Executive Director’s Monthly Report, January 2026
SCAG’s Mid-Year Recap
SCAG has achieved significant milestones in the first half of fiscal year 2025-26, including the adoption of the Games Mobility Program Development Framework in preparation for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games and the approval of $1.25 billion in Surface Transportation Block Grant and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement programs funding for 132 regional projects. From securing a $52.6 million grant to modernize Metrolink locomotives to expanding affordable housing through the Regional Early Action Planning Grant Program, SCAG continues to lead the way in building a more sustainable, mobile, and resilient Southern California. To explore the full details of these achievements and see what’s ahead for the region, read the complete Mid-Year Recap on SCAG News.
SCAG Extends Deadline to Submit a Nomination for the 2026 Sustainability Awards
The nomination period for SCAG’s 2026 Sustainability Awards has been extended to Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. This extension provides additional time to submit nominations that showcase exemplary projects, plans, policies, and programs making a difference in communities across the SCAG region. Submit a nomination online.
The SCAG Sustainability Awards recognize initiatives for outstanding contributions to the goals of the Connect SoCal Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy and for achieving progress toward a more mobile, sustainable, resilient, and prosperous region.
The SCAG Sustainability Awards are open to governmental agencies. Non-governmental agencies, such as community-based organizations, nonprofits, and universities, can apply in partnership with governmental agencies. Applicants are encouraged to submit a joint entry for projects that span multiple agencies, sectors, and geographies. Submittals can include projects completed or adopted between Jan. 1, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2025. More information about the awards and nomination guidelines is available on the SCAG website.
SCAG will announce winners of the 2026 Sustainability Awards at the 2026 Regional Conference and General Assembly at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Palm Desert on May 7, 2026.
SCAG’s Go Human Program Highlights from 2025
SCAG's Go Human program supported community-led safety and engagement strategies across the region throughout the year. Go Human collaborated with community leaders, organizations, cities, and local agencies to work toward safer, healthier places. This year, the program funded more than $186,000 for 34 traffic safety events in 16 jurisdictions, reaching over 84,000 people. SCAG deployed its Kit of Parts seven times to support temporary safety demonstration projects in five counties. The program also distributed more than 1,400 helmets and other safety materials for traffic safety events. SCAG presented its Kit of Parts at four national conferences and participated in three open streets events, reaching nearly 70,000 people. Read the full Go Human year in review on SCAG News.
SCAG Awarded $1.6 Million in Grants for Traffic Safety Programs
SCAG has been awarded $1.6 million in grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). The funding is for transportation safety improvements, including expanding a web-based transportation safety data and analytical tool that uses traffic safety data to analyze, model, and predict traffic safety performance and risks, as well as continued work on its regional traffic safety and community engagement program, Go Human.
One of the two recently awarded OTS grants for $900,000 will support the continued development and enhancement of a regional transportation safety data analysis and collision predictive modeling platform. OTS also granted $700,000 to continue SCAG’s Go Human program, launched in 2015 to reduce collisions, improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, and raise awareness of the importance of traffic safety. Read more about how SCAG will use this funding on SCAG News.
SCAG Seeks Input on Transforming State Highways into Main Streets
SCAG, in partnership with Caltrans, is working to reimagine four state highways in Southern California that serve as community main streets but face gaps in accessibility, safety, and comfort. Through a regionwide survey, SCAG engaged transportation agencies, government officials, and community members to gather input on current travel behaviors, concerns, and opportunities. These insights will inform recommendations to improve multimodal travel and community connectivity along State Route (SR) 1 (Pacific Coast Highway), SR 18 (Waterman Avenue), SR 86 (Main Street/Brawley Avenue), and SR 39 (Beach Boulevard).
The Planning for Main Streets project seeks to increase mobility, safety, and sustainability by developing conceptual plans for these corridors that focus on equity and community priorities. The project will also generate co-benefits, such as economic development, improved health, and social equity, while building partnerships to foster innovation. For more information on Planning for Main Streets, please visit the SCAG website.
SCAG Launches SoCal Airport Access and Mobility Study
SCAG is launching a survey to understand how people travel to and from Southern California airports. The study will analyze ground access and preferences to help plan for congestion relief, safety, and multimodal connectivity. The survey will be conducted at major commercial and select reliever airports. The goal is to collect data to improve the planning and management of transportation systems connecting regional airports.
The study will help airport and transportation planners prepare for travel demand and address key issues like safety and the low use of public transit for airport access. By understanding the needs of passengers and employees, the findings will guide strategies to improve airport access and connectivity, especially for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
For more information about the SoCal Airport Access and Mobility Study, please visit the SCAG website.
Future Leaders Initiative Ready to Launch
SCAG’s Future Leaders Initiative is a dynamic six-month civic leadership pilot program for young Southern Californians interested in understanding how regional and local governments collaborate to drive long-term change. The application period closed in November with 244 submissions, demonstrating significant demand for leadership development and capacity-building opportunities among young adults across the SCAG region.
In January, SCAG will welcome a cohort of 24 participants, representing every county in the region. Through monthly interactive sessions led by regional leaders and SCAG staff, participants will deepen their knowledge of planning, policy, collaboration, and civic leadership. Participants will also help shape the Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, Connect SoCal 2050, creating opportunities for the next generation to inform the region’s long-term vision.
The Future Leaders Initiative serves as a pathway to cultivate meaningful connections with aspiring leaders across the region. Learn more about the Future Leaders Initiative on the SCAG website.
SCAG Hosts Subregional Partners to Discuss Collaborative Planning and Regional Priorities
Subregional executive directors from across the region met with SCAG leadership and staff for a collaborative discussion in which SCAG shared updates on the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, Connect SoCal 2050, the Local Data Exchange process and timeline, Regional Council district elections, and legislation, including Senate Bill 375 reforms and modernization.
SCAG Joins Regional Leaders for I-15 Corridor Coalition Announcement
In December, SCAG leaders joined a coalition advocating for improvements to the Interstate 15 corridor. SCAG Regional Council Immediate Past President Curt Hagman and Executive Director Kome Ajise spoke at an event announcing the formation of the Coalition for Our Future, which advocates for continued investment in the I-15 corridor.
Ajise and Hagman joined speakers from the Inland Empire Economic Partnership and San Bernardino County Fire Protection District to highlight the importance of partnerships in bringing safety and reliability improvements to this vital trade corridor.
Southern California Leaders Highlight Regional Impact at California Infrastructure Development Conference
During the California Infrastructure Development Conference, SCAG Executive Director Kome Ajise and San Diego Association of Governments Chief Executive Officer Mario Orso participated in the “Regional Visionaries: Shaping the Future of California’s Infrastructure” panel. The conversation centered on how two of California’s largest metropolitan planning agencies are shaping the state’s infrastructure.
SCAG Presents at LACI Road to 2028 Summit
SCAG joined leaders from the Port of Los Angeles, Prologis, and Forum Mobility at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) Road to 2028 Leadership Summit, where they discussed how electrification is transforming freight and goods movement. The panel highlighted SCAG’s ongoing work to prepare for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games through freight transportation demand management, the Last Mile Freight Program, and strong public-private partnerships, all aimed at advancing a zero-emission future while balancing the region’s economic and sustainability goals.
