In 2021, the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Council appointed Queen Creek Councilmember Dawn Oliphant to the MAG Economic Development Committee (EDC). Oliphant was reappointed in 2022 and served on the EDC until its final meeting this year on Oct. 3.
“It was an honor to serve on the MAG EDC as a representative of Queen Creek,” said Oliphant. “I had the privilege of working closely with our regional partners on a topic that is so near and dear to me – economic development. While it is bittersweet to have the EDC sunset, I am so thankful that economic conditions have continued to improve in our region and our committee achieved our intended goals.”
The MAG EDC was launched in 2010 following the economic downturn of 2008. According to MAG, the conditions that necessitated the creation of the EDC in 2010 have improved remarkably – specifically noting the diversification of the regional economy and employment, and gains in the area of manufacturing and healthcare.
On the committee, Oliphant collaborated with mayors, council members and business leaders from across the region to develop opportunity-specific and action-oriented initiatives that foster and advance infrastructure, furthering economic development opportunities.
Notable successes for the region include the passage of the Proposition 400 extension bill to allow Maricopa County voters to decide on the continuation of the half-cent sales tax and more than 500 major businesses locating in the region. Specifically, LG is making a $5.5 billion investment in Queen Creek, which represents the largest single investment ever for a standalone battery manufacturing facility in North America.
MAG is a council of governments which serves as the regional planning agency for the metropolitan Phoenix area, including Pinal County. For more information about MAG, visit AZMAG.gov.
