1912-2012 SPECIAL CENTENNIAL EDITION February 2012—April 2012 Vol. 17: No. 1 MAG Members Celebrate the Arizona Centennial

On February 14, 1912, Arizona became a state. The Valentine’s Day anniversary seems fitting, because what’s not to love about Arizona? MAG asked its member agencies to share some of the most significant events to take place in their jurisdictions over the past 100 years and how they are planning to celebrate the centennial.

Apache Junction roots, first as a former Most Significant Event(s): The stop, then to a thriving farming most significant event to take place community, to a bedroom suburb, in Junction over the past to the vibrant city that it is today. 100 years was the opening of the Home to Phoenix International US-60 Superstition Freeway to Raceway, Avondale’s population Apache Junction. It happened on more than doubles twice each year August 16, 1991, when the section as it plays host to two NASCAR from Power Road to Goldfield events. Avondale also has found its Road in Apache Junction was com- niche in the area of youth and am- NASCAR racing at ateur sports, with regional indoor February 25, 2012. The parade pleted. Another significant event Phoenix Interna- will begin at Litchfield Road in that happened in the year prior and outdoor amenities for soccer, tional Raceway in to statehood was the opening of basketball and volleyball tourna- Goodyear at 10 a.m., travel along Avondale. Roosevelt Dam. ments that take place year round. Thomas Road, and end at Estrella In addition to an exciting mix of Mountain Community College in Celebration: retail and one of the largest auto- Avondale, where a family friendly Apache Junction malls in the state, the city boasts festival titled Planes, Trains and residents will be a medical corridor that provides Automobiles will showcase 100 years treated to several quality jobs for its residents. of transportation in the Southwest official centen- Valley. nial events, most Celebration: Avondale is planning Roosevelt reenac- to celebrate the centennial with Buckeye notably Roose- tor Joe Wiegand velt’s Ride, year-long events and activities, Most Significant Event(s): featuring a Teddy Roosevelt re- from children’s story times at the Incorporation is considered to be enactor who will travel along the libraries to a big holiday celebra- the most significant event in the Apache Trail in a vintage auto and tion in Historic Avondale at the history of the Town of Buckeye, meet and speak to groups. end of the year. Avondale will kick because, as noted by town staff, “it off its centennial celebrations with pulled together people from all Avondale A Tale of Two Cities, a joint parade over the area and got them focus- Most Significant Event(s): Avon- and festival hosted by the cities ing on the same future.” dale has come a long way from its of Avondale and Goodyear on Continued on page 6

Message From the Chair ...... 2 Arizona Centennial (continued) ...... 6 Household Travel Survey Report ...... 3 Freeway Milestones ...... 13 IN SIDE Regional Profile: Mayor Georgia Lord .... 4 Border Trips ...... 14 Domestic Violence Efforts Funded ...... 5 Prop 400 Performance Audit ...... 15 this issue Calendar ...... 16 Message From the Chair MAG Regional Council Members ould you name Arizona’s larg- voices the intent to jointly advocate Executive Committee Members C est bilateral trading partner? to the Arizona Congressional Del- Mayor Hugh Hallman Many Valley residents might be egation for increased staffing for Tempe, Chair Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers surprised to learn that trading the Arizona/Mexico ports of entry. Avondale, Vice Chair with Mexico accounts for nearly This includes not only the ports Mayor Scott Smith $30 million crossing our borders in Nogales but also in San Luis. Mesa, Treasurer every single day. It is estimated Regional planning organizations Vice Mayor Thelda Williams that $7.3 million is spent each day in Southeast Arizona and Yuma Phoenix, At-Large Member Mayor in Arizona by Mexican visitors. also are expected to support the Mayor Jim Lane Scottsdale, At-Large Member Hugh Hallman resolution. Mayor Michael LeVault City of Tempe While immigration issues tend Youngtown, At-Large Member to capture the news headlines, Mexico currently is considering Mayor Thomas Schoaf a much bigger story is found in improvements to the seaport at Litchfield Park, Past Chair the benefits of legal commercial Punta Colonet, which could signifi- entry coming across our southern cantly increase freight coming into Councilmember Robin Barker border. Other border Arizona. This is just one additional Apache Junction states, such as Texas, have recog- reason that Arizona is actively seek- Mayor Jackie Meck Buckeye nized the importance of this trade. ing a designation of the Interstate Mayor David Schwan Texas exports $72.6 billion worth 11 (I-11) corridor to Las Vegas. Carefree of products to Mexico each year, Not only would I-11 connect the Councilmember Dick Esser while Arizona exports $5.1 billion. two metro areas—the largest in the Cave Creek The Texas commercial ports of nation not currently connected by Mayor Jay Tibshraeny entry have the staffing resources to an interstate—it potentially would Chandler operate for longer periods of time clear a path to destinations farther Mayor Lana Mook when compared to the Arizona north into the Pacific Northwest. El Mirage President Clinton Pattea commercial ports of entry. Fort McDowell Nation Ensuring efficiency at the border Mayor Jay Schlum Before we can effectively enhance translates to effective transporta- Fountain Hills the flow of commerce from Mexico tion of goods and services. The Mayor Ron Henry through Arizona, however, it is increased transportation of goods Gila Bend necessary to improve the infra- translates to jobs locally. Governor Greg Mendoza Indian Community structure in Mexico leading up to Mayor John Lewis the Arizona ports. In February, the There is much at stake. We need Gilbert Joint Planning Advisory Council, to assist our border communities Mayor Elaine M. Scruggs which includes MAG, the Central so that Arizona can be globally Glendale Arizona Association of Govern- competitive. Let’s start with the Mayor Georgia Lord ments, and the Pima Association of low-hanging fruit. Let’s focus on Goodyear Governments, is expected to con- a statewide effort to improve the Mayor Yolanda Solarez sider a resolution that will advocate Guadalupe transportation corridor along Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox highway and rail infrastructure 189. We can achieve this if the Maricopa County that supports our Arizona/Mexico State Legislature returns High- Mayor Scott LeMarr ports of entry. This includes im- way User Revenue Funding that Paradise Valley provements to infrastructure such has been swept for other uses. If Mayor Bob Barrett as an alternative to State Route 189 we are bold enough to seize the Peoria near the Nogales port and restor- opportunities before us, we can Mayor Gail Barney Queen Creek ing the Wellton Branch rail line for transform the economic landscape freight and Amtrak service. It also President Diane Enos of Arizona. Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Mayor Sharon Wolcott Hugh Hallman Surprise Mayor, City of Tempe, Regional Council Mayor Adolfo Gamez Chair Tolleson 1912-2012 Mayor Kelly Blunt Dennis Smith, Executive Director Wickenburg MAGAZine is a quarterly newsletter of the Maricopa Associa- Leila Gamiz, Vladimir Livshits, Nathan Victor Flores and Felipe Zubia tion of Govern ments. It focuses on the issues and concerns of Pryor, Renae Tenney, Contributors Arizona Department of Transportation the cities, towns and tribal commu ni ties of Maricopa County. Kelly Taft, Editor F. Rockne Arnett If you know of a friend or colleague who would like to receive Citizens Transportation Gordon Tyus, Graphic Design MAGAZine, please call the MAG office, (602) 254-6300. Oversight Committee Visit www.azmag.gov and click on Regional Council. Page 2 MAGAZine Household Travel Survey Reveals Trends in Regional Travel Patterns

ost of the vehicle trips we travel? What factors form people’s of work-related trips is dropping as Mmake in our region are travel behavior? The survey data overall daily household trip rates for non-work related purposes, provide insight to these questions continue to increase. An average constituting about 90 percent of and inform MAG’s regional fore- household in the region makes the travel in our region. How- cast,” said Anderson, who noted more than 10 trips on a weekday ever, with an average one-way trip that the survey data are already and more than 13 trips on Satur- length of more than 12 miles, we being used in MAG regional travel days, which combined constitute also often drive more miles to forecasting models, which help one of the highest household trip work than for other purposes. decision makers plan future trans- rates in the nation. The average portation needs. trip length varies substantially Those are just a few of the findings across the region, depending on in a recently-completed detailed So what drives people’s travel the socioeconomic characteristics analysis of the 2008-2009 National behavior in our region? Findings of households, availability and Household Travel Survey for the indicate that the vast majority of nature of employment, transpor- MAG region. More than 4,700 trips occur for non-work related tation infrastructure and other households in the MAG region purposes, but contribution of work factors. answered questions about travel trips to the vehicle-miles traveled patterns, travel decisions and so- on regional roads is disproportion- The final report will be published cioeconomic household character- ally high. While about two-thirds on the MAG website in late Febru- istics. Analysts have spent the past of all trips were less than six miles ary. It will include information on two years analyzing and applying long, average work-related, one- household and personal character- the data, and a final 200-page way commutes are more than 12 istics of travelers, regional vehicle report will soon be published on miles long. The trend observed fleet composition, and detailed the findings. from the previous household sur- characteristics of trips. vey (2001) indicates that the share “Transportation plans and forecasts are only as good as the information that feeds them. This is why regionwide surveys and data collection are essential to understanding travel patterns and behaviors,” said MAG Transporta- tion Director Eric Anderson.

The MAG survey was part of a nationwide data collection effort conducted by the Federal High- way Administration (FHWA) that provides a snapshot of traveling America and serves as a major input in policy analysis, travel forecasting and transportation planning.

“We look at a variety of patterns, such as who, where, how, when, why and how far members of households travel in the region. What drives people’s choices of travel mode, destination or time of

February 2012 - April 2012 Page 3 Regional Profile

Lord Finds Feet Planted on the Ground in Goodyear

s the military wife of an Air has experience in creating “high- A Force fighter pilot turned quality, attractive communities diplomat, Georgia Lord has lived in from raw land all the way through Mayor countries around the world. Today, to built developments.” After serv- Georgia Lord she has found a permanent home ing on the City Center advisory City of Goodyear in the city of Goodyear, where she committee for several years, Lord recently was elected to fill a two- decided that becoming active on year unexpired term as mayor. the Goodyear City Council was her best hope of seeing the strategy Georgia Lord and her husband, Col. Ronald “I am passionate about my city,” implemented. H. Lord, USAF, at an embassy function. says Mayor Lord. “My husband and I moved 22 times during my “I really love the team building 24 years of his 30-year military of the city council. I like bring- She served as vice chair to the career. I have never been planted ing people together. I like being Ladies International Society and anywhere where I could make a able to encourage them to speak often assisted the embassy with as- difference in a city. So I find it very their mind and to be creative and signments. One assignment was on exciting and rewarding to be able to develop avenues of progress for the more unusual side—running have a time in my life where I can our city. We don’t always agree an International Fashion Show of devote a great deal of attention to on everything, but we are able to American “readywear.” something I believe in. And I be- compromise, build consensus and lieve in Goodyear and the advance- come together for the needs of “We took this show to Belgium, ment of Goodyear.” Goodyear’s citizens.” England and to surrounding countries. Really it was part of an Lord’s official entry into politics Although her official foray into economic development program, came when she was tapped to politics is recent, it is a role that in because at that time retail in Ger- serve as chair of the Goodyear many ways Lord has been prepar- many did not have readywear. At City Center Technical Advisory ing for her entire life. Her mother each of the shows, we had a number Committee to craft a downtown was active in politics and brought of international people in the audi- strategy for Goodyear. As a former daughter Georgia along to numer- ence who were there to learn about sales representative and part-time ous conventions. The family often that aspect of fashion.” trainer for a national builder, Lord spent their vacations with the fam- ily of Michigan Governor G. Men- And while she doesn’t like to men- nen Williams on Mackinac Island. tion it, Lord modestly admits she also worked as an international “It is very interesting to see the con- model. She says that traveling trast of some things that keep cross- across Europe with a German ing my life. So I guess my mother troupe also helped hone her com- prepared me and I didn’t realize it munication and people skills. at the time,” notes the mayor. “We would go from city to city to do Georgia Lord Soon, she married Ron Lord, an shows, and I was able to meet the (maiden name Air Force colonel whose career Bürgermeister, the mayor of each Cotsikas) shows expanded into foreign service. The city. And I would take time to drive her team spirit as Lords were given diplomatic duty around and see these small villages a cheerleader at Michigan State in Bonn, Germany, where Lord University in 1957. learned to speak fluent German. Continued on page 5

Page 4 MAGAZine Mayor Georgia Domestic Violence Efforts Lord (continued) Receive Critical Funding and some larger cities, so it was a he MAG Regional Domestic Violence Council rang in great learning opportunity,” she Tthe New Year with new grant funding to support the says. Protocol Evaluation Project. Thanks to a new STOP Grant through the Governor’s Office, more than 500 law enforce- After Germany, the Lords moved ment officers, prosecutors, and victim advocates will to the Netherlands and then to continue evaluating the criminal justice system’s response the Far East. In Okinawa, Japan, to domestic violence. The goal is to increase consistency in how domestic violence crimes are handled. Lord was asked to teach city council members English. “The funding will allow us to expand the Protocol “I didn’t win, but I made it through Evaluation Project to address not only misdemeanor “I had never attended a city council the performance without falling but felony-level domestic violence crimes,” said MAG meeting before in the states, so it Regional Domestic Violence Council Chair Barbara down!” she laughs. “I wanted to is ironic that my first experience Marshall, division chief of the Juvenile Crimes Division do it because I haven’t had the with city government was in Japan. of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. “Community opportunity to do anything (of a partners will evaluate the implementation of felony-level I guess God had the path for me, more entertaining nature) in my domestic violence practices and identify opportunities and here I am,” she says. community recently, where I can for increasing adherence to these recommended prac- be personally involved. So it was a tices,” she said. “The expected outcome is that we will While favorite hobbies used to be be able to hold more offenders accountable and create a delight.” competitive tennis, leisure golf safer environment for victims.” and even tap dancing, Lord says Still, Lord has her feet solidly on she has given up playing sports Marshall said that training resources will be developed to the ground. She serves on the for the time being in deference to align the region’s response to domestic violence crimes to MAG Regional Council and Trans- the protocol model. In addition, the project will explore op- her mayoral commitments. Her portation Policy Committee, the portunities for collecting and analyzing data to ensure this latest venture involving physi- Greater Phoenix Economic Coun- work is making a difference. The misdemeanor protocol cal activity was dancing in a local model, developed during the project’s first year, will be up- cil Board of Directors, League of competition of “Dancing With the dated to reflect the latest research on successful practices. Arizona Cities Executive Com- Stars.” After training in a “Cha- mittee, Luke Forward, and Luke Cha Disco” dance with a profes- “The success of the Protocol Evaluation Project depends West Valley Council. Her priorities sional partner for a week—“Oh, on communication and close collaboration among law range from improving infrastruc- enforcement, prosecutors, victim advocates, and survi- I could hardly walk when I was ture to encouraging economic vors of domestic violence,” said Apache Junction Police finished!”—she performed in a development. Chief Jerald Monahan, vice chair of the Council. “We will show Lord calls “equal to Las Ve- implement strategies for building and maintaining these gas, television, or Broadway.” She connections. These strategies will range from holding “The one thing I have to say is that notes that at age 73, she was the smaller meetings among peer groups to define specific our city has done quite well in the oldest dancer to participate. tactics as well as larger stakeholder meetings for broader downturn in acquiring jobs,” says discussions,” he said. The conversations will be used to Lord, who has served as chair of the identify areas where more training is needed and identify Greater Phoenix Economic Com- necessary resources. mittee Ambassadors Steering Com- mittee. “If I may brag about our During its first year, the Protocol Evaluation Project evaluated the practices used by law enforcement and staff, city council and city manager, prosecutors when handling misdemeanor domestic vio- it is that we have brought a number lence crimes. When the project started, there were 106 of companies into our city, and we different ways offenders were arrested and prosecuted. now have an international blend of To reduce inconsistencies, the model now contains 28 of businesses.” the nation’s best practices to hold abusers accountable and provide assistance to victims. Lord, who has four children and Training materials created to help put model practices five grandchildren, says she will into place included an outreach video, a training video, Mayor Lord with her “Dancing with the consider running again for office and a webinar series. These resources are available on Stars” partner Andrew Blackburne at when her appointed term expires. the MAG website at https://www.azmag.gov/Projects/ Pebble Creek. Project.asp?CMSID=3780.

February 2012 - April 2012 Page 5 MAG Members Celebrate the Arizona Centennial (continued)

forced the town’s evacuation. Also growth, as many service men and in this fire, the largest recorded women chose to make Chandler saguaro cactus, standing at 46 their home after stints in the mili- feet tall and having a base circum- tary. When Rogers Corporation Celebration: Buckeye’s cen- ference of 7 feet, 10 inches, was opened an electronics manufac- tennial celebration was held injured and later collapsed. turing plant in 1967, it started a during Buckeye Days 2012, steady transition from a primarily which took place in late Janu- Celebration: The town celebrated agricultural economy to a stronger, ary. In true Old West fashion, the centennial during Wild West more diverse business base that events included a cowboy Days in November 2011. has attracted hi-tech giants like In- breakfast, barbecue dinner, tel, Motorola and Microchip. The carriage rides, high noon Chandler population booms of the 1980s gun fight, and rodeos. Most Significant Event(s): Chan- and ‘90s helped to make Chandler dler not only will be celebrating one of the largest cities in Arizona, Carefree the state’s centennial in 2012, it with a current population of nearly Most Significant Event(s): also will celebrate its own 100th 240,000. Today, Chandler is an The most significant event in birthday. On May 17, 1912, Dr. All-America City, recognized as a Carefree has been the incor- Alexander John Chandler opened progressive and dynamic commu- poration of the town in 1984. a land office on the southern edge nity that offers outstanding quality Taking control of its own of the Salt River Valley. The day of life, excellent schools, strong destiny allows Carefree to arrived “without any flourish of neighborhoods and a thriving remain a unique semi-rural trumpets,” according to the first downtown. community in the Sonoran issue of the Chandler Arizonan Desert. The “Grand One,” newspaper published several days Celebration: Several of Chandler’s the world’s largest later. What did arrive that day was traditional festivals have been des- saguaro, before the Carefree is celebrat- Celebration: 2005 fire. a train on the newly completed ignated as official Arizona Centen- ing Arizona’s centennial with a Photo courtesy of Arizona Eastern Railroad, which nial events, including a ceremony time capsule. The contents of Dan Sorensen. carried 300 speculators who spent that took place in December to the capsule are designed to tell $50,000 for land that had been light Chandler’s 55th Tumbleweed people in the part of Dr. Chandler’s 18,000 acre Christmas Tree. As with Arizona’s future about ranch. From that beginning, the centennial celebration, the 100th life in Carefree town of Chandler thrived due birthday of Chandler will honor in 2012. The to the surrounding farmlands, the founders and pioneer fami- capsule will be ranches and dairies, along with lies who have lived in the Valley opened in 2059, tourism at the San Marcos Hotel. for generations, as well as those the 100th an- who only recently arrived. During niversary of the Decades later, the opening of these centennial commemorations, Carefree Sun- Carefree’s iconic nearby Williams Army Airfield Chandler will honor the dreamers dial, the town’s iconic structure. sundial. during World War II brought more and the leaders with vision, people The capsule will be dedicated on like Dr. A.J. Chandler, who had a February 14, 2012. master plan for a thriving commu- nity built around a town square and Cave Creek anchored by a destination resort. Most Significant Event(s): The town’s incorporation in 1986 is El Mirage considered the most significant Most Significant Event(s): During event in the town’s history. Anoth- the last 10 years, the city of El er significant event was the Cave Mirage has experienced an Creek Complex fire in 2005, one extraordinary shift in population of the largest wildfires in the state’s unprecedented in the city’s history. history, which scorched 450,000 The population has increased acres of pristine desert and nearly Chandler’s Arizona Eastern Railroad Station opened in 1912. more than 400 percent (from

Page 6 MAGAZine approximately 7,600 to 33,000 organizations, businesses, town of- residents). Once a migrant enclave ficials, school district members and dependent on agriculture, El individuals who have contributed to Mirage has emerged as a diverse, efforts commemorating the centen- vibrant suburb 19 miles northwest nial. The town has five officially of downtown Phoenix. Attracted sanctioned events and projects, by the small town feel, affordable including the party itself. There homes, and proximity to Phoenix, will be bands and singers perform- new residents have brought cultural ing centennial music, dedications diversity and renewed vibrancy— including the Centennial Circle, raf- goals long sought by city leaders— fles, a new time capsule, and more... to sustain El Mirage contextually and, of course, a birthday cake! Former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano cuts the ribbon officially as a hamlet for current and future opening the Loop 202 freeway segment to Gilbert in 2003. generations. The new direction for Gila Bend El Mirage calls for higher density, Most Significant Event(s): Gila transit-oriented development and Bend has gone from being the “fan Celebration: In addition to several events held late focuses on revenue generating belt capital of the West” to being last year, Gilbert will host the 2012 GilbertFest Music retail, services, mixed-use and the “solar capital of the world.” and Arts Festival February 17-18 at the Higley Center employment centers. for the Performing Arts. The festival will feature inter- Celebration: Gila Bend is incorpo- nationally famous groups as well as local and regional Celebration: El Mirage, in con- rating the state’s 100th birthday talent. In addition to the music, local artists will junction with the Northwest Black with the town’s 50th, kicking off showcase their talent as part of two centennial arts History Committee, is planning a with Butterfield Stage Days Parade, projects. The first, entitled Partners, joins local high Multicultural Music Festival on Sat- which will include themes of the school artists with long-time Gilbert residents to cre- urday, April 21, 2012, at Gateway past, present and future. Sev- ate art that celebrates Gilbert’s early days. The second Park. The event will feature live eral other smaller events will take project encourages artists of all media and genres to music, food, and games for the place, with the finale being held commemorate One Hundred Years Together—Gilbert entire family. The city is applying on July 4th. Past, Present, and Future. to have the event designated as an official Arizona Centennial Event. Glendale Most Significant Event(s): The opening of Thunder- Fountain Hills bird and Luke fields in 1941. This was the beginning Most Significant Event(s): of Glendale’s transformation from an agricultural Fountain Hills considers its incor- community. Both fields introduced new people to the poration in 1989 to be its most Gilbert area, became important parts of the local economy significant historical event. The Most Significant Event(s): Trans- (and still are, although Thunderbird now has a differ- town celebrated its 20th birthday portation is not only the most ent function), and both are in Glendale today. in 2009. The event was attended important topic to many residents Continued on page 8 by all the town’s previous mayors, in Gilbert, but it easily covers the who helped unearth a time capsule town’s most significant events over buried on the town’s first birthday. the past 100 years, as transporta- tion plans and gains have guided Celebration: Fountain Hills formed Gilbert’s development. In fact, the a committee right after the February train station on Gilbert’s original 2010 centennial planning kickoff in square mile birthed the community. Phoenix and has been participating That led to more recent innova- in various centennial activities for tions of the Loop 202, which glides more than a year, which will con- through the center of town, draw- tinue through 2012. Fountain Hills ing in commerce and conveniences also will celebrate on Sunday, Febru- that will continue to grow the ary 12, 2012, with a birthday party thriving community decades into Thunderbird Field opened in 1941. showcasing more than 100 groups, the future.

February 2012 - April 2012 Page 7 MAG Members Celebrate the Arizona Centennial (continued)

Thunderbird Field was a basic Goodyear flight training facility. Luke Field Most Significant Event(s): The was for advanced training. most significant event to happen in the city of Goodyear during the Celebration: Glendale will cel- past 100 years is the opening of ebrate the Arizona Centennial Goodyear Aircraft Corporation at the Glendale Chocolate Affaire in 1949, creating 7,500 new jobs February 3-5 in downtown Glen- and establishing a long history of dale. The event has been deemed aerospace and defense programs an Official Centennial Event by in Goodyear. Goodyear Aerospace the Arizona Centennial Commis- Corporation replaced the Good- The Goodyear blimp was a well-known symbol of the Goodyear sion. During the Chocolate Affaire, year Aircraft facility, then was sold Aircraft Corporation, which opened in Goodyear in 1949. the Glendale Arts Commission will to Loral Defense Systems and host a Plein Air Painting Contest eventually evolved by merger and Maricopa County with artists from all over the state acquisition into the current Lock- Most Significant Event(s): The Maricopa County coming to compete at this event. heed Martin Corporation. This Department of Transportation’s roots reach back Plein air paintings are created out- progression is what changed the before statehood, when the County Highway Depart- doors from real life; both painter face of Goodyear and set the stage ment was established in 1874. By early 1919, the and subject must be outdoors and for Goodyear to be the employ- population of Maricopa County had grown to 89,600 photographs cannot be used. In- ment center it is today. and the county’s residents were demanding road structions include painting histori- construction and paving. The Maricopa Bond Issue cal subjects from the West Valley to Celebration: In celebration of the of 1919 laid the foundation for the current county acknowledge or salute the centen- Arizona Centennial, on February highway system. By 1923, this ambitious project led nial, creating artwork to display 25, 2012, Goodyear will jointly to Maricopa County having more miles of paved tie-ins to the centennial such as Sa- hold a parade called A Tale of Two road than any other county in the U.S. Much of the huaro Ranch, Beet Sugar Factory, Cities—Avondale and Goodyear Cel- original concrete pavement poured for the project First United Methodist Church ebrate Arizona’s Centennial and after still serves as the base for our present roadway system. and Murphy Park, all destinations the parade, a fun-filled, family- In 1996, the department was awarded a $7.5 million that are over 100 years old. focused festival celebrating Planes, grant to further expand its Intelligent Transportation Trains and Automobiles—100 years of System within the metropolitan Phoenix area. In addition, Glendale has dis- Transportation in the Southwest Val- played a giant Happy 100th Birthday ley. In addition, the Goodyear AZ Celebration: Maricopa County Arizona sign constructed out of Centennial Committee is raising will celebrate the centennial lights that will be glowing for the money to restore the Litchfield through the grand opening of three-day event on the side of City Station Train Depot built in the its new court tower on Febru- Hall. Also, kids in grades 1-4 are early 20th century, where Good- ary 14, 2012. The new $340 being encouraged to find out what year executives arrived from Ohio. million Downtown Court Tower it was like to live in Arizona in 1912 is Maricopa County’s single and throughout the last 100 years. Litchfield Park largest project. The tower is a modern courthouse with Presented by the Glendale Main Most Significant Event(s): The technologies designed to improve safety and efficiency Library, Sahuaro Ranch Park His- City of Litchfield Park shares the and to meet the growing needs of a backlogged justice toric Area, Glendale Adult Center last 25 years of history with the system. Creatively designed to care for victims as well and City of Glendale Conservation state of Arizona. Incorporation in as defendants, lawyers and judges, the facility is also an and Sustainable Living Office, 1987 is considered the commu- energy-efficient facility. schoolchildren will learn how cow- nity’s most significant event. boys lived, join a scavenger hunt, Maricopa County is also working on the rehabilitation enjoy interactive activities, create Celebration: Litchfield Park will be of the historic Gillespie Dam bridge (part of the old crafts, hear stories, and become recognizing the state’s anniversary US-80 coast-to-coast highway). This bridge is sig- desert explorers and search for at the same time it hosts a celebra- nificant both historically as well as a prime example Arizona’s state symbols. Register tion for the city’s 25th anniversary of early transportation engineering. The county has beginning February 1, 2012, by of incorporation. submitted the project for centennial legacy project calling Carolyn at (623) 930-3539. designation.

Page 8 MAGAZine Mesa Paradise Valley a baseball game Most Significant Event(s): One Most Significant Event(s): Fifty following 1912 rules, kids’ of the most significant events in years ago, the town of Paradise Val- activities, and a fireworks display. Saturday morning Mesa in the last century kicked off ley decided to incorporate, basing will include the dedication of a brand new Centennial a legacy of aviation not only for the new government on land use Plaza and Decades Walk, which is an approved Arizona Mesa but for the entire state of policies and limited government. Historical Advisory Commission Legacy Project. Pre- Arizona. In 1941, two military air Those initial views have held ever viously called the Municipal Office Complex Park, the fields—Falcon Field and Williams since the town’s incorporation in project involves the development of the open space Field—were opened to train Brit- 1961. between the Public Safety Administration Build- ish Royal Air Force pilots and U.S. ing, and the Development and Community Services Army Air Force pilots for World Celebration: Paradise Valley cel- Building on the municipal campus. Included within War II. Since then, both airfields ebrated the town’s history with a the park is a timeline featuring significant dates from have become thriving airports that 50th birthday party in May 2011. Peoria’s history. The event also will include baseball define the Mesa community. Fal- The golden anniversary party exhibits, live entertainment, food vending, painting con Field is one of the busiest and was attended by more than 300 stations, and even a grand cupcake display. safest general aviation airports people. in the country, with more than Phoenix 850 based aircraft. Williams Field Peoria Most Significant is now Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Most Significant Event(s): The Event(s): The Airport, one of the most success- incorporation of the city is con- most significant ful military reuse projects in the sidered the most significant event event to take country, home to two growing pas- to take place in Peoria over the place in the city senger airlines and a hot spot for past 100 years. Beginning as a of Phoenix is the aerospace research. small farming town, Peoria quickly development attracted followers ready to root of Sky Harbor Celebration: Mesa is celebrating themselves in the area. By 1954, International the Arizona Centennial with Mesa with boundaries covering one Airport. Scenic New control tower at Sky Harbor Airport Takes Flight, a year-long celebra- square mile of land, Peoria was Airways founded tion that features events, displays, incorporated. Today, Peoria spans Sky Harbor performances and installations 178 square miles and is home to Airport in 1928. In 1930, American Airlines brought that capture the essence of flight more than 155,000 residents. passenger and air mail service to Arizona. In 1935, from various perspectives and the city purchased the airport for $100,000, and by disciplines. See First Flight: Rulers Celebration: Peoria will hold a 1948 the Civil Aeronautics Administration declared of the Prehistoric Skies at the Arizona two-day event February 3-4, 2012. that it was the busiest airport in the . Museum of Natural History or the The Friday evening event at the Terminal 1 was built in 1952, Terminal 2 opened World War II Aviation in Arizona Peoria Sports Complex will feature in 1962, Terminal 3 was completed in 1979, and exhibit at the Terminal 4 in 1990. In 2010, the Sky Train bridge was Mesa Historical completed and the first planes taxied underneath. Museum. Mesa Takes Flight con- Celebration: The city of Phoenix organized a multi- tinues through department work group to identify, coordinate and March 18, 2012. implement centennial projects and events throughout A full listing of the city. Projects ranged from temporarily rebranding events, includ- transit passes with the centennial logo, exhibiting art ing the Mesa pieces from local Arizona artists at Sky Harbor In- Takes Flight Fes- ternational Airport and City Hall, and several events tival at the Mesa at public libraries that focused on Arizona and its Arts Center history. Parks and Recreation staff hosted the annual February 10-12, Electric Light Parade and are also helping to coordinate can be found at the February 2012 Best Fest event to be held in the www.mesaaz.gov/ Incoming freshman girls pose in front of the historic Peoria High State Capitol Mall area. Phoenix will host the Febru- School, 1929. mesatakesflight. Continued on page 10

February 2012 - April 2012 Page 9 MAG Members Celebrate the Arizona Centennial (continued) ary 14, 2012, Fandango Dinner Celebration: Scottsdale plans to Event at the Phoenix Convention celebrate the Arizona Centennial Center. These events are a sample with a special Mayor and City of the many projects and efforts Council Breakfast February 14 dedicated to celebrating the state’s honoring the community’s history. centennial. In addition to events, Details are pending. the city’s Streets Department part- nered with the Arizona Depart- Surprise ment of Transportation and the Most Significant Event(s): A defin- Arizona Centennial Commission ing moment for the city of Sur- on a street enhancement project prise was the opening of the Sur- between 7th Avenue and the State Bicyclists on Scottsdale’s Indian Bend Recreation Area. prise Recreation Campus (SRC), Capitol on Washington Street. celebrating its 10th Anniversary in physically divided emerging neighborhoods. The 2012. Major leaguers, tennis pros Queen Creek Army Corps of Engineers wanted to create a massive and more than a million people Most Significant Event(s): The concrete channel to tame floodwaters in the 1960s. from around the world enjoy the town’s incorporation in 1989, Residents had a different idea. They wanted to work SRC every year, resulting in a $35 making it the state’s 84th munici- within the natural environment to create a network million economic impact to the pality, was the largest milestone for of parks, lakes and open space to corral floodwaters community. The crown jewel of the community. and enhance their growing community. In 1973, the SRC is nationally-acclaimed voters approved a $19 million bond project to begin Surprise Stadium, the spring Celebration: Queen Creek is cel- the project. More than a decade of construction training home of the Texas Rang- ebrating Arizona’s centennial by would follow before the Indian Bend Wash Green- ers and Kansas City Royals. Just moving its award winning festival, belt Flood Control Project was formally dedicated in a short walk from the stadium is Passport to Discovery, to Saturday, 1985. Today, the greenbelt is an oasis of parks, lakes, the award-winning Surprise Ten- February 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. paths and golf courses traversing 11 miles through nis and Racquet Complex, which at Desert Mountain Park, 22201 S. the heart of Scottsdale. This world-renowned flood hosts the annual Cancer Treatment Hawes Road, Queen Creek. This control project is rated among the top urban “green Centers of America Tennis Champi- year it is celebrating Amazing Ari- spaces” in Arizona. To learn more about the Indian onships, where tennis greats such zona! in which performances, dis- Bend Wash Greenbelt, visit: as John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, plays and cultural demonstrations www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/greenbelt. Pete Sampras, Anna Kournikova will showcase Arizona’s fascinating and others compete each fall. history and diversity. This fam- Less than a decade after the greenbelt was dedicated, With tennis pros on site and 25 ily event combines art, culture, Scottsdale citizens turned their attention north to the full-size courts, players of all skill science and fun in an all-in-one spectacular McDowell Mountains and the surround- sets enjoy this facility. Adjacent community festival. Passport to ing Sonoran Desert. Development was threatening to DreamCatcher Park, a national Discovery offers families opportuni- encroach into this wilderness rich in rock formations, award winner, is the first adaptive ties to enjoy an interactive Discov- diverse plants and wildlife. Scottsdale voters ap- sports facility of its kind in Ari- ery Zone and Art Adventures area, proved a dedicated sales tax in 1995 to purchase land zona. Open since 2007, the park multicultural performances on the in an area whose boundaries would grow to encom- features a unique playing surface Cultural Rhythms Stage, and craft pass roughly 34,000 acres—nearly a third of the city. for athletes using mobility devices. and food vendors. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve was born. About Every summer, thousands beat the 19,000 acres have been protected to date, including Scottsdale several key state land purchases made in 2011. The Most Significant Event(s): The preserve also continues to grow in popularity as a natural environment, preserva- place to hike, sightsee and learn about the Sonoran tion and innovation have shaped Desert. Scottsdale maintains nine trailheads and two the Scottsdale community since its dozen trails in the preserve, totaling 60 miles. To founding more than 100 years ago. learn more about the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, The Indian Bend Wash defined visit these websites: early Scottsdale. The flood-prone scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve; mcdowellsonoran.org. Surprise Recreation Campus is home to area was difficult to build near and the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals.

Page 10 MAGAZine heat in the neighboring Aquatics including a Walk Through His- Center. Surprise loves visitors, and tory walking tour of Downtown encourages them to come explore Tempe; Tales From Double Butte, the Surprise Recreation Campus. featuring stories about some of To learn more, visit Tempe’s founding figures bur- www.surpriseaz.gov/recreation. ied at the Tempe Double Butte Cemetery; the restoration of the Celebration: In January, the city Eisendrath House; The Pictures Tell of Surprise and Surprise Histori- the Story: Continuity and Change in cal Society were proud to co-host Tempe photo exhibit at the Tempe Marshall Trimble & Friends, an History Museum, and more. official Arizona Centennial Event, in which Marshall Trimble per- Tolleson formed music and recited humor- Most Significant Event(s): Tolle- An aerial view of Tempe Normal School in 1929. The school later ous tales of Arizona. It was a well- son’s most significant event of the became the Arizona State Teachers College, and in 1958, Arizona attended event and fun for all. last 100 years was the court case State University. Gonzales v. Sheely and the Tolleson El- Tempe ementary School District, a landmark Wickenburg is also the fourth-oldest city in Arizona, Most Significant Event(s): In case that was the first anti-segrega- incorporated in 1909. As such, in 2009, Wickenburg Tempe’s 140-year history, there tion suit in Arizona, which led to celebrated an achievement not many cities in the state have been many significant events, the desegregation of the Tolleson have yet had the chance to do: it celebrated its own one of the first being the impact of Elementary School District. centennial, recognizing 100 years of growing while the creation of the GI Bill follow- preserving the culture of the American West. ing World War II. Not only did it Tolleson is exploring an evolution- enable thousands of veterans to ary depiction with several mile Celebration: Wickenburg is proud to celebrate the attend Arizona State Teachers Col- markers that includes the anti- Arizona Centennial and the party has already started! lege, it also helped create a popu- segregation action; Tolleson’s first Beginning in 2011, several major community events lation explosion in Tempe (which Little League State Champions, have been designated as official Arizona Centennial increased by more than 40,000 who nearly reached the World events, culminating with the 64th Annual between 1945 and 1965). In 1958, Series in Williamsport; the evolu- Days February 16-19, 2012. Visitors from around Ari- the school became the beloved tion of the city’s robust economy; zona are encouraged to join residents at this signature Arizona State University, now the the significance youth hold in the event to commemorate 100 years of both Wicken- country’s largest public university. community; and of course, the burg’s and the state’s history. In the mid-sixties, the Tempe moniker for which Tolleson is best city code was established and the known, “The Vegetable Center of Youngtown charter form of government was the World.” Most Significant Event(s): The town of Youngtown adopted. Shortly after, the Tempe started development in 1954, when a 320-acre cattle Municipal Building was built at Wickenburg ranch, owned by Frances Greer, was born with an idea its current location. At the time, Most Significant Event(s): It’s by Ben Schleifer to create the first active retirement this was the catalyst for revitaliz- hard to pinpoint a single, most community in the nation. The Youngtown clubhouse ing Downtown Tempe. It remains significant event for Wickenburg was the original Greer home, which still displays the one of Tempe’s most talked about in the past 100 years, although the Greer Ranch brand (“T Lazy V”) on the chimney. The buildings. In 1999, Tempe Town community has been a key part of Youngtown Building Inspector Office and Town Hall Lake opened. Today, it is the back- Arizona and Maricopa County for once served as housing for the ranch employees. drop and/or home to thousands the past century. In addition to be- of community events year round. ing involved in the founding of the In 1957, Youngtown was featured on the national TV Second only to the Grand Canyon, state’s capital city, Phoenix (Wick- show Wide, Wide World by Dave Garroway. This led Town Lake is one of Arizona’s most enburg was home to , to national attention, and the national retirement visited destinations. who is credited with starting the movement began. In 1998, the Senior Age Overlay first successful, modern irrigation was overturned and families started moving in to Celebration: Tempe will host project in the Salt River Valley), Youngtown. several official centennial events, Continued on page 12

February 2012 - April 2012 Page 11 VoicesMAG FromMembers the Council Celebrate the 2012 Arizona Centennial (continued)

The Youngtown Historical Mu- Native American Indian Communities seum is a log cabin building located in the Town Square, next MAG’s membership includes three Native American Indian communities: the Fort Mc- to the Town Library, and houses a Dowell Yavapai Nation, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, and the Gila detailed history of the town. River Indian Community. Recognizing that tribal history transcends the 100-year history Tours are available by calling of Arizona, here are a few historical highlights provided by the communities during a (623) 974-3401. recent series on tribal contributions to the region.

Celebration: Youngtown has been Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation—According to tribal legend, the Yavapai people were born through working toward the centennial the union of sun and water in Montezuma’s Well. While the history of the Yavapai people goes back celebration for several years. Late centuries, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, formally known as Fort McDowell Mohave-Apache Com- Councilmember Lucille Retheford munity, was officially created by Executive Order on September 15, 1903. Over the past 160 years, the and current Councilmember Nation has had to overcome enormous adversity from outside pressures. For example, soldiers forcibly Susan MacKay put together a local removed the Yavapai from their homeland on frequent occasions. Years later, the Nation successfully committee in conjunction with the fought against the Orme Dam, which would have flooded most of the reservation and forced the tribe to town’s historical society to create relocate permanently. In 1984, the tribe operated a small bingo hall that provided a source of revenue to a series of panels that would show support the community’s needs. However, on May 12, 1992, the FBI raided the bingo center. The result- the town’s history; the results of ing controversy culminated in the signing of a gaming compact that paved the way for the Arizona Indian their efforts are seven thematic gaming seen today. panels, which are on permanent display in the town’s Historical Mu- Gila River Indian Community—The Gila River Indian seum. Youngtown has made these Community is home to two separate and culturally distinct panels available for Council meet- people: the “Akimel O’otham” (River People or Pima) and ings and various events and they the Pee Posh (People or Maricopa). The Pee Posh are a will be an integral part of addi- tional anniversary events planned Yuman-speaking people who originally lived along the throughout the year. Youngtown . These members began arriving in central invites members of the public to Arizona in the early 1800s, when they confederated with the tour its Historical Museum. Young- Akimel O’otham. Together the tribes agreed to provide for town will also include centennial their mutual defense and prosperity. The Akimel O’otham celebrations in both in its Getting are descended from the prehistoric Huhugam civilization (archaeologists refer to the Huhugam as the Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods ). The gold rush of the 1800s brought tens of thousands of travelers to the peaceful com- (G.A.I.N.) event and in a winter munity. These travelers, many starving and ailing, relied on the generosity of the Akimel O’odham and event later this year. Pee Posh for stores of wheat and corn that saved them from starvation. In 1859, Congress established the first reservation in Arizona, encompassing 372,000 acres along the Gila River. However, the Valley Metro tribe’s lifeblood—Gila River water—was cut off in the 1870s by construction of upstream diversion Celebration: An Old West style of structures, leading to famine and economic decline. Conditions began to improve in the 1930s, when transportation met modern day the Coolidge Dam was constructed, creating the San Carlos Reservoir. Today, the community has 20 transit as Valley Metro and METRO diverse business enterprises and has developed as a tourist destination. light rail celebrated the debut of the Arizona Commemorative Centen- Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community—The history of the Pima and Maricopa people tells a nial Transit Pass on Friday, January story richly woven within legend and fact. The Community comprises two Native American tribes: the 6, 2012. The special event, held Pima, “Akimel O’odham” (River People) and the Maricopa, “Xalychidom Piipaash” (People Who Live at Central Station in downtown Toward the Water). The tribe’s ancestors built elaborate canal irrigation systems in the Salt River Val- Phoenix, included members of the ley. The Pima consider their ancestors to be the Huhugam, a people who created an advanced society Arizona with special in central Arizona from about A.D. 300 to A.D. 1200. The ancestors of the Maricopa are the , guest, Concho the horse. who originated from the Parker/La Paz area as five separate groups of people. A small band moved to what is now the Lehi area of the Community. Although its history goes back many centuries, the Salt Transit History Tidbit: In 1887, River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community was officially established by Executive Order on June 14, the first public transit service be- 1879, by President Rutherford B. Hayes. gan in Phoenix with mule-drawn streetcars.

Page 12 MAGAZine MAGVoices HighlightsFrom the Council Freeway 2012 Accomplishments

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Freeway Opening Dates

This map shows the initial opening dates for segments of the regional freeway system. It also includes the planned opening dates for future freeways, including the South Mountain Loop 202 1973 1970 and the Loop 303 in the West Valley. Miles !"`$ 1959 05

Major Milestones in MAG History Maricopa Federal Governor Prop 300. ISTEA. MAG Regional Outer HB 2292 HB 2456 Freeway Association of Transportation designates MAG defines MAG Freeway Loop recognizes authorizes program Governments Act. MAG as the plan and designated Program freeway MAG’s establish- an election rebalanced formed. Governor Regional priorities Transportation schedule revised accelerated ment of the TPC. to extend the in October. designates Water for Regional Management for completion from 2014 The TPC and half-cent sales MAG as MPO. Quality Freeway Area (TMA). by 2014. to 2007. Regional Council tax to fund Management System. approve the RTP the RTP. Prop Planning 9-1-1 System in November. 400 passes Agency. implemented. in November. 2009

Governor HB 2278 MAG Regional designates MAG sets Council Regional MAG as priorities, TEA-21 creates the Planning Governor the Regional approves requires Transportation Districts designates Solid Waste Clean cost cooperatively MAG Policy Commitee formed by MAG as Lead Manage- Air Act changes, developed Domestic (TPC) to develop MAG Executive Air Quality ment Amendments issues funding Violence a Regional celebrates Order of the Planning Planning “Conformity” Annual estimate for Council Transportation 40 year Governor. Agency. Agency. required. Report. transportation. formed. Plan (RTP). anniversary.

February 2012 - April 2012 Page 13 Border Trips Spotlight Need for Partnership

hey left in the dark and returned in the dark 14 2010, the ports of entry in Nogales recorded 307,000 Thours later, but members of a fact-finding trip to commercial vehicles crossing into the United States the Nogales Ports of Entry made the most of the time from the south. In addition to the yearly commercial in between to explore opportunities to improve the traffic, the ports of entry in Nogales also accommo- border crossing with a focus on increasing competi- date passenger vehicles (2.66 million), buses (10,320), tiveness and efficiency. trains (602), and pedestrian traffic (11 million).

The December trip was organized by the MAG Eco- “Despite the high traffic volumes, we found there is nomic Development Committee in cooperation with a lack of adequate staffing,” said Youngtown Mayor the Arizona Mexico Commission, the Central Arizona Michael LeVault, who serves on the MAG Executive Association of Governments, the Pima Association of Committee. “Commercial wait times at the border Governments and the city of Nogales. More than 50 can represent up to four to eight hours of lost produc- people participated in the tour. tion due to a lack of adequate staffing. The Mariposa crossing at Nogales needs at least 250 additional “Mexico represents the 13th largest economy in the border staff to monitor the border crossing effectively world and is Arizona’s largest trading partner. It is and efficiently,” he said. time we started paying attention to strengthening our partnerships for the benefit of both countries,” It is estimated that Arizona annually exports about said MAG Economic Development Committee Chair $5.1 billion worth of products to Mexico and beyond. Thomas Schoaf, mayor of Litchfield Park. “Mexican The top exports heading south are computers and visitors—and we are talking about legal Mexican visi- electronic products, transportation equipment, ag- tors—spend more than seven million dollars every ricultural products, electrical equipment, appliances day in our state. Yet we are far behind other states like and parts. Texas when it comes to trade with Mexico and the efficient movement of vehicles and goods through “The trade and commerce impact to inland communi- customs,” he said. ties is great, and we are losing a great economic devel- opment opportunity,” said Mesa Mayor Scott Smith. The Nogales Ports of Entry (POE) represent a two- “Texas continues to improve its ports and we continue way trade value of $18 billion to $20 billion a year. In to be in danger of losing trade to Texas,” he said.

In addition to the Nogales trip, the Economic Devel- MAG Moment opment Committee also organized a trip to San Luis. MAG leaders met with Mayor Juan Carlos Escamilla of San Luis, Mayor Martin Porchas of Somerton, and Mayor Alan Krieger of Yuma, along with representa- tives from the Yuma County Board of Supervisors, Yuma Metropolitan Planning Office, Greater Yuma Port Authority, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Arizona Department of Transportation. The group discussed ways to address issues at ports of entry and in turn promote economic development for the region.

“We are committed to working with our fellow elected leaders in the Yuma region, as well as those in Doug- las, Nogales, and other border cities with ports of entry, to maximize economic development for them and for the greater state of Arizona,” said Avondale Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers, who serves as vice chair of MAG and is a member of the Economic Develop- More than 50 participants travel to the Nogales Ports of Entry to learn more about ment Committee. increasing competitiveness at the Arizona border.

Page 14 MAGAZine Audit Shows MAG Delivering Prop 400 as Promised

performance audit on the countywide Regional A Transportation Plan, which was the foundation for Proposition 400, shows that the Maricopa Associa- tion of Governments (MAG) is delivering projects as promised to voters. The audit was released in December.

The Auditor General reported that MAG has made great strides in establishing and managing a complex, multimodal transportation network in Maricopa County. The performance audit was conducted to as- sure county residents that they are receiving the trans- portation benefits promised to them in the 20-year, countywide sales tax.

MAG Regional Council Chair and Tempe Mayor An aerial photo of Hugh Hallman said MAG welcomes the opportunity The inclusion of an audit for Proposition 400 was the construction of the Loop 303 to improve processes and increase the efficiency and partly due to concerns about anticipated light rail freeway. effectiveness of the transportation program. performance. The 20-mile light rail system not only met initial projections for daily light rail ridership, “On behalf of the MAG Regional Council, we are but it exceeded them by approximately 70 percent. thankful for the efforts of the audit team,” said Hall- man. “We are even more thankful for the audit’s posi- In addition to light rail, many other important tive findings. Despite the serious economic downturn components of the Regional Transportation Plan that still grips the Valley, partners in regional coop- have been completed in recent years. Proposition 400 eration have found ways to deliver transportation has brought 450 lane miles of freeway to the region, solutions that work—and we will continue to do so.” including 210 miles of high occupancy vehicle lanes. For arterial streets projects, approximately $153 mil- With the passage of Proposition 400 in 2004, the vot- lion has been disbursed to MAG member agencies ers in Maricopa County renewed the regional sales for 33 completed projects. The regional bus transit tax for transportation. The MAG Regional Transpor- system has seen increased levels of service and route tation Plan provides the blueprint for the implemen- coverage area plus a new mobility center to address tation of Proposition 400. The Regional Transporta- the special mobility needs of riders with disabilities. tion Plan identifies specific projects and revenue al- locations by transportation mode, including freeways The recent and ongoing economic downturn has and other routes on the State Highway System, major posed significant challenges to the Regional Trans- arterial streets, and public transportation systems. portation Plan. MAG is responsible for the budget- ing aspects of the Regional Transportation Plan and “The Regional Transportation Plan has provided ensuring that the plan is in fiscal balance. Declining real economic opportunities throughout Maricopa sales tax revenue has meant a reduction of approxi- County. Investing in infrastructure is one of the mately $6 billion in the plan. Despite this reduction, most important things that government can do to MAG has provided safe and efficient transportation help foster economic prosperity,” said Mesa Mayor facilities in a strategic manner to better position the Scott Smith, who serves as MAG treasurer. “The region for economic opportunities. freeways, streets, buses and light rail included in Proposition 400 connect residents to jobs. The plan “During these challenging economic times, MAG is also has opened up new economic opportunities by still realizing major transportation improvements connecting the region to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway for the region,” said Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs. The Regional Airport. In addition, the construction jobs created by “An example of this can be seen with the long awaited Transportation Plan these projects have come at an opportune time for construction of the Loop 303. This freeway will serve performance audit the local economy.” as an important connection that will benefit Maricopa is located at www. County citizens and attract new businesses.” azauditor.gov.

February 2012 - April 2012 Page 15 PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID 302 N. 1st Avenue, Suite 300, Phoenix, AZ 85003 PHOENIX AZ Telephone (602) 254-6300, Fax (602) 254-6490 PERMIT NO. 2691

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A Quarterly Newsletter Focusing on Regional Excellence February 2012 - April 2012 Vol. 17: No. 1 1912-2012 Spring 2012 Calendar February 2012 March 2012 April 2012

1st 10:00 a.m. Intelligent Trans por ta tion Systems 6th 11:30 a.m. Economic Development Committee 3rd 11:30 a.m. Economic Development Committee (Ironwood) (Saguaro) Committee (Saguaro) 1st 1:30 p.m. Standard Specifications and Details 7th 1:30 p.m. Standard Specifications and Details 4th 10:00 a.m. Intelligent Trans por ta tion Systems Committee (Ironwood) Committee (Ironwood) Committee (Ironwood) 2nd 1:30 p.m. Domestic Violence Council (Saguaro) 8th 10:00 a.m. Transit Committee (Saguaro) 4th 1:30 p.m. Standard Specifications and Details 7th 11:30 a.m. Economic Development 8th 1:00 p.m. Human Services Technical Committee (Ironwood) Committee (Saguaro) Committee (Chaparral) 5th 1:30 p.m. Domestic Violence Council (Saguaro) 8th 12:00 p.m. Management Committee (Saguaro) 12th 2:00 p.m. Continuum of Care Planning 10th 1:30 p.m. Street Committee (Chaparral) 9th 10:00 a.m. Transit Committee (Ironwood) Subcommittee (Chaparral) 11th 12:00 p.m. Management Committee (Saguaro) th 13th 2:00 p.m. Continuum of Care Planning 13 1:30 p.m. Street Committee (Chaparral) 12th 9:00 a.m. PSAP Managers Group (Saguaro) th Subcommittee (Chaparral) 14 12:00 p.m. Management Committee (Saguaro) 12th 10:00 a.m. Transit Committee (Ironwood) th th 13 12:00 p.m. Regional Council Executive 14 10:00 a.m. Intelligent Trans por ta tion Systems 12th 1:00 p.m. Human Services Technical Committee (Ironwood) Committee (Ironwood) Committee (Chaparral) th th 14 1:30 p.m. Street Committee (Chaparral) 19 12:00 p.m. Regional Council Executive 16th 12:00 p.m. Regional Council Executive 15th 2:00 p.m. Building Codes Committee (Ironwood) Committee (Ironwood) Committee (Ironwood) th 15th 4:00 p.m. Transportation Policy Committee 20 12:30 p.m. Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee 16th 2:00 p.m. Continuum of Care Planning (Saguaro) (Ironwood) Subcommittee (Chaparral) th 20th President’s Day Holiday - Office Closed 20 1:30 p.m. Planners Stakeholders Group 17th 12:30 p.m. Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee (Chaparral) 21st 12:30 p.m. Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee (Ironwood) st (Ironwood) 21 2:00 p.m. Building Codes Committee (Ironwood) 18th 2:00 p.m. Building Codes Committee (Ironwood) st 22nd (Time TBD) Regional Council (Saguaro) 21 4:00 p.m. Transportation Policy Committee 18th 4:00 p.m. Transportation Policy Committee (Saguaro) 23rd 10:00 a.m. Transportation Review Committee (Saguaro) nd (Saguaro) 22 1:30 p.m. Air Quality Technical Advisory 27th 10:00 a.m. Population Technical Advisory Committee (Saguaro) 23rd 1:30 p.m. Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee (Chaparral) th Committee (Saguaro) 26 2:00 p.m. Continuum of Care Regional 24th 10:30 a.m. 3-1-1 Business Plan Committee Committee on Homelessness (Saguaro) 28th 10:00 a.m. Population Technical Advisory (Ironwood) th Committee (Chaparral) 27 10:00 a.m. Population Technical Advisory 25th 10:00 a.m. Human Services Coordinating Committee (Chaparral) 28th 10:30 a.m. 3-1-1 Business Plan Committee Committee (Chaparral) th (Ironwood) 27 10:30 a.m. 3-1-1 Business Plan Committee 25th (Time TBD) Regional Council (Saguaro) (Ironwood) 26th 10:00 a.m. Transportation Review Committee th All meet ings, unless in di cat ed otherwise, will be held 27 10:00 a.m. Transportation Safety Committee (Saguaro) (Cholla) in the con fer ence rooms located in the MAG of fic e on 26th 1:30 p.m. Air Quality Technical Advisory th the 2nd floor of the building, 302 N. 1st Ave., Phoenix. 28 (Time TBD) Regional Council (Saguaro) Committee 29th 10:00 a.m. Transportation Review Committee Parking is available under the building. Please ask for The dates, times and locations of all meet ings may parking validation at the meeting. Transit tickets will be The newsletter is available in elec tron ic format at change. Other com mit tees not list ed here may meet provided for those using transit to attend meetings. Bike www.azmag.gov. Click on the MAG Publications during these months. For con fir ma tion, call (602) 254- racks are available at the entrance to the parking garage. link and then MAGAZine Newsletter link. 6300, or visit the website: www.azmag.gov/Events/