The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Council received an update this week on the impact two federal pieces of legislation are having on the region in funding major transportation infrastructure and environmental projects. In 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was signed into law. The IIJA reauthorized the surface transportation program … [More]
Chandler Mayor Named Maricopa Association of Governments Chair
Transportation, Air Quality, Homelessness Are Priorities
Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke was elected as chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Council today during the agency’s annual meeting. As the agency’s new chair, Hartke said his highest priority is to ensure that MAG is ready to implement a suite of transportation projects if Maricopa County voters approve the extension of the dedicated half-cent sales tax … [More]
$43.6M in Tribal Gaming Contributions for the Q4
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) announced $43,586,004 in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. This amount represents an approximate 3.3 percent increase when compared to the same quarter of FY 2023. "Celebrating yet another remarkable milestone in tribal gaming, we are thrilled to announce that … [More]
HUD Announces $9.1M Green and Resilient Retrofit Loan for Apartment Building in Phoenix
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a $9.12 million loan to Urban League Manor Apartments, a pivotal step to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in affordable housing. The announcement was made during a ceremonial check presentation event at Urban League Manor in Phoe Key officials in attendance included Jason Pu, HUD Pacific … [More]
SBA Invests Over $1 Million to Expand Support for Veteran Entrepreneurs
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced over $1 million in new funding to provide critical training and counseling to aspiring and existing veteran small business owners as a Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC). The new funding opportunity will make awards of up to $400,000 to up to three entities. Eligible awardees include private organizations, colleges … [More]
The City of Phoenix Receives Findings Report from U.S. Department of Justice Investigation
The City of Phoenix (CoP) and Phoenix Police Department (PPD) are reviewing the findings from a nearly three-year investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. City leaders and members of the community are eager to read the evidence and insights provided by the DOJ which support … [More]
Phoenix Planning and Development Department Debuts New Process Improvements Plan
The Planning and Development Department presented a comprehensive Process Improvements Report to Phoenix City Council, signaling a significant step forward in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of City development processes. The report underscores the department's commitment to continuous improvement and its dedication to serving the community with … [More]
Inaugural 602 Day Celebration Dubbed a Success by Phoenix Leadership, Business Community
On June 2, 2024, the City of Phoenix officially celebrated 602 Day for the first time. The City partnered with more than 100 local businesses and organizations to offer $6.02 deals and host events to celebrate the Phoenix community and honor 602 as the city’s most historically … [More]
Their Take: Merit Selection – A Respected Arizona System of Judge Selection Worth Preserving
Fed up with a system that featured campaigns for judicial office that included yard signs and bumper stickers, that forced judges to seek campaign contributions from lawyers and parties who would be appearing before them, and that produced judges who occasionally delegated decision-making to their judicial assistants, Arizona voters decided nearly a half century ago to choose a … [More]
Over $8.3M in Rebates for Clean School Buses across Arizona Announced
In a significant move, the Biden-Harris Administration today announced the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, a key initiative under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The rebates, totaling $8,345,000 for Arizona, will enable selectees to purchase 30 clean school buses in 10 school … [More]
Mesa’s Efforts to Reach Carbon Neutrality Rewarded with $265,570 from SRP
Mesa Mayor John Giles accepted a check for $267,570 in rebates from SRP, marking a significant milestone in the City’s efforts to reach carbon neutrality in the decades ahead. The check, presented by SRP Associate General Manager and Chief Customer Executive Vanessa Kisicki, represents rebate incentives for energy efficiency projects and Mesa’s electric firetruck. “The City … [More]
New Canadian Trade Office Established in Arizona to Increase Trade, Economic Development
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, announced the establishment of a new Canadian trade office in Arizona. The Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be opening a new trade office in Arizona, which will strengthen the bilateral relationship between Arizona and Canada, … [More]
New Terminal Coming to Sky Harbor, Not Anticipated to Begin until After 2030
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and members of the Phoenix City Council heard plans to build a new terminal at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. With more than 48 million passengers in 2023 and passenger numbers continuing to grow, a new terminal is necessary to meet passenger demand and maintain a high level of service. “Phoenix Sky Harbor is busier than ever, which is … [More]
Phoenix City Council Refers General Plan to the Ballot
The Phoenix City Council referred the General Plan to the ballot for the next regularly scheduled election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Last week, the Phoenix City Council unanimously approved the General Plan 2025 Update, a comprehensive plan that will guide the City's development and growth for the next ten years. This follows recommendations for approval by all 15 … [More]
Heat Relief Network Launches with Goal of Preventing Heat Deaths
With more than 600 heat associated deaths in Maricopa County last year, a coalition of partners is determined to provide resources to address the searing summer heat and the toll it takes on Valley residents. The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and dozens of partnering agencies are teaming up to launch the regional Heat Relief Network. The network includes an … [More]
Effort to Expand Broadband in Rural Areas Takes Big Step Forward
Public-private partnership to manage, maintain and lease fiber-optic conduit along highways
The state’s goal of expanding broadband internet access in rural areas is taking a big step forward with a public-private partnership. The agreement with eX² Technology is to operate, maintain and lease space in fiber-optic conduit installed along Interstate 17 and Interstate 19, and being installed later this year along much of Interstate 40. The Arizona Department of … [More]
Arizona Wins $156M Clean Energy Grant to Expand Access to Low-Cost Energy Options
The Governor’s Office of Resiliency (OOR) was awarded $156 million from the EPA’s Solar for All grant program to improve access to rooftop and neighborhood-scale solar generation for all Arizonans. The Solar for All Arizonans program plans to deploy just over 61 MW of new solar resources throughout the state, benefitting thousands of low-income families, renters, and rural and … [More]
Vermont-Based Ice Cream Giant Seeks Cannabis Justice Advocacy, Starting with Arizona
It's high time to do more about cannabis criminalization and the disproportionate way it continues to affect communities of color. This 4/20, nationally and locally lead with ACLU and AZ Justice Project, respectively, Ben & Jerry's is focused on one message: Legalization without justice is half baked. "To truly achieve cannabis justice, we have to ensure people are no … [More]
