perspective of a small, dynamic Years—in some cases, decades— El Mirage, Treasurer and growing city to the table with later, these former leaders spoke Mayor Mayor Jackie the understanding that all com- about MAG with clarity and pride. Glendale, At-Large Member Mayor Meck, City of munities, no matter their popula- These conversations spoke vol- Mesa, At-Large Member Buckeye tion, have a role in developing our umes to me about how committed Mayor Mark Mitchell region. each had been during their term in Tempe, At-Large Member Mayor Greg Stanton office, and I hope to exercise that Phoenix, Past Chair MAG has had a rich 50-year his- same dedication over the next year. tory. The greatest value of history, Councilmember Robin Barker Apache Junction however, is how it informs the In taking that 30,000 foot view of Mayor Kenneth Weise present. I look forward to using my MAG, I also see that when various Avondale Councilmember Mike Farrar passion for community to advance obstacles have been thrown in our Carefree the next frontier of regional initia- path, we have found ways to keep Councilmember David Smith tives through MAG. moving forward together. We have Cave Creek Mayor changed course when necessary, Chandler During my incoming chair address, such as when the Great Recession Mayor Tara Walter I spoke about my priorities for the detoured us and we chose to make Florence President Bernadine Burnette coming year (see Passing of the Gavel economic development a new Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation story, page 6). While speaking about compass for gauging success. Councilmember Nick DePorter a new MAG analytical tool and the Fountain Hills Mayor Tommy Sikes importance of recreational areas to We have many opportunities Gila Bend tourism, I mentioned my favorite ahead. With a revitalized trans- Governor Stephen Roe Lewis Gila River Indian Community hiking spot, Skyline Regional Park portation plan, we are looking Mayor in the White Tank Mountains. And forward to better moving people Gilbert that led me to thinking about my and goods throughout Arizona. Mayor Georgia Lord Goodyear new role at MAG. We continue to make important Mayor Valerie Molina strides in air quality, and through Guadalupe Just as you have to climb to the our joint human services efforts Mayor Thomas Schoaf Litchfield Park summit to get a broader view when we continue to provide a better life Mayor Christian Price hiking in the real world, the same for all, even our most vulnerable Maricopa (City of) holds true in a figurative sense when residents. Supervisor Denny Barney Maricopa County it comes to leadership. It is impor- Mayor Michael Collins tant to look at the mountains scaled I look forward to guiding this Paradise Valley Mayor Cathy Carlat by past leaders to get a clear 360- organization through the year Peoria degree view of where you are today. ahead, and to the collaborative Supervisor Todd House wayfinding that will continue to Pinal County President Delbert Ray In visiting with the past chairs at propel us to the top. Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Mayor W.J. “Jim” Lane Scottsdale Mayor Jackie Meck Mayor Sharon Wolcott City of Buckeye, Regional Council Chair Surprise Mayor Anna Tovar Dennis Smith, Executive Director Tolleson Mayor Everett Sickles MAGAZine is a quarterly newsletter of the Maricopa Association Eric Anderson, Lindy Bauer, Valerie Wickenburg of Governments (MAG). It focuses on the issues and concerns Day, Leila Gamiz, Roger Herzog, Sarath Mayor Michael LeVault of the cities, towns and tribal communities of the MAG region. Joshua, Haidong Zhu, Contributors Youngtown Joseph E. La Rue & Jack Sellers If you know of a friend or colleague who would like to receive Kelly Taft, Editor MAGAZine, please call the MAG office, (602) 254-6300. Arizona Department of Transportation Gordon Tyus, Graphics Visit www.azmag.gov and click on Regional Council.

Page 2 MAGAZine Voices From the Council 2017

In July, the City of Chandler broke ground on the first phase of a new public safety training facility that will be used by agencies in Chandler and organizations throughout the region and the country. It is imperative that cities provide the tools necessary to develop and train police and fire personnel so that we can maintain peace and keep the trust of our residents. —Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny

As a part of an ongoing effort to enhance transportation services throughout the Valley, and in the spirit of regional collaboration that is strengthened through MAG, the City of Peoria has partnered with the City of Phoenix and the City of Glendale to extend the 83rd Avenue bus route north of Camelback Road to the Arrowhead Transit Center. This important partnership will allow residents from multiple jurisdictions to have greater connectivity to a key arterial corridor and we are thrilled to see these improvements progress. —Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat

Transportation infrastructure literally drives economic development. The members of MAG are enthusiastic experts in both. —Maricopa Mayor Christian Price

The governor is right to say the opioid crisis is a public emergency. Maricopa County is working to be part of the solution, from data sharing with state health officials so we can track the problem in real-time, to the intervention and rehabilitation programs in our jails, we are doing everything we can to give opioid- dependent individuals in our county the best chance to survive and recover. —Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chair Denny Barney

Our Economic Development team is reaching cross-border to bring innovation and opportunity to Surprise. This year, they created a joint task force with a Canadian firm to identify ways in which Surprise can support expanded healthcare services to Canadians who visit or reside in the region, including the potential of a new Canadian medical service center. This is a very important venture. The Canada Arizona Business Council conducted research and found that one million Canadians visited Arizona in 2015, spending more than $1 billion. —Surprise Mayor Sharon Wolcott MAG Moment: Former MAG Chairs at the MAG at 50 Celebration

A number of former MAG officers attended the MAG at 50 celebration honoring the organization’s Golden Anniversary. They included:

Front Row: Peggy Neely, Wendy Feldman-Kerr, Peggy Rubach, Jackie Meck, , Mary Manross

Back Row: Michael LeVault, Greg Stanton, Terry Goddard, Hugh Hallman, Jim Lane, Tom Schoaf, Scott Smith

To view a video series on MAG’s five decades of serving the region, visit www.YouTube.com/ magcommunications.

August—October 2017 Page 3 Regional Profile: Mayor Valerie Molina Mayor Hopes to Make Magic in Guadalupe hen asked to share some- Guadalupe is a small landlocked after getting a part time job Wthing few people know community less than one square mentoring youth. She remembers about her, recently elected mile in size that combines a blend teaching one young student how Guadalupe Mayor Valerie Molina of cultures. About 3,600 of its to read. It was a two-year process, confesses that she is a Disneyland 6,000 residents are members of the but she succeeded. fanatic. She holds an annual pass Pascua Yaqui tribe, with the rest Mayor Valerie Molina, Town of and visits the theme park every predominately Mexican American. “That right there sparked my in- Guadalupe chance she gets. In fact, she loves Molina says the cultural divide terest in education. So I changed it almost as much as the commu- has at times created tensions, with my major from studying to be nity she now serves. Still, Molina many Native American residents an architect to wanting to study knows that it will take more hard feeling disenfranchised. But with education.” work than magic to bring new six of the seven Town Council vitality to Guadalupe. seats now held by Yaquis, Molina What she didn’t know then was believes the healing has begun. that she would end up return- “I’m the type of leader who ing as an educator to the Tempe doesn’t necessarily tell people “Having some tribal members Union High School District from what to do; I lead by leading,” on the Town Council means that which she graduated. Mayor says Mayor Molina. “One of my we can probably build a bridge Molina has spent the past 13 years strengths is that I will get in there now with our Tribal Council in as a Native American program co- with you. I will get into the trench- Tucson,” she says. “The tribe does ordinator, where she has learned es and I will be the first one out. provide some services for its resi- firsthand about the struggles of I think that is one of my greatest dents here in Guadalupe and they Guadalupe families. During some strengths. That, and being able to also have a satellite office here. So home visits, she finds students liv- listen well. I know the community I think having the supermajority ing with no electricity or running felt before that the (Town) Council on the Town Council allows the water. It reminds her of the chal- wouldn’t listen. One of the prom- Tribal Council to feel comfortable lenges her own family faced while ises I made to the community was to be able to say, okay, we can work she was growing up. Little League that I will take all viewpoints into with the town.” baseball remains a account, and I am going to listen,” “I came from two parents who strong passion for she says. Mayor Molina has a number of never made it past high school,” Mayor Molina. priorities, including economic de- she says, recalling that for years the velopment. With no property tax in family of five shared a one-bed- Guadalupe, she says the council is room home. “We didn’t know we exploring various revenue streams. were poor. My parents did the best they could, and we were happy. “When you look at how far we They saved and eventually were have come over the years, we’re able to buy a bigger house. But my kind of still in 1995. The Council parents always stressed that educa- is working on trying to build a tion was going to be the key to get strategic plan, hopefully this fall, us out of town. They wanted better to identify our outlook for the for us,” she says. next 10 years, 20 years, and so on. We definitely hope to come up Eventually, Molina did get out of with some solutions in the future.” town, leaving Guadalupe to live in Maricopa for 10 years before Another priority for Molina is returning to care for her aging encouraging the next generation parents. It was then her thoughts of leaders. In college, she was turned to how she could make a originally an architect major. difference. Molina changed her career path Continued on page 5

Page 4 MAGAZine Mayor Molina (continued) MAG Approves Funding for Wrong-Way “I thought, gosh, this town is exactly as I left it in Driver Detection System the early 2000s. And I joined the Little League board and I was participating in the commu- t can be a terrifying ordeal: seeing a car nity events here and I was looking at the lack of Iheading the wrong way right toward you resources for our kids, and I’d go to the Town on a freeway. The state has had seven fatal Council and I’d say, ‘Can you guys help?’” wrong-way crashes since January, five of them here in the Valley. Ten people died in But when nothing changed, Molina decided to these crashes. Now, MAG and the Arizona run for council. She collected the necessary peti- Department of Transportation (ADOT) are tion signatures. It was then she realized there was working on a pilot project to detect wrong- only one person running for mayor. way drivers and alert the public.

“So at the very last hour, and I mean the last hour In June, members of the Regional Council the day before our paperwork was due, I said, ‘Can approved the use of $4 million in regional I change my bid to mayor?’ And they said, ‘Well, funding for the project. About $3.7 million of you need a whole new set of signatures for that.’ the funding will be used to install a thermal- And I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh,’ and I went around detection system on a 15-mile stretch of the community asking people to sign my petition. Interstate 17 (I-17) in Phoenix, with another And they were excited.” $300,000 for software. performance of this pilot will guide further expansion. Mayor Molina says she has her work cut out for Once operational, the system will use ther- her over her two-year term, and says she hopes to mal cameras, warning signs for wrong- While ADOT and DPS respond quickly stay in politics in order to make a difference for way drivers and advisories for right-way to reports of wrong-way drivers, most Guadalupe. She remains active in the town’s Little drivers. incidents begin with 9-1-1 calls from other League community, where she combines her love motorists. One advantage is the new sys- of baseball with her newfound prestige to encour- “On freeway ramps, wrong-way vehicles tem will automatically alert DPS to wrong- age her son’s baseball buddies and other youth to will trigger alerts, including illuminated way drivers at the point of entry, helping realize they can succeed. signs with flashing lights, aimed at getting them get to wrong-way vehicles faster. drivers to stop,” explains ADOT Director “I love having kids from my community see me and John Halikowski. “The system will immedi- “Beyond a detection system, coordina- say, ‘If Gabe’s mom can be the mayor, I can be may- ately warn other drivers through overhead tion with the Arizona Department of or, too.’ I tell message boards, as well as law enforce- Public Safety and local law enforcement is them ‘Yes, you ment. Cameras in the area will automati- necessary to stop and intercept wrong- can be mayor. cally turn to face the wrong-way vehicle so way drivers before they enter the highway You can also be traffic operators can better track it.” system,” says MAG Chair Jackie Meck, governor.’ That mayor of Buckeye. “MAG hopes this pilot is a big perk,” On the freeway, thermal cameras placed project will offer better data on how wrong- she laughs. at one-mile intervals will signal when a way incidents happen and how to mitigate wrong-way vehicle passes so Department these incidents to prevent crashes.” And if you don’t of Public Safety (DPS) troopers can get out have questions in front of the wrong-way driver, providing ADOT notes that this system can reduce about politics, a faster response. The ramp meters for the risk, but it can’t prevent wrong-way she adds that drivers entering the freeway in the right driving. Phoenix-area freeways safely you can always direction will be turned to red to prevent move hundreds of thousands of vehicles feel free to ask them from entering the freeway during a every day. When crashes do occur, her anything wrong-way driving event. research demonstrates that more than Disney. 90 percent of the time, the collision is the According to ADOT, the project will be the result of driver behavior – like speeding, “I can beat any- first thermal-detection system in the United reckless or distracted driving, or driving one at Disney States. Construction of the pilot system while impaired. Wrong-way crashes fit trivia, let’s put is expected to begin this fall on I-17 from this pattern. ADOT also points out that I-10 to Loop 101. ADOT is exploring ways wrong-way crashes are only a fraction of it that way.” Monlina on a recent trip to Disneyland to begin construction even sooner. Full the more than 400 fatal crashes that have with her son, Gabe. installation will take seven months, and the occurred on all roadways this year.

August—October 2017 Page 5 Passing of the Gavel Ceremony Highlights Successes, Priorities

urther developing a high- Fquality workforce in the West Valley and throughout the region is a primary goal of the new chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG). At its An- nual Meeting in June, the MAG Regional Council elected Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck to lead the organization as chair over the coming year. During his incoming chair mes- AG at 50 sage, Mayor Meck noted that MAG M 2017 1967 has been a key partner in WEST- MARC’s West Valley Vision, which is examining West Valley growth. By 2050, the West Valley popula- Golden Anniversary Passing of the Gavel tion is expected to double—to more than three million residents. MAG also is pursuing a planning connection to the ports in Califor- “With approximately 70 percent grant provided by the federal nia. The MAG Regional Council of the West Valley’s workforce Office of Economic Adjustment also approved a major amendment heading east to work, this effort to study and prepare for growth for consultation to clear the way recognizes that workforce is a criti- around Luke Air Force Base. Many for Interstate 11 to move forward cal issue for all of us,” said Mayor of the world’s premier fighter with needed environmental studies. Meck. “A supply of good workers pilots are trained at Luke. That amendment will be consid- will draw businesses here. Being ered later this year. able to find a good, well-paying “The Base, which continues to job will convince our kids to stay grow, brings talented people, high- Mayor Meck said he also is looking here when they graduate. I am end jobs, and an international forward to MAG’s creation of a looking forward to implementing reputation to our region. MAG will new, mobile friendly web tool to these strategies to put our region work with Luke and the surround- highlight the great recreational at the top of every site selector’s ing communities to look at areas opportunities in the MAG region. list,” he said. like housing, schools, and trans- portation. As Luke Air Force Base “This tool will include public thrives, especially with the addition parks, open space and hiking of another 140 F-35s on the way, so areas, such as my favorite destina- do we,” said Mayor Meck. tion: Skyline Regional Park in the White Tank Mountains, which is a Meck spoke about the importance big part of the Maricopa County of freeway connectivity and of trails system in the West Valley,” he freight traffic. He noted that one said. “Recreation also is important result of a recent MAG budgeting for tourism, which is the number effort, which added more than a one sector in Arizona.” billion dollars to the freeway pro- gram, means completion of the first In his outgoing chair message, phase of State Route 30. This new Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck gave his incoming chair’s message at freeway corridor will help relieve the 2017 Passing of the Gavel ceremony. congestion along I-10, the primary Continued on page 7

Page 6 MAGAZine Passing of the MAG Welcomes New Officers

Gavel (continued) t its Annual Meeting in A June, the MAG Regional Council elected Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck to lead the Mayor Gail Barney, organization as Chair over the Town of Queen coming year. Other officers Creek, Vice Chair elected include Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney as Vice Chair and El Mirage Mayor Lana Mook as Treasurer. The three at-large members

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton discusses elected for the MAG Executive MAG’s achievements at the ceremony. Committee are Tempe Mayor Mayor Lana Mook, Mark Mitchell, Glendale Mayor City of El Mirage, Mayor Jackie Meck, City of Buckeye, Chair Treasurer noted a number of successes Jerry Weiers, and Mesa Mayor over the past year, including John Giles. Phoenix Mayor the rebalancing of the Regional Greg Stanton will serve as Past Chair, and will move into the Chair Transportation Plan that resulted position for the MAG Economic Development Committee. in more than $5 billion in new freeway and transit projects over MAG is a Council of Governments and Metropolitan Planning the next decade. Organization that provides a regional forum for discussion, Mayor Jerry “This is investment that will cre- analysis, and resolution of regional issues, including transportation, Weiers, City of ate 16,000 jobs each year for 10 air quality, economic development and human services. MAG Glendale, At-Large years,” said Mayor Stanton. “Re- prepares the 20-year Long Range Transportation Plan and five-year gional leadership is helping boost Transportation Improvement Program for the region. Founded in our economy and our quality of 1967, MAG celebrated its 50th Anniversary on April 12, 2017. life,” he said. Officers are elected for one-year terms. Mayor Meck will lead Mayor Stanton discussed the organization for the next year and will preside over the MAG achievements in advancing and Executive Committee. The Executive Committee serves as MAG’s Mayor John Giles, strengthening the regional export finance committee and holds many administrative responsibilities, City of Mesa, economy. At-Large such as amendments to the budget and contract approvals.

“No other organization was bet- Mayor Meck has served as MAG Vice Chair for the past year. He has ter suited than MAG to make a served on the Executive Committee since 2014. He is Past Chair of regional impact on exports, and so we stepped up to the plate,” said the MAG Transportation Policy Committee and a current member of Mayor Stanton. “This year, MAG the Economic Development Committee. created two new programs to stim- Mayor Mark Also during the Annual Meeting, ulate exports. We worked with the Mitchell, City of Arizona Commerce Authority to Avondale Mayor Kenneth Weise Tempe, At-Large host our first regional ExporTech was elected to serve as Chair of boot camp to help businesses go the MAG Transportation Policy from export-curious to export- Committee (TPC), and Gilbert ready. And we created The Sun Mayor Jenn Daniels was elected Corridor Export Recognition Mayor Kenneth Mayor Jenn Vice Chair. Program, which spotlighted and Weise, City of Daniels, City of honored 17 outstanding exporting Avondale, TPC Gilbert, TPC Vice Mayor Greg companies in Maricopa, Pima and Chair Chair Stanton, City of Pinal counties.” Phoenix, Past Chair

August—October 2017 Page 7 “Boot Camp” Prepares Businesses for Exporting Four Businesses Complete First Regional ExporTech Program

hen four Valley companies graduated from an “It really opens up a very wide range of opportuni- W“export boot camp” in June, they didn’t walk ties for our business and we want to be a player, not away with diplomas but something just as tangible: just domestically but globally,” said Boyd. “As a a business plan to take their companies to the next smaller company, it’s really worth the time to invest in global level. ExporTech. The opportunities to grow globally really made it something that interested us.”

As its first initiative developed through the program, Parker Fasteners planned to participate with the ACA at the Mexico Aerospace Summit in Queretaro, Mexico in August.

Optilab representatives put their plan into even quicker action. The day after graduation, they flew with the ACA to Munich, Germany, for Laser World of Photonics 2017.

Truce, which manufactures nontoxic cleaning prod- Phoenix Mayor ucts, said its priority is to acquire near-term financing Greg Stanton leads ExporTech is a nationally recognized program prov- to grow its production capacity. a training session. en to help small and mid-sized companies boost their This will help keep product on its sales revenues via exports. The program is delivered inventory shelf in the wake of high by the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) RevAZ demand. Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, along with national partners. The Maricopa Associa- “We know that going global and tion of Governments (MAG) co-sponsored this eighth exporting is in our future, and ExporTech program in Arizona, the first regional ExporTech is providing us with program. the skills, contacts and expertise that will allow us to thrive,” added Truce CEO Denis Companies completing the program include Parker Truce CEO Denis Leclerc. Leclerc Fasteners of Goodyear; two Phoenix companies, Opti- lab and Occam Sustainability Partners; and Truce, lo- Occam Sustainability Partners is working with the cated in Tempe. Representatives from the companies Arizona Commerce Authority’s trade team in Mexico attended three full-day sessions over several months. City to assist with export initiatives. They heard from exporting experts from diverse sectors, underwent practical training on key export “The three-month ExporTech boot camp was ex- topics, and received individualized export coaching. tremely well-delivered,” said Robin Reed, president and chief strategy officer for Occam. “The content is “Those regions that have more of their Gross Do- not only relevant but immediately useful. The contacts mestic Product tied to exporting are those with the and relationships I developed through ExporTech highest wages and with the highest educated work- would have taken me years to develop on my own. Oc- force,” said Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, chair of the cam is already prepared to begin exporting within 90 MAG Economic Development Committee. “We have days following the end of boot camp,” he said. to build a more export-based economy if we are going to be competitive moving forward, and that’s what For more information on the ExporTech program, ExporTech is all about.” please contact Kevin O’Shea, vice president of inter- national trade at the Arizona Commerce Authority at Matthew Boyd, national sales director at Parker (602) 845-1200, or MAG at (602) 254-6300. A video Fasteners, said his company began exporting shortly about the ExporTech program is available online at after its inception four years ago. www.YouTube.com/magcommunications.

Page 8 MAGAZine Arizona Recognizes “Secure Your Load Day”

n a voice wracked with emotion, accident as Arizona Secure Your IPaul Reif described his final day Load Day. The proclamation came with his son, Matthew. at the request of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the “Eleven years ago today, also a Arizona Department of Transpor- Tuesday, we said goodbye to Mat- tation (ADOT), the Department of thew for the last time in the morn- Public Safety (DPS), the Don’t Trash ing. Matthew was driving, a piece Arizona program run by MAG, and of metal came up and went through the families of loved ones killed or his windshield and severed his injured by dangerous debris. main artery, and he died instantly. My son Matthew’s life was taken The Reif family joined state and local leaders to spread the word “A $10 tarp, a $5 piece of rope, because of a non-secured load.” about secure loads. Left to right: Toby Reif, Paul Reif, Phoenix and an extra five minutes can save Mayor Greg Stanton, DPS Deputy Director Heston Silbert, and somebody’s life,” advised Lieuten- Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Alberto Gutier. Reif ’s heartbreaking account came ant Colonel Heston Silbert, DPS before a gathering of state and lo- deputy director. “And you have to cal leaders, journalists, and family put it in that context to be able to members attending a press confer- understand the gravity of your re- ence on June 6, 2017, to recognize sponsibility in not securing a load.” Arizona Secure Your Load Day. The press conference was held “This is a very dangerous situa- at an ADOT maintenance yard, tion,” stated Phoenix Mayor Greg where crews had piled items pulled Stanton. “Around the country, road from regional freeways in a period debris is responsible for an esti- of just over one week. Items in- mated 51,000 car accidents every cluded several sofas, one with the year, tragically killing upwards of new tag still attached; furniture; Paul Reif and his wife, Toby, were presented with the Governor’s 125 people and injuring nearly coolers; ducting; wooden pallets; Proclamation declaring the anniversary of their son’s death “Arizona 10,000 nationwide.” Secure Your Load Day.” ladders; a stack of mattresses— even a urinal. Stanton cited a recent Maricopa Association of Governments “When we see stuff like this that (MAG) study that found that from falls and ends in tragedy, we need January-October 2016, there were to get together and talk about it,” more than 1,000 crashes possibly said Alberto Gutier, director of related to road debris in the greater the Governor’s Office of Highway Phoenix area. Thirteen were fatal Safety. “This is very important.” and another 22 resulted in serious injuries. Stanton said the burden of Along with Arizona, more than 40 safety falls on every Valley motorist. states across the nation recognized Secure Your Load Day in some form “We need every driver to take the These items were removed from Valley freeways in just over one on June 6th. Paul Reif is grateful week. Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton called the ADOT display “very time to secure the loads they haul for the attention, but says he has real, very dangerous examples” of all-too-common road debris. in their trucks and flatbeds as if a been fighting every day for 11 loved one is driving behind them, years with the hope that the cause because someone’s loved one is. We will “go away.” simply can’t compromise on safety.” “We miss Matthew every day, and In an effort to raise awareness our family will never be the same,” about the potentially catastrophic Reif says. “If our story reminds dangers of loose debris and drivers to take just five minutes to unsecured loads, Governor Doug tie down their loads properly, we Ducey proclaimed June 6, 2017— This message was posted on more than 100 electronic message might prevent other parents from the anniversary of Matthew’s boards throughout Arizona on June 6, 2017. experiencing our pain.”

August—October 2017 Page 9 Decade Four: 1997-2007 (cont. from page 1) Former Tempe Mayor Neil Transportation Policy The State Legislature passed Giuliano recalls there was a wide Committee House Bill 2292, which formal- variety of needs to include in the The first order of business: draft- ized the Transportation Policy new transportation plan. ing a new Regional Transportation Committee in state law. It also Plan. passed House Bill 2456 to allow “Our friends in the West Valley the Maricopa County Board of needed freeway capacity, desper- “In addition, it was determined Supervisors to set the election. ately needed freeway capacity. Our that we really needed a separate To celebrate passage of the bill, friends in the East Valley needed committee that just looked at Governor Janet Napolitano posed the freeway capacity, but also were transportation, and that’s how the for a photograph with members interested in multimodal transpor- Transportation Policy Committee of MAG, the business community, tation and including something came into being,” states former legislators and the public. for urban transit, light rail, more Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs. buses, bicycles,” says Giuliano, who Another difference from previous Former Tempe chaired MAG from 1998-2000. “So elections was the significant focus Mayor Neil Giuliano, we had this (dilemma), how do you on public outreach. MAG Chair, 1998- get everyone together for a trans- 2000 portation improvement plan when “All told, we conducted more than everyone has different needs?” 400 input events with stakehold- ers and the public,” says MAG MAG Transportation Director Eric Communications Manager Kelly Anderson says the new Proposi- Taft. “Many of them were led by tion 400 had to take a different the elected officials in their own approach from Proposition 300, Mayor Elaine Scruggs and Mayor Neil communities. It became clear to which was lim- Giuliano at the retreat that launched the the public that the leaders of their ited to building Transportation Policy Committee. communities truly owned the plan new freeways. and believed strongly in its impor- Former Phoenix Mayor Skip Rim- tance.” “Proposi- sza, just coming out of Phoenix’s tion 400 was successful Transit 2000 election, The hard work paid off. Proposi- a multimodal recommended that MAG expand tion 400 passed by a solid margin approach. Of the policy process to include not of 58 to 42 percent. course, we still only elected officials, but business had major representatives. The composition funding for new freeways… but it required that the private sector also allocated a third of the rev- members represent regionwide enues to the public transportation business and that there be one system. From a regional perspec- representative each for transit, tive, that was the first time we had freight, and construction inter- regional funding for public trans- ests. Former Queen Creek Mayor portation,” Anderson recalls. Wendy Feldman-Kerr became chair of MAG just as the TPC was Anderson adds that there was also being created. Domestic Violence more trust by the public, which Another milestone in MAG’s had by then experienced tremen- “By bringing the businesses into fourth decade also had lasting dous transportation progress from the fold and being on the com- implications. In 1998, the com- Proposition 300. For example, the mittee, we could also talk about munity was shaken by the murder Loop 101 system and major por- infrastructure—how it was go- of a young mother named Laura tions of the Red Mountain Freeway ing to impact the Valley and how Muñoz. After three weeks of be- were completed, and the Santan we would get all of it done as a ing turned away from domestic Freeway was under construction. whole,” says Feldman-Kerr. violence shelters due to a lack of Continued on page 11

Page 10 MAGAZine beds, Muñoz was stabbed to death new dust plan to stave off threat- Office, ADOT, and MAG, a total of in front of her children. Shock ened sanctions by the Environ- 115 miles would be covered with turned into action. In 1999, MAG mental Protection Agency (EPA). rubberized asphalt. formed the Regional Domestic The revised plan was approved by Violence Coun- the EPA in 2002. This program was further en- cil, bringing hanced with the passage of Propo- together gov- Also in 1999, MAG conducted the sition 400, which provided fund- ernments, law Brown Cloud Project, which con- ing to put rubberized asphalt on enforcement firmed that gasoline and diesel en- the rest of the agencies, prose- gine exhaust accounted for about system. Along cutors, nonprof- 70 percent of the small particu- with being qui- it groups and lates that create the Brown Cloud. eter than other other community leaders working As a result, MAG recommended pavement, to prevent such tragedies. six control measures, including the rubberized mandated use of clean burning asphalt pre- “We didn’t realize the extent of diesel fuel. vents pavement the problem, and then once we cracking and is got into the domestic violence In 2005, the EPA redesignated the waterproof and Quiet pavement issue, we found that there was no region to attainment for carbon skid-resistant. installation on the consistency,” recalls former MAG monoxide. MAG Environmental State Route 51 Human Services Manager Carol Director Lindy Bauer says the suc- Prop 400 also included about $20 freeway. Kratz. Inconsistencies ranged from cess in controlling these pollutants million for additional noise walls how domestic violence was defined is the result of sustained efforts at various locations around the to how evidence was collected to over the years. freeway system. how abusers were arrested and prosecuted. “Under the Clean Air Act, one air Don’t Trash Arizona! quality plan builds upon another,” (Don’t Spray Paint it, Either) says Bauer. “We have been very In 2007, MAG, ADOT, and the fortunate to have such a wide va- Governor teamed up to identify riety of control measures in place. freeway litter hot spots and bring Taking a look at the air quality recognition to the Don’t Trash Ari- trend data, the numbers keep zona litter education campaign. At coming down,” she says. a press conference, 500 bags of trash Freeway Service Patrol were lined up along Another regional success was the one of the freeway launch of the Freeway Service Pa- hot spots, repre- Former MAG Human Services Manager trol in 2000, funded by MAG and senting just one DontTrashAZ.com Carol Kratz. operated by the Department of day’s worth of litter The Council went to work to de- Public Safety. Still in effect today, pickup along Valley freeways. velop a series of protocols. Efforts stranded motorists receive help included developing a resource from roving road repair service In other efforts, MAG adopted guide for employers, a toolkit for vehicles that provide on-the-spot model ordinances ranging from healthcare workers that contained assistance to get them on the road curfews to graffiti. materials for screening and treating again, improving safety and reliev- domestic violence victims in the ing traffic congestion. Desert Peaks emergency room, and a model of With so many cooperative efforts best practices for law enforcement. Quiet, Please! around the region leading to collec- Thousands of residents living near tive success, in 1998 MAG launched The story will Air Quality Valley freeways began experienc- the Desert Peaks awards program. continue in the next quarterly MAG continued to define best ing the noise-reduction benefits of The awards recognize innovation edition of practices in air quality, in 1999 rubberized asphalt through a pro- and achievements in regional part- MAGAZine, dealing with a new and tougher gram begun in 2003. In a coopera- nership programs. The awards are focusing on ozone standard and working on a tive effort among the Governor’s held on a biennial basis. 2007-2017.

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Building an International Economic Network: www.ConnectBIEN.com BUILDING AN INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC NETWORK 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 CONSTRUYENDO UNA RED DE ECONOMÍA INTERNACIONAL August—October 2017 Vol. 22: No. 3 Fall 2017 Calendar August September October

3rd 2:00 p.m. Regional Domestic Violence Council 5th 11:30 a.m. Economic Development 3rd 11:30 a.m. Economic Development (Ironwood) Committee (Saguaro) Committee (Saguaro) 8th 11:30 a.m. Economic Development 6th 1:30 p.m. Standard Specifications and Details 4th 1:30 p.m. Standard Specifications and Details Committee (Saguaro) Committee (Ironwood) Committee (Ironwood) (if necessary) 8th 1:00 p.m. Street Committee (Ironwood) 12th 1:00 p.m. Street Committee (Ironwood) 5th 2:00 p.m. Regional Domestic Violence Council 9th 9:30 a.m. Intelligent Transportation Systems 13th 9:30 a.m. Intelligent Transportation Systems (Ironwood) Committee (Chaparral) Committee (Chaparral) 10th 1:00 p.m. Street Committee (Ironwood) 9th 10:30 a.m. Systems Management and 13th 10:30 a.m. Systems Management and 11th 9:00 a.m. Regional Community Network (RCN) Operations Study Group (Ironwood) Operations Study Group (Ironwood) Working Group (Ironwood) 9th 12:00 p.m. Management Committee (Saguaro) 13th 12:00 p.m. Management Committee (Saguaro) 11th 9:30 a.m. Intelligent Transportation Systems 9th 1:30 p.m. Standard Specifications and Details 14th 10:00 a.m. Human Services and Community Committee (Chaparral) Committee (Ironwood) Initiatives Committee (Chaparral) 11th 10:30 a.m. Systems Management and 10th 1:30 p.m. Human Services Technical 14th 1:30 p.m. Human Services Technical Operations Study Group (Ironwood) Committee (Chaparral) Committee (Chaparral) 11th 12:00 p.m. Management Committee (Saguaro) 14th 12:00 p.m. Regional Council Executive 18th 12:00 p.m. Regional Council Executive 12th 1:30 p.m. Human Services Technical Committee (Ironwood) Committee (Ironwood) Committee (Chaparral) 15th 1:00 p.m. Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee 19th 10:00 a.m. Solid Waste Advisory Committee 16th 12:00 p.m. Regional Council Executive (Ironwood) (Ironwood) Committee (Ironwood) 15th 2:00 p.m. Transit Committee (Saguaro) 19th 1:00 p.m. Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee 17th 1:00 p.m. Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee 16th 9:30 a.m. Maricopa Regional Continuum of (Ironwood) (Ironwood) Care Committee (Ironwood) 19th 2:00 p.m. Transit Committee (Saguaro) 17th 2:00 p.m. Transit Committee (Saguaro) 16th 12:00 p.m. Transportation Policy Committee 20th 9:30 a.m. Maricopa Regional Continuum of 18th 9:30 a.m. Maricopa Regional Continuum of (Saguaro) Care Committee (Ironwood) Care Committee (Ironwood) 16th 2:00 p.m. Building Codes Committee (Ironwood) 20th 12:00 p.m. Transportation Policy Committee 18th 12:00 p.m. Transportation Policy Committee 22nd 10:00 a.m. Population Technical Advisory (Saguaro) (Saguaro) Committee (Chaparral) 20th 2:00 p.m. Building Codes Committee (Ironwood) 18th 2:00 p.m. Building Codes Committee (Ironwood) 24th 1:30 p.m. Air Quality Technical Advisory 21st 1:30 p.m. Technology Advisory Group (Ironwood) 23rd 1:30 p.m. Maricopa Regional Continuum of Committee (Saguaro) 25th 1:30 p.m. Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care Board (Ironwood) 28th 1:30 p.m. Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care Board (Ironwood) 24th 10:00 a.m. Population Technical Advisory Care Board (Ironwood) 26th 10:00 a.m. Population Technical Advisory Committee (Chaparral) 30th 11:30 a.m. Regional Council (Saguaro) Committee (Chaparral) 25th 11:30 a.m. Regional Council (Saguaro) 31st 10:00 a.m. Transportation Review Committee 26th 10:00 a.m. Transportation Safety Committee 26th 10:00 a.m. Transportation Review Committee (Saguaro) (Ironwood) (Saguaro) 27th 11:30 a.m. Regional Council (Saguaro) 26th 1:30 p.m. Air Quality Technical Advisory 28th 10:00 a.m. Transportation Review Committee Committee (Saguaro Parking is available under the building. Please ask for (Saguaro) parking validation at the meeting. A transit ticket will be All meetings, unless indicated otherwise, will be held in provided for anyone who purchased a transit ticket to 28th 1:30 p.m. Air Quality Technical Advisory the conference rooms located in the MAG office on the attend a meeting. Committee (Saguaro) 2nd floor of the building, 302 N. 1st Ave., Phoenix. The dates, times and locations of all meetings may Bike racks are available at the entrance to the parking change. Other committees not listed may meet during garage. Newsletter is available at www.azmag.gov. The newsletter is available at www.azmag.gov. these months. For confirmation, call (602) 254-6300.