Executive Director’s Monthly Report, November 2026

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SCAG Regional Council Approves Objection to State’s Regional Housing Needs Determination for Southern California

On Nov. 5, the SCAG Regional Council voted to object to the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s (HCD) 7th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Determination (RHND) for the SCAG region, which totals 1,359,750.  

SCAG Approves Guides for Upcoming STBG/CMAQ Call for Projects

On Nov. 5, SCAG’s Regional Council approved the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2029 and 2030 Surface Transportation Block Grant/Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (STBG/CMAQ) Guidelines.

The program guidelines were developed in coordination with the county transportation commissions and outline SCAG’s project selection process, including the upcoming call for projects, for federal STBG/CMAQ funding.

The upcoming call for projects will make an estimated $1.3 billion available in FFY 2029 and 2030 apportionments for eligible transportation projects in the SCAG region.

The upcoming call schedule is outlined in the following table.

A detailed workshop schedule, workshop registration, and office hours sign-ups will be available on SCAG’s STBG/CMAQ website in December 2026. Applicants should coordinate with their county transportation commissions to ensure project applications align with county priorities.

For additional information on these programs and the upcoming call for projects, visit the SCAG STBG/CMAQ website.

Updated SB 79 Stops, Zones, and Tiers Map Now Available

SCAG has released an update to the Senate Bill (SB) 79 Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Stops, Zones, and Tiers Map.

Changes to the map are based on 1) construction drawings for a select number of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority transit stations and 2) inclusion of locally preferred alternatives for projects that have planned transit stations.

To review the complete list of map changes, visit SCAG News.

The SCAG Regional Council approved the approach and methodology for the SB 79 mapping requirements at its July 2026 meeting. The map identifies qualifying transit stops, transit-oriented development zones, and tier classifications based on service characteristics in qualifying urban transit counties. According to state guidance and the language of SB 79, Los Angeles County is currently the only urban transit county in the SCAG region. Orange County will become an urban transit county when the OC Streetcar opens for revenue service.

Connect SoCal 2050 Community Partner Program Applications Now Open

SCAG seeks up to 20 community-based organizations to participate in the Connect SoCal 2050 Community Partner Program. Through this paid partnership, selected organizations will engage local community members and collect feedback to help shape the Connect SoCal 2050 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy.

Connect SoCal 2050 is a long-range vision for Southern California that balances future mobility and housing needs with economic and environmental goals. By partnering with trusted local organizations, SCAG will develop regional strategies and policies that include community priorities, local knowledge, and real-life experiences.

Community partners will work with SCAG to support community engagement activities that inform Connect SoCal 2050. Partners will use their local knowledge and relationships to connect with residents, collect feedback, and recommend regional strategies and policies that reflect the needs and priorities of the communities they serve.

Read more at SCAG News.

Community Hubs Activation Program Call for Interest Opens Nov. 9

SCAG will open its Community Hubs Activation Program request for interest on Nov. 9, seeking cities, counties, councils of governments, and Tribal Nations interested in hosting community-based activations during the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The SCAG Regional Council approved guidelines for the request for interest at its Nov. 3 meeting. Applications close Jan. 8, 2027.

SCAG expects to select 12 projects across the region to receive technical assistance and consultant support for Community Hubs that promote community engagement, local economic activity, and multimodal transportation. As part of SCAG’s LA28 Games Mobility Program, the initiative will help extend the benefits of the LA28 Games to communities throughout Southern California. Workshops and office hours will be offered to support applicants. Learn more and apply on the SCAG website.

SCAG Completes ‘Community Hubs for Mega-Events Needs Assessment Survey’

SCAG’s Community Hubs for Mega-Events Needs Assessment Survey closed in October after opening in July. The survey gathered insights on the economic, tourism, and community impacts of the FIFA World Cup 2026 across Southern California, along with lessons learned that can be used to help maximize the benefits of future mega-events, including the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Responses provided perspectives on what worked well, what challenges emerged, and what strategies should inform future planning efforts. The findings will help identify key themes, successes, and opportunities for improvement and will be featured as part of SCAG’s Annual Economic Update, presented during SCAG’s regularly scheduled Joint Policy Committee meeting in December.

Stay tuned for upcoming findings and insights from the assessment, and subscribe to receive future SCAG updates, research, and event announcements.

SCAG Advances 19 Regional Freight Projects for 2026 Trade Corridor Enhancement Program Funding

At the Nov. 5 meeting, the Regional Council approved SCAG’s nomination package for the 2026 Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP), advancing 19 freight projects from across the SCAG region for consideration by the California Transportation Commission. As the region’s metropolitan planning organization, SCAG coordinated with county transportation commissions, cities, ports, the California Department of Transportation, and other partners to review project eligibility and confirm project consistency with the Connect SoCal 2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy.

The nominated projects represent more than $3 billion in total infrastructure investment. The projects are seeking approximately $750 million in TCEP funding, including approximately $500 million in regional funding requests and approximately $250 million in state funding requests. The projects are intended to strengthen Southern California’s multimodal freight network, improve goods movement efficiency, support economic competitiveness, and advance statewide freight mobility and sustainability goals. Through the TCEP nomination process, SCAG continues its role in supporting member agencies in securing competitive transportation funding and implementing projects that support regional and national supply chains.

Nominations Now Open for 2027 SCAG Sustainability Awards

The SCAG Sustainability Awards recognize projects for outstanding contributions to a more mobile, sustainable, and prosperous future for Southern California. Award recipients set a standard for excellence across the region, state, and country. SCAG is honored to recognize the best planning programs and projects in Southern California.

SCAG presents eight Sustainability Awards, including six County Sustainability Awards, one for each county of the SCAG region, the Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability Award, and the Carmen Ramirez Award for Equity. Each application for a County Sustainability Award should describe how the project, program, or policy aligns with Connect SoCal goals and objectives and one or more of the four Connect SoCal pillars: mobility, communities, the environment, and the economy. Every nomination is considered for its respective County Sustainability Award, the Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability Award, and the Carmen Ramirez Award for Equity.

SCAG will present the 2027 Sustainability Awards at the Regional Conference and General Assembly on May 6, 2027, in Palm Desert. Nominations for the 2027 Sustainability Awards are due Dec. 18.

More information about the eligibility and criteria for the awards, including the 2027 SCAG Sustainability Awards Guidelines, is available at SCAG News.

Last Mile Freight Rebate Applications Extended Into 2027

SCAG has extended the deadline for round two of the Last-Mile Freight Program (LMFP) Rebate Program to Jan. 11, 2027, three months beyond the original deadline of Oct. 5, 2026.

This initiative, as funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and administered as part of South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD)’s INVEST CLEAN program, is designed to reduce emissions, improve regional air quality, and accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles in goods movement operations. $49.1 million in funding remains available for freight owners and operators in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino to support the purchase or conversion of Class 4-8 battery-electric vehicles.

The application deadline has been extended to allow applicants to take advantage of stackable funding opportunities from other incentive programs such as the California Clean Fuel Reward, Warehouse Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions (WAIRE) Program, SCE ReCharge, Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), Carl Moyer, and other state and local incentive programs; to align with applicant engagement feedback to provide additional preparation time; and to allow applicants to consider more infrastructure opportunities in connection with the LMFP Rebate Program.

With the new January application deadline, SCAG will seek approval for project selection from the SCAG Transportation Committee in February.

Toolbox Tuesday Recap: An Introduction to the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

On Oct. 27, 2026, SCAG hosted a Toolbox Tuesday session featuring a comprehensive overview of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, landmark federal housing legislation that became law on July 11, 2026.

The session explains more about how the law will influence local and regional governments and how it might influence future federal housing and transportation policies.

Read more about the presentation and watch the video of the presentation at SCAG News.

REAP 2.0-Funded Housing Incubator Helps Cities Advance Local Housing Projects in the San Gabriel Valley

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The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) presented its Housing Incubator project to the Community, Economic, and Human Development Committee on Nov. 5. As part of the Regional Early Action Planning Grant Program of 2021 (REAP 2.0), SCAG allocated $1.54 million to SGVCOG to expand its existing housing incubator and provide cities with staffing, technical expertise, and financial resources needed to advance housing projects.

The project successfully completed eight housing planning projects with local jurisdictions, including site-specific analyses, land use and zoning updates, and program design and implementation to support infill development. The presentation highlighted four key projects: the Monrovia Site Analysis, Regional Objective Design Standards, Alhambra Workforce Housing Implementation Plan, and San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust Site Evaluation Resource. SGVCOG also shared key outcomes, best practices, and opportunities for future efforts.

Read the staff report for more information on the project’s outcome and recommendations.

Two REAP 2.0-Funded Stormwater Projects Break Ground

Two Regional Early Action Planning Grant Program of 2021-funded (REAP 2.0) capital projects are kicking off construction in November and expected to conclude early in 2027. The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and Palm Desert are utilizing their grant funds to construct critical stormwater capital projects to reduce flooding from heavy precipitation events that have constrained the ability to build new housing.

Both projects were funded by REAP 2.0’s Regional Utilities Supporting Housing program, which focuses on supporting utility planning and capital projects throughout the region to accelerate housing production, promote fair housing, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

La Puente Completes REAP-Funded Mixed-Use Places Project

La Puente completed the Mixed-Use Places project in October 2026 in partnership with local community-based organization Active SGV. The 18-month effort was funded by the Regional Early Action Planning Grant Program of 2021. The Mixed-Use Places project encourages infill development by amending the city’s general plan and zoning code to develop a new mixed-use zoning program that revitalizes existing underutilized commercial properties into vibrant, active, and walkable areas with community spaces. Inclusionary housing requirements are incorporated to ensure new residential development is affordable for low- and moderate-income households. On Aug. 11, La Puente’s City Council unanimously adopted amendments to the general plan and zoning code, creating the mixed-use overlay as part of the city’s housing element.

Lancaster Completes REAP-Funded Sierra Gateway Neighborhood Plan

Lancaster completed the Sierra Gateway Neighborhood Plan in October 2026. The 19-month effort was funded by the Regional Early Action Planning Grant Program of 2021. The Sierra Gateway Neighborhood Plan provides direction for future development within the plan area. The neighborhood plan replaces the existing Transit-Oriented Development Zones Plan—a form-based plan interpreting the previous mixed-use zoning designation—to allow for more flexible land uses, simplified zoning, streamlined development standards, design guidelines, public realm improvements, and implementation strategies. The plan aims to support walkable, mixed-use development patterns to create new opportunities for housing development near the Lancaster Metrolink Station and promote additional opportunities for jobs and commercial uses.

Los Angeles County Receives $3.8 million from SCAG to Implement ADU Infill Grant Program

A $3.8 million lump-sum payment was issued to the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning for implementation of the ADU Infill Grant Program through the Regional Early Action Planning Grant Program of 2021’s Subregional Partnership Program. The $3.8 million initiative, implemented in partnership with San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, will provide forgivable grants to support construction of accessory dwelling units in eligible unincorporated Los Angeles County communities, including neighborhoods affected by the Eaton Fire in Altadena. The program is designed to expand affordable housing options and accelerate infill housing production throughout the region.

SCAG Hosts Freight Industry TDM Forum

Last month SCAG hosted the seventh Regional Freight Industry TDM Forum. Attendees discussed SCAG’s 2028 Games Regional TDM Strategic Plan, venue-level assessments to support local transportation demand management (TDM) implementation, and the integrated marketing, communications, and outreach strategy. Staff also facilitated a working session to solicit feedback from members on the development of the freight TDM toolbox and other resources to support goods movement and business continuity through the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. These forums will continue to inform implementation of SCAG’s TDM strategic plan, with engagement becoming more tailored to specific stakeholder needs, integrated partner efforts, and implementation activities as the project progresses.

Future Leaders Initiative Builds Momentum with Second Cohort

SCAG’s Future Leaders Initiative is continuing its efforts to engage the next generation of civic leaders and expand opportunities for young adults to participate in shaping Southern California’s future. Following the launch of its inaugural cohort, the program is returning for a second year with an expanded cohort of 30 participants. The application period closed in October with 260 submissions, highlighting interest in opportunities to learn about regional planning, civic leadership, and the role of government in shaping communities.

Beginning in January 2027, the six-month program will bring together participants from across SCAG’s six-county region for interactive learning sessions led by regional leaders and SCAG staff. Participants will develop a foundational understanding of how local and regional governments collaborate and learn how regional planning initiatives, including Connect SoCal, SCAG’s Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, help guide the region’s long-term growth and development.

Designed as an accessible entry point for individuals interested in civic engagement and leadership, the Future Leaders Initiative connects participants with new perspectives, regional networks, and engagement in planning decisions that will shape Southern California for generations to come. For more information, visit the SCAG website.

SCAG Joins GME Executives to Talk Olympics Planning at Mobility 21

On Oct. 21, staff presented at the Games Mobility Executives (GME) Regional Assembly, which convened GME partners, venue cities, transit agencies, and other key stakeholders for updates on Games mobility workstreams. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) shared World Cup lessons learned to inform planning for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, while staff from LA28, the city of Los Angeles, and Metro provided updates on accessibility planning. SCAG staff shared progress on implementing the 2028 Games Regional TDM Strategic Plan, highlighting resources in development, including communications templates and toolkits, to support partners’ implementation of transportation demand management strategies.

Go Human Leads Kit of Parts Activation at CSUDH

In early October, SCAG and California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) held a one-day temporary demonstration of a mobility lane and artistic crosswalk using the Go Human Kit of Parts. The activation was part of the collaborative process between SCAG and CSUDH to develop a transportation demand management (TDM) plan. Development of this plan is funded by a Caltrans Active Transportation Program Cycle 7 grant with technical assistance provided by SCAG.

During the demonstration, staff gathered feedback on the safety and effectiveness of a separated lane for bikes, scooters, and other wheeled devices throughout campus pathways. The artistic crosswalk along Dominguez Hills Parkway demonstrated how placemaking and pedestrian improvements enhance connections to the future mobility hub planned for the campus. Feedback from this activation will inform recommendations for strategies in a campus transportation demand management plan anticipated for adoption in June 2027. The plan will also address CSUDH’s role as a host venue for eight sports competitions during the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games by identifying strategies to accommodate games-related travel demand and maintain reliable access for the campus community and visitors alike.

Go Human, Planning for Main Streets Team Up to Demonstrate Traffic Safety in Brawley

On Oct. 23, as part of its Planning for Main Streets initiative, SCAG Go Human supported the development of a street improvement planning project along State Route 86 in Brawley, with a traffic safety demonstration in front of Witter Elementary School. Held at the intersection of K Street and State Route 86, the demonstration borrowed treatments from the Go Human Kit of Parts Lending Library to showcase proposed improvements. At the demonstration, residents provided feedback on the proposed street treatments and enjoyed family-friendly activities.

SCAG Celebrates Go Human Funded Partner Projects’ 2026 American Planning Association (APA) Awards

SCAG celebrates five Go Human-funded partner projects that received seven 2026 American Planning Association (APA) awards at the section and state levels for their contributions to traffic safety awareness and community engagement across the region.

• Latino Health Access’ Ride, Walk, & Roll Orange County project received APA Awards of Excellence in the Communications Initiative and Outreach category from both the Orange County Section and California Chapter for its three-year traffic safety campaign, which reached more than 68,000 residents.
• Nyeland Promise’s Safe Travels in Nyeland Acres received an APA Award of Excellence from the Central Coast Section in both the Communications Initiative and Outreach and the Grassroots Initiative categories.
• Office of: People’s Sites of Repair: Methodologies for Collective Healing in High-Injury Intersections received an APA Award of Merit in the Grassroots Initiative category from the Los Angeles Section.
• Public Matters’ The Boo-Boo Bandage Brigade Bonanza received an APA Award of Merit in the Communications Initiative & Outreach category from the Los Angeles Section.
• Riverside University Health System–Public Health’s Pedestrian Safety Campaign received an APA Award of Merit in the Communications Initiative and Outreach category from the Inland Empire Section.

Congratulations to all five organizations for their wins and their impact across the region. To read more about each award, visit SCAG News.

SCAG Hosts Visiting Chilean Trade Delegation

In partnership with California State University, Long Beach, SCAG hosted a Chilean trade delegation in October as part of a two-day agenda focused on freight and supply chain topics across seaport operations, academic partners, and regional freight planning and governance. The delegation included the undersecretary of transportation and representatives of private sector companies and academia. Regional Council President Ray Marquez welcomed the group and provided an overview of the SCAG region, emphasizing the value of fostering collaboration on key goods movement issues.

SCAG and Los Angeles Department of Transportation staff presented on agency roles and responsibilities, long-range planning, key partnerships and initiatives, examples of work programs, projects, and pilot demonstrations, including highlights on the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games freight transportation demand management strategies.

SCAG Attends 2026 APA California Conference in Downtown Los Angeles

On Oct. 5, SCAG joined planners from across the state for the 2026 American Planning Association California Conference at JW Marriott LA Live in Downtown Los Angeles. SCAG Associate Regional Planner Amanda McDaniel presented at the "Data-Driven Storytelling and Technical Assistance to Build a Safe Transportation System" panel, detailing how SCAG provides big data and technical assistance to empower communities to tell their own stories. The session also shared details from a recent success in the city of San Bernardino, where fatal and severe injury crashes were reduced by 80 percent at treated sites.

SCAG also participated in the event as an exhibitor, highlighting key programs such as the LA28 Games Mobility Program, Go Human, the Future Leaders Initiative, and many more.

SCAG Supports 25th Annual Ventura County Housing Conference

SCAG sponsored the 25th Annual Ventura County Housing Opportunities Made Easier Conference on Oct. 1. The regional conference brought together over 250 attendees from housing professionals and public agencies to developers, planners, nonprofits, community leaders, and partners across the region. The conference created meaningful space for education, connection, and collaboration on innovative ways to advance housing solutions in Ventura County.

SCAG Sponsors VCOG Annual Dinner

SCAG was a Diamond Sponsor of the Annual Ventura Council of Governments Dinner (VCOG) on Thursday, Oct. 8, where local officials, city leaders, and stakeholders across Ventura County celebrated VCOG’s achievements in the past year. SCAG Executive Director Kome Ajise highlighted the strong partnership between SCAG and VCOG and the importance of regional collaboration.

SCAG Participates in California Economic Summit Panel

SCAG Executive Director Kome Ajise joined a panel at the 2026 California Economic Summit, hosted by California Forward. The panel, “The Future of Infrastructure – Shared Financing Model,” focused on new and creative financing mechanisms for critical infrastructure.

SCAG is working with California Forward to develop a regional program to help jurisdictions evaluate and implement tax increment financing tools to support infrastructure, housing, transportation, economic development, and climate resilience investments. Participating jurisdictions will receive assistance in assessing project feasibility, identifying revenue potential, developing financing strategies, and moving projects from concept to implementation.

SCAG Presents Keynote at CCCA’s 10th Annual City Managers’ Summit

SCAG Chief Operating Officer Darin Chidsey delivered the keynote presentation at the California Contract Cities Association’s (CCCA) 10th Annual City Managers’ Summit, at the invitation of CCCA Executive Director Marcell Rodarte. Chidsey highlighted SCAG’s role as the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization, reviewed the near-complete REAP 2.0 program, discussed SCAG’s role in administering federal transportation dollars in the region, and shared insights from SCAG’s latest quarterly economic report.

SCAG Regional Council members Claudia Frometa (Downey), Mark Waronek (Lomita), and Jeff Wood (Lakewood) were in attendance, as well as policy committee member Kaylee Law (Walnut).

SCAG Sponsors LAEDC 88 Cities Summit

SCAG sponsored the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation’s (LAEDC) 88 Cities Summit on Oct. 14 at Archer Aviation’s Hawthorne headquarters, bringing together mayors, elected officials, and business leaders from across L.A. County’s 88 cities.

Hawthorne Mayor Alex Vargas and Archer leadership provided opening remarks, followed by a morning plenary on “Future Ready Cities,” introduced by Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. and moderated by former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, with panelists Los Angeles City Planning Director Vince Bertoni and Archer Chief Strategy Officer Eric Lentell. Next was a breakout session on “Building the Space Economy: City-Led Cluster Strategy and Regional Collaboration,” moderated by Sunstone Cities CEO John Keisler with panelists El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel and Griffiss Institute California Lead Justin Salters.

SCAG Participates in Construction Network COG Panel

SCAG’s Denise Sifford, senior regional planner in the Integrated Planning and Programming Department, participated in the Construction Networks’ COG panel on Oct. 14 in La Mirada, sharing insights on SCAG’s Surface Transportation Block Grant and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement programs. The event connected public agencies and the construction community to discuss upcoming projects and opportunities.

SCAG Joins NARC Executive Director's Conference

Last month, SCAG Executive Director Kome Ajise participated in a panel on supporting effective governance at the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) Executive Directors Conference. The conference brings together leaders of regional organizations, including regional councils and metropolitan planning organizations. For more than 50 years, NARC has been the national voice for regions, promoting regional cooperation and representing its members’ interests before Congress, federal agencies, and partner organizations on a broad range of community planning and development issues.

SCAG Executives Visit UCI, USC for Student Engagement

Last month, SCAG’s executive staff shared information with university students about regional planning and SCAG programs that support students and early career professionals.

SCAG Executive Director Kome Ajise traveled to the University of California, Irvine and the University of Southern California to deliver presentations to two graduate level classes. SCAG Chief Planning Officer Sarah Jepson also traveled to the University of Southern California to deliver a separate presentation to graduate students.

Both presentations included information on applying to the Future Leaders Initiative, participating in the annual Student Showcase at the annual Regional Conference and General Assembly, and applying to SCAG’s Junior Planner Program.

31st Annual LAEDC EDDY Awards

SCAG Chief Government and Public Affairs Officer Javiera Cartagena joined regional leaders at the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation's (LAEDC) EDDY Awards. LAEDC welcomed leaders from business, government, education, and community at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena to celebrate this year’s honorees—including AltaMed (Corporation of the Year), the Los Angeles Business Journal (Mid-Size Business of the Year), Webb Investments (Small Business of the Year), Goodwill of Southern California (Workforce Development of the Year), and the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (International Partner of the Year). The evening also featured the live announcement of the Most Business-Friendly City Award winners, selected from 14 finalists—seven small cities and seven large cities—recognized for creating the conditions for businesses to start, stay, grow, and invest.

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