The Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments was organized for the permanent establishment of a forum for planning, discussion and study of regional problems of mutual interest and concern to the counties and cities in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. AMBAG's primary responsibilities include long range transportation planning and modeling, forecasting and research on issues of regional concern. The agency also acts as a regional clearinghouse and works to assist its member agencies in data analysis and collection.