Executive Director’s Monthly Report, September 2026
SCAG Publishes New ‘LA28 Games Regional TDM Strategic Plan’
In conjunction with the Sept. 3 Regional Council meeting, SCAG published its LA28 Games Regional Transportation Demand Management Strategic Plan, a regional strategy to manage transportation demand during the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
This plan shows how local jurisdictions, transportation agencies, employers, businesses, freight industry stakeholders, and community partners can work together to manage transportation demand, reduce congestion, and move people and goods smoothly during the LA28 Games. The plan focuses on four high-impact TDM program areas: regional communications and outreach, regional wayfinding, mobility and access programs, and regulatory and operational policies. If implemented, the plan will result in a more reliable transportation system, increased use of transit and shared travel options, better freight movement, reduced traffic congestion and emissions, strengthened regional collaboration, and long-term improvements for Southern California's sustainability and transportation goals after the LA28 Games.
Moving forward, SCAG will create an updated TDM Toolbox with strategies and best practices for passenger and freight, tailored to the LA28 Games, and prepare project delivery plans to support initial implementation, beginning in 2027. These resources will be a roadmap to advance the plan's priorities and support regional partners to prepare for the transportation demands of the LA28 Games.
Implementing this plan will be a regional effort, including current and planned initiatives led by jurisdictions, employers, freight stakeholders, and other partners. Read more about the plan at SCAG News. Learn more about SCAG’s other regional initiatives to prepare for the LA28 Games at SCAG’s LA28 Games Mobility Program website.
SCAG Publishes Economic Roundtable Quarterly Report
The SCAG Economic Roundtable met for a quarterly discussion on Aug. 20, focusing on the question of whether slow, narrow, and jobless growth is still considered growth. Following the discussion, the roundtable produced a report detailing the state of the economy over the last quarter in the SCAG region and the state of California.
Among the key findings of the report:
- While gross domestic product is growing and unemployment isn’t rising, there is much less job creation and only three sectors continue to see meaningful job gains.
- Many roundtable economists suspect that job declines resulted from retiring baby boomers being “replaced” by AI instead of younger (or unavailable) workers, despite fairly low reported layoffs.
- Established and emerging industries remain strong in parts of the region, including aerospace, defense, and tourism.
- Through June 2026, nearly 27,000 housing units were permitted across the SCAG region, 5,000 more than in the first half of 2025. Increases were driven by Los Angeles County despite its population losses.
- Additional county highlights include potential lithium development in Imperial County, concentrated job growth and labor force contraction in the Inland Empire, strong business sentiment in Orange County, and declining activity through the Port of Hueneme.
More details can be found in the quarterly report. Supporting data are available at the SCAG Economic Trends Tool.
Regional Council Hosts Expert Panel to Discuss World Cup Lessons, Olympics Preparation
The September Regional Council meeting featured a panel discussion on lessons from the FIFA World Cup 2026 for building a more connected and resilient region with Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro); Darrell E. Johnson, CEO of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA); and Alissa Walker, editor of Torched.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 allowed Southern California to test its ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver mobility, revealing the capacity of institutions to collaborate, adapt, and deliver positive experiences under extraordinary circumstances. Panelists shared lessons from the extensive transportation coordination and community activities planning that supported the matches in Los Angeles, including reflections on how to create the best experience for visitors and residents.
With only two years until the LA28 Games, these lessons are timely for SCAG’s collaboration with Games Mobility Executives, a group of Southern California agencies collaborating on mobility planning for the LA28 Games. Members include LA28, the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office, Metro, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, Caltrans, Metrolink, OCTA, and SCAG.
A video of the panel is on SCAG's YouTube.
SCAG’s ‘Innovative Clean Transit Regional Assessment’ Advances Clean Transit Future
On Aug. 18, SCAG published the “Innovative Clean Transit Regional Assessment,” which examines how transit agencies across Southern California are preparing for the state-mandated transition to zero-emission buses. The assessment evaluates existing fleet and infrastructure conditions, regional readiness, best practices, and key implementation challenges and opportunities.
California’s Innovative Clean Transit regulation requires public transit agencies to transition to ZEB fleets through phased procurement, with the goal of achieving a fully zero-emission fleet by 2040.
Learn more and download the full assessment at SCAG News.
Updates on SCAG-Sponsored Legislation
Senate Bill 1087 (Cabaldon)
Over the past year, SCAG has been heavily engaged in efforts to improve Senate Bill (SB) 375, the landmark 2008 legislation that created the sustainable communities strategies (SCS) program. Joined by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, Sacramento Area Council of Governments, and the San Diego Association of Governments, SCAG formed a statewide working group of homebuilders, environmental advocates, and other impacted stakeholders to consider reforms to the SCS planning framework. These efforts resulted in SB 1087 by State Senator Christopher Cabaldon (D-West Sacramento), which seeks to modernize SB 375 by focusing on implementation, ensuring the SCS reflects a balanced set of state goals, and increasing transparency around the California Air Resources Board’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction target-setting process.
Since introduction, SB 1087 was presented at seven public legislative meetings, advancing to the Assembly Floor for final consideration. The Assembly passed SB 1087 on Sunday, Aug. 30, followed by final Senate passage on Monday, Aug. 31. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk, where he has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto the measure.
Assembly Bill 2002 (Solache)
SCAG continued advocacy efforts this summer in support of Assembly Bill (AB) 2002, authored by Assemblymember José Luis Solache (D-Lynwood) and cosponsored by SCAG and the California Association of Councils of Governments. The bill sought to codify the Regional Early Action Planning Grant Program of 2019 (REAP 1.0), establishing a permanent framework for future state investments in regional housing planning, Regional Housing Needs Allocation implementation, and housing production activities.
AB 2002 advanced through the State Legislature with strong bipartisan support and support from more than 30 local governments, regional agencies, housing organizations, and statewide associations. However, on Aug. 13, the Senate Appropriations Committee did not advance the bill, ending consideration of the measure for the 2026 legislative session. While the bill will not move forward this year, the effort elevated awareness among legislators and state policymakers about the importance of regional agencies in supporting housing production, fair housing, and implementation.
SCAG Receives Federal Recertification for Regional Planning Process
Every four years, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) complete a certification review of the planning process undertaken by metropolitan planning organizations with an urbanized area population greater than 200,000. The review verifies compliance with applicable federal laws and regulations.
On Aug. 17, FHWA and FTA notified SCAG that the federal certification review process conducted between March 1 and Aug. 13 resulted in a positive certification for the region. The federal agencies will subsequently issue a final report documenting the results of the review. SCAG’s next certification review will occur in 2030.
Regional Council Adopts 2027 FTIP, Connect SoCal 2024 Amendment 2, PEIR Addendum 2
On Sept. 3, the SCAG Regional Council adopted the 2027 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) and Amendment 2 to the Connect SoCal 2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, including the associated transportation conformity analyses. The Regional Council action was based on the SCAG Transportation Committee’s recommended adoption of the 2027 FTIP and Amendment 2 to Connect SoCal 2024 and the SCAG Energy and Environment Committee’s recommended adoption of the transportation conformity analyses.
A funding program spanning six years, the 2027 FTIP includes more than 1,800 projects, totaling $48.5 billion and incorporating a wide range of multimodal investments supported by federal, state, and local funds to improve transportation options across Southern California. Amendment 2 to Connect SoCal 2024 makes changes to better meet regional needs, such as additions, deletions, and modifications to project scope, cost, and schedule, for approximately 723 project modifications, with 69 of those being new projects.
During the 30-day public review period, the draft 2027 FTIP received 24 comments: 18 general comments, three project-specific comments, and three comments related to funding and the financial plan. The draft Amendment 2 to Connect SoCal 2024 received 15 comments: 13 general comments and three project-specific comments (with one of the comments considered as both general and project-specific in nature). Due to the substance of several comments received, those comments appear in both the 2027 FTIP and Amendment 2 to Connect SoCal 2024. None of the comments affected the transportation conformity analyses or conclusions. Minor and technical changes to FTIP projects will be addressed in Amendment 1 of the 2027 FTIP. Input from several comments will be considered in the development of Connect SoCal 2050.
Additionally, in adherence to the California Environmental Quality Act, SCAG staff prepared an addendum to the recently certified Connect SoCal 2024 Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR). The Regional Council reviewed and adopted the addendum to the 2024 PEIR as recommended by the Energy and Environment Committee before the approval of Amendment 2.
SCAG anticipates receiving final federal approval for transportation conformity for both the 2027 FTIP and Amendment 2 to Connect SoCal 2024 by mid-December 2026.
To read more about the 2027 FTIP, Connect SoCal Amendment 2, and PEIR Addendum 2, read SCAG News.
Policy Committees Approve Connect SoCal 2050 Policy Development Framework
On Sept. 3, members of SCAG’s three policy committees heard a presentation on the Final Connect SoCal 2050 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy Policy Development Framework. The SCAG Regional Council will consider adoption of the policy development framework at the October Regional Council Meeting.
The framework outlines the policy structure, focus areas, and leadership roles that will shape Connect SoCal 2050. It builds on Connect SoCal 2024 by retaining the previous Vision and Goals, while updating the Regional Planning Policies and Implementation Strategies to address new trends, challenges, and opportunities.
Three focus areas will guide policy discussions:
- Demographics and economic implications.
- Transportation technology and the future of transit.
- Complete communities and housing the region.
Climate and resilience will also be considered in all focus areas. The framework includes feedback from the Connect SoCal 2050 Subcommittee and will help guide regional policy as SCAG develops Connect SoCal 2050. Subscribe to receive Connect SoCal 2050 updates on the SCAG website.
Connect SoCal 2050 Subcommittee Begins Regular Meetings
August marked the launch of the special Connect SoCal 2050 Subcommittee, established to provide overarching policy leadership in the development of the Connect SoCal 2050 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. Chaired by Regional Council First Vice President Jenny Crosswhite, the group will meet several times through early 2028. The subcommittee is composed of policy committee members representing all six counties and Tribal governments. The subcommittee also includes four ex-officio members who add expertise and perspective.
At its inaugural meeting, the subcommittee adopted its charter, set key issues and the policy development process, and reviewed results from a SCAG statistical survey highlighting the public’s top concerns.
Regional Housing Needs Assessment Subcommittee Launches
SCAG held its first Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Subcommittee meeting on Aug. 13. The subcommittee will guide the RHNA process with policy guidance, review of key materials, and recommendations to SCAG’s Community, Economic, and Human Development (CEHD) Committee and Regional Council.
Led by Chair Rocky Rhodes, the subcommittee meets on the second Thursday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. Its main tasks are to develop the proposed RHNA methodology, oversee draft and proposed final RHNA allocations, and hear appeals related to draft allocations. While the subcommittee cannot change the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Regional Housing Needs Determination or override statutory requirements, it will decide appeals and provide recommendations to the CEHD Committee and Regional Council.
View the SCAG calendar for meeting information.
SCAG Hosts Inland Empire Mobile Workshop
As part of Regional Council President Ray Marquez’s presidential priorities of increasing housing production and looking at infrastructure as a driver for economic development, a delegation of SCAG Regional Council members joined a mobile workshop on Aug. 19. The tour featured stops in Upland and Ontario and highlighted how regional collaboration and strategic investments in housing, transportation infrastructure, and community amenities can support economic growth and enhance the quality of life.
In Upland, the group heard about how Regional Early Action Planning Grant Program of 2021 (REAP 2.0) projects are supporting planning and development in the city’s historic downtown. Attendees toured a site where utility planning will support two affordable housing developments on vacant parcels near the Upland Metrolink Station. The second stop was Ontario International Airport, an important economic and transportation asset for the Inland Empire and the broader Southern California region, supporting jobs, commerce, tourism, and regional supply chains. The group heard about the importance of strategic infrastructure investments and regional collaboration in supporting the airport’s continued growth and contributions to the local and regional economy. Finally, the SCAG delegation also visited the ONT Field for a discussion on how recreational amenities contribute to community pride, attract visitors, and support local economic activity.
Regional Council members in attendance included Hon. Margaret Finlay (Duarte), Hon. Daniel Ramos (Adelanto), Hon. John Dutrey (Montclair), Hon. Rick Denison (Yucca Valley), Hon. Tanya Doby (Los Alamitos), Hon. Ryan Bailus (Anaheim), and Hon. Frank Yokoyama (Cerritos). Transportation Committee member Gabriel Reyes (Adelanto) also attended.
SCAG Co-Hosts 2026 Inland Zero Emission Vehicle Forum
Local, regional, state, industry, and community leaders gathered at the Riverside Convention Center on Aug. 27 for the 2026 Inland Zero Emission Vehicle Forum to advance zero-emission vehicle and infrastructure deployment across Inland Southern California. Co-hosted by SCAG, the Western Riverside County Clean Cities Coalition, and the Southern California Clean Cities Coalition, the annual forum creates a collaborative space to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Designed for fleet managers, policymakers, sustainability professionals, utility representatives, educators, technology providers, and other stakeholders, the one-day event featured information on the latest industry updates, technical training, policy discussions, and networking opportunities.
Read more about the event and SCAG’s work to advance zero-emission vehicles, visit SCAG News.
Seven ‘Planning for Main Streets’ Outreach Pop-Ups Coming to Local Community Events
August through October, SCAG will host in-person outreach pop-ups at community events to introduce the local projects, review existing conditions, and gather community input. Community feedback will inform corridor priorities and potential recommendations to improve safety, mobility, and placemaking. While each pop-up will be similar in format, the content will reflect each individual corridor.
Each outreach pop-up will provide information about the project and proposed improvements along the specific corridor in that area. The project team will be available to hear questions, comments, and ideas. Feedback will help inform safety, mobility, and placemaking improvements along the corridor. Participants can stop by the outreach pop-up at any time during the event.
For more information about the dates, times, and locations of all the community events, read SCAG News.
SCAG Receives Funding for ‘Regional Wildlife Connectivity Study’
SCAG received a $700,000 Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant to start the “Regional Wildlife Connectivity Study.” The study will support regional planning and implementation of transportation infrastructure that reduces wildlife-vehicle collisions, improves ecosystem connectivity and species movement, and enhances the region’s carbon sequestration potential and overall resilience. The study is expected to start in spring 2027 and finish in June 2029.
SCAG Hosts ‘Advancing Clean Transit Through Innovative Tools and Strategies’ Toolbox Tuesday
On Aug. 18, SCAG hosted the “Advancing Clean Transit Through Innovative Tools and Strategies” Toolbox Tuesday to explore practical strategies and best practices for transitioning Southern California transit systems to zero-emission technologies.
The session introduced SCAG’s new regional toolkit from the “Innovative Clean Transit Regional Assessment Study” as well as resources from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and lessons learned from transit operators across the SCAG region who have implemented zero-emission buses. Speakers include representatives from SCAG, CARB, Caltrans, the SunLine Transit Agency, and the Antelope Valley Transit Authority.
Read more and watch the video of the session at SCAG News.
SCAG Discusses Olympics Planning with Queensland Council of Mayors
SCAG attended a luncheon hosted by the South East Queensland Council of Mayors to discuss preparations for the LA28 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games and share lessons between current and future host regions. With Brisbane set to host the 2032 Games, SCAG Executive Director Kome Ajise and Regional Council Immediate Past President Cindy Allen highlighted Southern California’s approach to transportation demand management, regional coordination, stakeholder engagement, and mobility planning for the LA28 Games. The discussion highlighted the value of international collaboration to help everyone move safely and efficiently during major global events and to create a lasting transportation legacy.
SCAG Supports Lennox Pedestrian Plan Workshops with Kit of Parts Demonstrations
On Aug. 22 and 29, SCAG partnered with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to support the Lennox Community Pedestrian Plan with two Go Human traffic safety demonstrations outside Lennox Park. The demonstrations were held at the intersection of Lennox Boulevard and Condon Avenue, as well as the intersection of Lennox Boulevard and Truro Avenue. Both sites featured temporary curb extensions and artistic crosswalks from the Go Human Kit of Parts Lending Library to highlight proposed projects. Residents shared feedback on the draft plan and received safety giveaways like reflective gear and bicycle helmets.
The Lennox Community Pedestrian Plan is funded through the 2020 call for SCAG’s Sustainable Communities Program – Active Transportation and Safety and is anticipated to be completed in Fall 2026.
SCAG Sponsors VICA Local Officeholders Luncheon
SCAG Chief Government and Public Affairs Officer Javiera Cartagena represented the agency at VICA’s Annual Local Officeholders Luncheon at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 27. SCAG was also a sponsor of the event, which brought together elected officials from across the San Fernando Valley, including SCAG Regional Council members Ardy Kassakhian (Glendale) and David Shapiro (Calabasas), policy committee members Tamala Takahashi (Burbank) and Victoria Garcia (San Fernando), and officials from Agoura Hills, Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas, and San Fernando, to discuss issues shaping the region.
SCAG Participates in National City Hall Selfie Day 2026
On Aug. 11, SCAG’s Government and Legislative Affairs team joined local governments nationwide to celebrate the 11th annual #CityHallSelfie Day, a tradition that highlights pride in public service. SCAG team members visited six city halls—Lakewood, Los Alamitos, Santa Paula, Temecula, Brawley, and West Hollywood—to connect with Regional Council members and celebrate the local leadership, diversity, and vibrancy of SCAG’s member jurisdictions.
