From left, Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell is to to lead the Maricopa Association of Governments as chair over the coming year; and Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney will serve on the executive committee as past chair. (MAG)

Developing a transportation plan that will serve the Maricopa region for the next 20 years  is a primary goal of the new chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments.

At its annual meeting, the MAG Regional Council elected Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell to lead the organization as chair over the coming year. Other officers selected include Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers as vice chair and Mesa Mayor John Giles as treasurer. At-large members include Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Tolleson Mayor Anna Tovar and Avondale Mayor Kenneth Weise. Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney will serve on the executive committee as past chair, according to a release.

As he accepted the gavel, Mayor Mitchell said a major focus will be on development of the next long-range transportation plan.

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