Executive Director’s Monthly Report, July 2026
SCAG Regional Council Approves SB 79 Approach and Methodology
The SCAG Regional Council approved the approach and methodology for the Senate Bill (SB) 79 mapping requirement at its July meeting. SB 79 became effective on July 1, and SCAG’s SB 79 map identifying qualifying TOD stops, zones, and tiers in the SCAG region is now available online.
SCAG continues to collaborate with impacted jurisdictions, transit operators, and other interested parties to review relevant data and incorporate verified updates to the “SB79 TOD Stops, Zones, and Tiers Map.” SCAG posted a map with verified updates on July 1, but an additional map update will be posted in the future due to the complexity of the process needed to review and verify relevant data.
To learn more about SCAG’s role in the SB 79 process for Southern California, visit SCAG News.
Regional Council Authorizes Draft 2027 FTIP and Connect SoCal 2024 Draft Amendment 2 for Public Comment
On July 2, SCAG’s Regional Council authorized public comment for the Draft 2027 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) and Connect SoCal 2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy Draft Amendment 2, including the associated draft transportation conformity analyses. The comment period will be open from July 6 to Aug. 4.
During the public comment period, anyone in Southern California can review the draft documents and provide feedback. Input received during this process helps SCAG evaluate the proposed documents, identify potential concerns, and make revisions where appropriate before final adoption.
The proposed final 2027 FTIP and proposed final Connect SoCal 2024 Draft Amendment 2 will be presented to SCAG’s Transportation Committee and Regional Council in September 2026. On a separate but parallel track, the federally required proposed final transportation conformity analyses for the 2027 FTIP and Connect SoCal 2024 Draft Amendment 2 will be presented to SCAG’s Energy and Environment Committee and Regional Council in September 2026. Both are expected to receive final federal approval in mid-December 2026.
To learn more about Draft 2027 FTIP and Connect SoCal 2024 Draft Amendment 2, visit SCAG News.
SCAG Leadership Gathers for Annual Retreat
Regional Council President Ray Marquez convened the Executive/Administration Committee for its annual retreat in June. The meeting included presentations and discussions on policy issues that SCAG will work on in the following year, including the upcoming Connect SoCal plan development cycle and the next Regional Housing Needs Assessment process.
During the retreat, President Marquez shared his priorities for the next year: clean transportation technology, LA28 Games preparation, housing production, and infrastructure as a driver of housing and economic development. More details about topics discussed at the meeting can be found in the July staff report.
SCAG Funding Advances Metrolink Contactless Payments Pilot
SCAG investments are modernizing transit in Southern California through Metrolink’s new Contactless Payments Pilot project. Funded with $2.8 million from the Regional Early Action Planning Grants of 2021 (REAP 2.0) and the Carbon Reduction Program, the pilot demonstrates contactless fare payment technology on the Arrow and San Bernardino lines to make transit more convenient for riders.
The project supports regional efforts for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games and other major events while advancing the long-term vision of Connect SoCal 2024 for a more connected, accessible, and customer-focused transportation network.
Visit SCAG News to learn more about SCAG’s role in Metrolink’s Contactless Payments Pilot project.
San Bernardino County Breaks Ground on REAP 2.0-Supported Utility Project
San Bernardino County officially broke ground on the Bloomington Sewer Extension Project, which will create infrastructure to support new housing in the community. San Bernardino County received $6.5 million in Regional Early Action Planning Grants of 2021 (REAP 2.0) funds for this project.
Elizabeth Carvajal, SCAG deputy director of planning, land use, joined county officials at the groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate this investment. The project will expand sewer service with approximately 8,500 feet of new sewer pipeline, 30 utility manholes, and connections to the existing system along Valley Boulevard. Once completed, this project will increase capacity to support up to 500 additional housing units and enhance service for more than 180 parcels. This investment positions Bloomington to accommodate future housing needs and strengthens long-term community resilience.
Visit SCAG News to learn more about SCAG’s role in the Bloomington Sewer Extension Project.
SCAG Advances Federal Transit Funding for LA28 Games Mobility Improvements
On July 2, the SCAG Regional Council approved submission of a split letter to the Federal Transit Administration allocating $89.5 million in fiscal year 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Formula Funding to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. As the region’s designated recipient of the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim Urbanized Area’s funds, SCAG is required to document how the funding will be distributed within the region.
The allocation will support transportation improvements and transit operations associated with the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, allowing Metro to advance priority projects that enhance mobility, accessibility, and the overall transit experience for residents and visitors during the LA28 Games.
Regional Council Approves SCAG Toll Credit/Transportation Development Credit Policy
The SCAG Regional Council approved a new Toll Credit/Transportation Development Credit (TC/TDC) Policy to guide the allocation and administration of approximately $163.7 million in federal transportation matching credits across the region.
The policy establishes a transparent framework for distributing, tracking, and managing TC/TDC, helping local agencies maximize federal transportation funding, reduce local matching fund requirements, and advance critical transportation investments. As required under a new statewide policy adopted by Caltrans, SCAG will oversee regional administration of the credits, coordinate with county transportation commissions, monitor usage, and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
Following approval, SCAG will begin implementing the policy, processing project requests, and providing ongoing reporting and oversight to support efficient use of available funding throughout the region.
Last Mile Freight Program Rebates Round 2 Opens in July
In July, the SCAG Regional Council approved a new program announcement and application checklist for the Last Mile Freight Program (LMFP) Rebate Program.
The program initially opened in October 2025 with applications submitted through January 2026. In March 2026, the SCAG Regional Council approved funding for three initial projects, enabling the deployment of 13 battery-electric vehicles and the replacement of diesel vehicles.
Building on these early efforts, SCAG is preparing to reopen the LMFP rebate program in July 2026 with approximately $49 million in remaining funding available. The reopening reflects program revisions developed in coordination with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to expand vehicle eligibility and implement a rebate structure that aligns incentive amounts with vehicle size. These updates are designed to increase participation and accelerate deployment of zero-emission vehicles.
For additional information, visit the LMFP webpage.
SCAG Releases SoCal Greenprint Web-Based Mapping Tool
SCAG published the new SoCal Greenprint tool on June 8. The SoCal Greenprint supports local jurisdictions, transportation agencies, stakeholders, and local communities to make strategic land use and infrastructure decisions, support conservation investments, and offset the impacts of transportation and development projects.
This optional, flexible, open data tool maps high-quality environmental, ecological, and land use data to support regional advance mitigation planning initiatives. The tool can also assist local and subregional agencies in securing state and federal funding for sustainability and resilience projects and programs in the SCAG region. To read more about SCAG’s Regional Advance Mitigation Planning initiative and to request access to the SoCal Greenprint tool, visit SCAG News.
New SCAG White Paper Explores AI and Big Data Applications in Regional Planning
SCAG recently released a new white paper, “Practical Applications of AI and Big Data for Metropolitan Planning Organizations,” examining how emerging technologies are transforming regional planning. The paper highlights real-world applications in transportation planning, geospatial analysis, and public engagement, while outlining best practices for responsible adoption. As agencies navigate a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the report provides a roadmap for leveraging AI and big data to support smarter, more efficient, and more resilient communities.
Visit SCAG News to learn more and access the report.
Toolbox Tuesday Explores Regional Progress with the ‘2026 State of the Region Report’
On June 9, SCAG hosted the “Exploring Regional Progress with the ‘2026 State of the Region Report’” Toolbox Tuesday session to examine major trends in Southern California.
The session provided detailed insight into regional conditions from 2000 to 2024, including demographic trends and data on the four pillars of the Connect SoCal 2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy: mobility, communities, environment, and economy. The session focused on data and trends gathered in SCAG’s “2026 State of the Region Report,” published recently by SCAG to help local jurisdictions identify regional trends and engage with regional planning and policy decisions.
To read more about the session and to watch a video of the complete session, visit SCAG News.
Transportation Committee Hears Update on TDM Strategic Plan
The July meeting of SCAG’s Transportation Committee included an update on the 2028 Games Regional Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Strategic Plan, which builds on the Regional TDM Approach approved by the Regional Council in May 2026 and advances a coordinated regional strategy to manage passenger and freight travel during the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The presentation highlighted progress in refining priority TDM strategies across four programmatic areas—regional communications and outreach, regional wayfinding, mobility and access programs, and regulatory and operational policies—along with ongoing work to develop implementation plans, analytical tools, and performance monitoring frameworks.
The update also included information on SCAG’s alignment with broader LA28 Games mobility efforts, such as the Games Route Network. A more comprehensive update, including implementation pathways, will be shared with the committee in September.
SCAG Hosts Two Transportation Demand Management Forums
On June 2, SCAG hosted another Regional Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Forum. The forum included updates from LA28 as well as updates from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority on the Games Enhanced Transit System and Caltrans on the Games Route Network. SCAG staff also provided updates on progress with the regional Games TDM Strategic Plan and Communications and Outreach Strategy. The forum highlighted how regional partners are planning to deliver a coordinated, transit-first Games.
On June 9, SCAG hosted another installment of the Regional Freight TDM Industry Forum. The forum included updates from LA28 on logistics plans and the latest on SCAG's Regional Freight TDM Plan and Communications Strategy. SCAG also introduced a planning tool to further analyze LA Games-related impacts on freight operations and quantify potential benefits of applied freight TDM strategies. The forum continued the dialogue with freight industry representatives and regional partners, discussing specific industry operational considerations across venue locations and the region’s supply chains, providing SCAG with input and guidance on the work plan efforts.
First SCAG Future Leaders Program Cohort Graduates
In June, SCAG concluded the first cohort of the Future Leaders Initiative, a six-month program offering hands-on learning, mentorship, and engagement with planners, staff, and local leaders to prepare young people for roles in regional government work. The last meeting took place on June 17 at SCAG’s Downtown Los Angeles office.
The SCAG Future Leaders Initiative is designed for young Southern Californians interested in learning how regional and local governments collaborate on long-term change. The program helps to prepare the next generation to shape the future of the region. This civic leadership pilot program comprised a highly competitive and diverse cohort of 24 emerging leaders, chosen from more than 200 applicants from across the region.
Read more about the Future Leaders Initiative and the final session at SCAG News.
SCAG Attends U.S. Conference of Mayors
SCAG Executive Director Kome Ajise attended the U.S. Conference of Mayors gathering in Long Beach in June, where mayors and city leaders from across the country convened to discuss the most pressing issues facing America’s urban communities. The event brought together municipal officials to exchange ideas on transportation, housing, and economic development. SCAG Regional Council members participated in panel discussions, networking sessions, and policy briefings to represent Southern California’s priorities in national conversations and strengthen relationships with the local leaders with a critical role in shaping the future of cities.
SCAG Presents at Annual National Association of Regional Conferences
Courtney Aguirre, SCAG manager of mobility planning and goods movement, presented at the National Association of Regional Councils Annual Conference in Tulsa as part of a session on regional planning for major sports and global events. Aguirre joined Jesse Rush, director of EMBARK, to highlight how agencies in Southern California and Oklahoma City are preparing for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Aguirre presented on the Games Regional Transportation Demand Management Strategy, emphasizing approaches for reducing and shifting travel demand, strengthening multimodal connectivity, and ensuring cross jurisdictional coordination and partnerships to support a safe and reliable travel experience during the LA28 Games. EMBARK shared complementary efforts underway in Oklahoma City, illustrating how regions of different scales are approaching similar challenges. Together, the presentations demonstrated how large-scale events can catalyze long-term mobility improvements, strengthen partnerships, and enhance regional resilience.
Regional Council Members Represent SCAG at WRCOG General Assembly
SCAG Regional Council President Ray Marquez, Second Vice President Patricia Lock Dawson, Regional Council Member Jan Harnik (Palm Desert), and SCAG staff attended the Western Riverside Council of Governments' 35th Annual General Assembly & Leadership Address. Attendees learned about WRCOG’s leadership, collaboration, and community impact, while celebrating the region and the partnerships that move it forward.
SCAG Joins Move LA Community Conversation and Policy Conference
SCAG Executive Director Kome Ajise was a panelist on the “Safe Multi-Modal Transportation: The Key to Unlocking Mega Events” panel at the Move LA Community Conversation and Policy Conference in June. Panelists discussed how transit systems can work together to improve transportation connectivity and establish new permanent travel patterns. Ajise detailed SCAG’s work on transportation demand management and goods movement to improve multi-modal transportation around the region for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
SCAG Regional Council Members Participate in CVAG’s General Assembly
The Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) held the 2026 General Assembly Dinner at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in the city of Indio. SCAG Regional Council members Mike Goodsell (Holtville), Steve Sanchez (La Quinta), Jan Harnik (Palm Desert), and Gary Gardner (Desert Hot Springs) attended to represent their cities.
The CVAG Executive Committee met prior to the General Assembly to approve the agencies’ annual budget and annual audit reports. At the General Assembly, CVAG Executive Director Tom Kirk recognized the outgoing CVAG Executive Committee Chair, Supervisor District 4, V. Manuel Perez, for his year of service. Incoming Chair Joseph DeConinck was also recognized. The program highlighted CVAG’s successes over the past year, including the ongoing completion of segments of the CV Link regional multimodal bike/pedestrian facility.
SCAG Go Human Hosts Safety Demonstration Pop-Up at Puente Fest in Cudahy
On June 20, the city of Cudahy hosted Puente Fest, an open streets event, open to people walking and biking and closed to vehicle traffic. The event included field games, music, food, shows, and a temporary traffic safety demonstration supported by SCAG’s Go Human Kit of Parts Lending Library. Participants from Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Bell, and Maywood shared feedback on potential transportation improvements on the Clara Street Bridge across the I‑710 Freeway and Los Angeles River.
American Planning Association – Los Angeles Recognizes SCAG Go Human-Funded Partner Projects
On June 25, the American Planning Association Los Angeles (APA-LA) recognized two SCAG Go Human-funded partner projects at the annual Section Awards ceremony at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in Los Angeles. APA-LA recognized Public Matters with an Award of Merit in the Communications Initiative & Outreach category for their project to build momentum for long-term solutions to broken sidewalks, missing curb ramps, and other hazards in Los Angeles.
APA-LA also recognized Office of: People with an Award of Merit in the Grassroots Initiative category for their project, “Sites of Repair: Methodologies for Collective Healing in High-injury Intersections.” Building upon Office of: People’s successful 2017 Vision Zero project along West Adams Boulevard and La Brea Avenue, the project sought to implement reparative design methodologies and interventions at a high injury site in 2024 as a pathway toward community healing, joy, and repair.
SCAG Go Human Hosts Safety Demonstration Pop-Up at Pico Rivera’s World Spirit Festival
On June 26 and 27, the city of Pico Rivera hosted the World Spirit Festival to celebrate the FIFA World Cup 2026. The festival featured live watch parties at Smith Park, open and slow streets, carnivals, games, and more. The city utilized the SCAG Go Human Kit of Parts Lending Library to showcase a live, temporary traffic safety demonstration project, with opportunities for attendees to share feedback on the pop-up street improvements. For more information, visit Pico Rivera’s website.
