Mesa’s Heredia elected chair of Valley Metro Rail board

Mesa District 3 Councilmember Francisco Heredia has been elected as chair of the Valley Metro Rail board of directors.

The board elected Heredia during its Aug. 27 meeting and he will serve through June 30, 2027.

“Public transportation connects people with jobs, education, health care and opportunity,” Heredia stated in a press release. “As chair, I will work with our regional partners to keep safety, reliability and accountability at the center of every decision. I will also ensure Mesa residents and businesses have a strong voice as we plan for the future of our regional transit system.”

The Valley Metro Rail Board provides policy direction and oversight for the regional light rail system, including operations, safety, maintenance, financial stewardship and future transit investments.

“Valley Metro Rail will continue to play a vital role in the success of destinations like downtown Mesa and the Asian District and fuel reinvestment across west Mesa,” Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman stated in the release. “Councilmember Heredia’s experience and leadership as board chair will serve Mesa and the entire Valley well.”

Heredia has represented Mesa’s District 3 since joining the City Council in 2017. His Valley Metro leadership experience includes previous terms as chair of both the Valley Metro Rail and Regional Public Transportation Authority boards.

“Councilmember Heredia is a visionary, regional leader who is an important and supportive voice on the Valley Metro Rail Board,” Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller stated in the release. “He provides a perspective that keeps us focused on safe, reliable and rider-focused growth as well as puts the community at the heart of everything we do..

The Valley Metro Rail Board includes elected representatives from Mesa, Phoenix and Tempe. During his term, Heredia will also serve as a member of the Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority.