Created in 1968 through state and federal legislation, Memphis Area Association of Governments (MAAG) serves as a regional clearinghouse for federal programs in support of economic, housing and community development initiatives to county governments in Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby and Tipton in Tennessee; DeSoto in Mississippi; and Crittenden in Arkansas. MAAG endeavors to work closely with member governments and nonprofit organizations to identify craft and lobby for legislation and public policy that serves to improve the overall quality of life for residents. MAAG is one of nine Development Districts in all of Tennessee.