FY 2026 Strategic Plan July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 Department Mission, Vision, and Values FY 2026 STRATEGIC PLAN Mission The mission of the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) is to improve the air of Maricopa County so customers, residents, and visitors can live, work, and play in a healthy environment. Vision The vision of MCAQD is to collaborate with customers, residents, and visitors to improve the air quality of Maricopa County and build and promote a healthy environment and economy. Values 1 clean air through innovation, collaboration, and technology. Working closely with our customers, residents, and visitors to provide our external and internal customers through timely, open, and 2 Serving honest communication. a diverse and well-trained workforce that is respected for 3 Maintaining its expertise, positive attitude, integrity, and dedication to air quality. accountable as stewards of the public’s resources and the 4 Being environment. We all share responsibility for the air we breathe. Maricopa County Air Quality Department Page 2 of 6 Introduction FY 2026 STRATEGIC PLAN This strategic plan encompasses fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026); it is a one-year extension of the MCAQD 2021-2025 Strategic Plan to align with the Maricopa County Strategic Plan, which encompasses fiscal years 2023 – 2026. The MCAQD 2021-2025 Strategic Plan: Established department goals based on long term averages. Established actions to be taken to address Maricopa County’s most immediate air quality issues. Aligned the work of all department staff to ensure positive impacts on strategic air quality improvement goals. As of fiscal year 2024, Maricopa County has experienced the following improvements: 319 6,587 86% customers received required dust control training online out of 365 good air days facilities in compliance 13,004 137,166,766 781,032 students informed through classroom visits, school programs, and district partnerships times air quality campaign content was viewed people participated in outreach events and air quality kiosk interactions 86 lawn mowers + 26 handheld devices gas powered gas powered replaced with electric or battery powered equipment 304 propane fire pits replaced woodburning fire pits Although strategic plans and goals are typically based on long term averages, for the purpose of aligning years with the Maricopa County Strategic Plan developed by the Board of Supervisors, MCAQD’s 2025-2026 Strategic Plan makes short term comparisons to establish the department goals, taking into consideration year to year variations which are out of MCAQD’s control (e.g., wildfires and weather). Maricopa County Air Quality Department Page 3 of 6 Department Goals 1 FY 2026 STRATEGIC PLAN Reduce Pollution By June 30, 2026, Maricopa County residents and visitors will experience cleaner air, as evidenced by changes in concentrations from 2025 levels: Smoke (PM2.5) Dust (PM10) Ozone Decrease 1 microgram per cubic meter 98 percentile 24hour average. Decrease 1 microgram per cubic meter maximum 24hour average. Decrease 0.5 part per billion 8-hour concentration. 2 Increase Compliance 3 Increase Awareness By June 30, 2026, Maricopa County residents and visitors will experience cleaner air, as evidence by a 1% increase in compliance rates with permit requirements from 2025 compliance rates. By June 30, 2026, Maricopa County residents and visitors will experience increased awareness of air quality issues and take steps to help improve air quality, as evidence by a 1% increase from 2025 rates in the commitment to take action to reduce ozone and particulates as indicated by campaign survey results. Activities and Results All department personnel and resources are directed toward implementation of activities to achieve MCAQD’s goals. Each activity focuses on key results that directly benefit customers, residents, and visitors of Maricopa County. Maricopa County Air Quality Department Page 4 of 6 Activities and Results FY 2026 STRATEGIC PLAN Pollution Reduction Assistance: Provides repair, retrofit, and replacement services to home, vehicle and equipment owners so they can use their property with reduced impact to air quality. Maximizing the number of eligible residents who participate in a pollution reduction program. Alternative Commuting: Provides commuter data, plan development, and ongoing support services to employers, schools, and other organizations so they can administer effective strategies to reduce single occupancy vehicle trips. Reducing the number of single occupancy vehicle trips measured by employers in Maricopa County. Air Monitoring: Provides air quality data and analysis services to customers, residents, and visitors so they can make informed decisions on their daily activity levels. Continuing to provide timely and accurate air monitoring data to customers and maximizing the time air monitoring data systems are available to the public. Engagement and Outreach: Provides air quality information in English and Spanish to educate and empower customers, residents, and visitors to take action to improve air quality and protect their health. Continuing to reduce average concentrations of smoke, dust, and ozone countywide. Compliance and Assurance: Provides education, regulatory, permitting, inspection, and enforcement services to the regulated community to assist them in compliance with air quality rules and regulations. Increasing the percentage of the regulated community who are in compliance with air quality rules and regulations. Maricopa County Air Quality Department Page 5 of 6 Maricopa County Air Quality Department 301 W. Jefferson St., Suite 410 | Phoenix, AZ 85003 Maricopa.gov/AQ | Main Line: 602-506-6010