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MAG study projects large population and jobs growth, offers 2030/2050 multimodal network for Superstition Vistas
Summary
MAG staff told Florence council the Superstition Vistas study forecasts rapid growth — population up 70% and employment up 152% by 2050 — and recommended roadway, transit and nonmotorized networks as a planning framework, with a final MAG policy committee review expected January 2026.
Hannah Quincy, a planner with the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), told the Florence Town Council on Nov. 18 that MAG’s Superstition Vistas multimodal transportation study forecasts steep near‑ and long‑range growth in the subregion and outlines a framework of roadway, transit and active‑transportation projects for local agencies to use in planning.
The study area spans about 287 square miles and includes parts of Apache Junction, Florence, Mesa and Queen Creek, plus portions of Pinal and Maricopa counties. Quincy said MAG projects population in the study area will grow roughly 70% over the next 25 years and employment will rise about 152% by 2050. The team presented 2030 and 2050 recommended roadway networks that together identify 136 new or widened roadway projects, 34 operational intersection improvements and 199 nonmotorized projects, plus 12 freeway projects and potential fixed‑route transit extensions.
“The recommendations are not intended to prescribe single projects,” Quincy said. “This is a planning‑level framework you can use to identify priorities, guide development review and coordinate future transportation investments.” She said the study’s recommended networks were developed from MAG’s regional investment plan, local capital improvement programs, adopted plans and new projects identified by network stress‑testing scenarios.
Council members asked for clarification about the study’s Florence boundary; MAG staff confirmed the study’s southern boundary for Florence is Arizona Farms Road and that recommended improvements would be north of that road. Mayor Eaton noted that Florence earlier leadership choices affected which parts of the town were included in the initial study area.
Quincy said MAG anticipates bringing the final report to MAG policy committees for acceptance in January 2026; she described the package as a technical resource for member agencies to use when seeking funding and coordinating projects.
The presentation emphasized multimodal elements — including new multiuse paths, bike lanes and safer crossings — and identified corridors already operating near capacity (Hunt Highway, Ironwood Drive, Ellsworth Road, Germaine Road). MAG also noted freight planning tied to industrial growth and the Pirate Spur rail extension project that would connect to the Union Pacific mainline.
