What Is MAG?

I thought this might be interesting to comment on due in part that MAG is an important entity within the Valley of the Sun. Maricopa Association of Governments is a council of government (COG) created in 1967, which is basically composed of elected officials (mayors, council members, etc.) who help do planning for a region. MAG is also a metropolitan planning organization (MPO). Gotta love these govt. acronyms. MPOs were created in the early 70s by federal law making large regional urban areas have planning agencies.

Most of these terms I was very unaware of prior to me applying for the position and moving out here. However, speaking to those in the profession and even some people within my family I have come to learn that these exist everywhere throughout the nation. It is kind of interesting to see the development of regions, as oppossed to cities. For instance, areas like DC Metro Area and the Tri-State Area are perceived more like communities themselves. Growing up in Texas, it is somewhat rare to see this anomoly. Places like San Antonio and Houston are so large in square acres that this has not really occured yet.

Also, there are more COGs throughout the state of Arizona, six to be exact. Within each COG there are regional councils which as stated earlier consist of elected officials. Below these regional councils are executive committees, management committees, and several other technical avisory and policy committees. Technical advisory cmtes are basically comprised of those city and county staff that are professionals within their govts. Policy cmtes are those who are elected, business reperesentatives in the community, and citizens. MAG staff then basically works for these committees and well as being members.

So throughout this very complex organization I am learning the ropes and chain of command with hopes to gain great understanding of the region, while meeting prominent people within the community.