SCAG Leadership Meets with Congressional Representatives
SCAG hosted a “virtual fly-in” on March 17 – 18, where SCAG’s executive officers, several Regional Council members, and staff met with Representative Norma Torres (D-Pomona), member of the House Appropriations Committee and Rules Committee, and Representative Maxine Waters (D-Gardena), chair of the House Financial Services Committee. The delegation also met with key members of the U.S.
SCAG Regional Council Green Lights 26 Projects To Promote Sustainable Housing Development
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has approved 26 local proposals that promote sustainable housing development as part of its 2020/2021 Sustainable Communities Program (SCP).
The 26 proposals – spread from Santa Monica to Coachella – are designed to promote diverse housing types in communities served by multiple transportation options and create dynamic, built environments that support multimodal mobility and reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles.
Read the full press release: SCAG Regional Council Approves SCP Sustainable Housing Projects
SCAG Announces Grant Awards To Promote Affordable Housing and Equitable Growth Strategies
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) announced grant awards totaling $1.25 million to 15 nonprofits and community-based organizations to promote equitable growth strategies.
SCAG is dedicating $1 million of Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) grant funds toward the program, with additional funding from the California Community Foundation (CCF), the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and the Irvine Foundation.
Regional Data Platform Featured On Harvard’s Data-smart City Solutions Podcast
The Regional Data Platform (RDP) is harnessing GIS and data to improve the quality of life in Southern California.
2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program Adopted
The Regional Council voted last week to approve the 2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP), which contains approximately 2,000 projects in the SCAG region, programmed at $35.3 billion over the next six years. The FTIP is an important document for the region, allowing project sponsors to move forward with state and federal environmental review or project funding allocation/obligation. The program also reflects how the region is moving forward in implementing the policies and goals of Connect SoCal.
Draft 2021 Federal Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (FSTIP)
Public Review Notice
The Draft 2021 Federal Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (FSTIP) is now available for public review at the following website:
Draft FY 2021-22 Overall Work Program
Public Comment Period
On March 4, 2021, SCAG released its Fiscal Year 2021-22 Draft Overall Work Program.
Download the FY 2021-22 Draft OWP
THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED.
SCAG Adopts Final Allocation Plan for 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment
The governing body of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) formally adopted a final allocation plan to meet anticipated housing needs in the six-county region over much of the next decade.
Read the full Press Release: SCAG Adopts Final RHNA Allocation Plan
Public Hearing to Adopt Proposed 6th Cycle Final Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA) Plan
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Conducted pursuant to Government Code Section 65584.05(g)
March 4, 2021
12:30 p.m.
2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program
Proposed Amendment #21-01
The Southern California Association of Governments is in receipt of the 2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment #21-01 for Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Various, and Ventura counties. The Public Review period starts on February 8, 2021 and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on February 17, 2021.
A copy of the Project Listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website Proposed Amendment link at https://scag.ca.gov/post/amendment-21-01.
Regional Council Adopts Resolution To Establish A Broadband Action Plan
The nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization on Thursday committed to helping its 191 cities and six counties bridge the digital divide and increase broadband access in underserved communities throughout Southern California.
SCAG Appoints Michael Houston as Chief Counsel
Michael Houston has been appointed Chief Counsel for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), joining the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization after spending the past five years as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary to the Tejon Ranch Co.
Read the full Press Release: SCAG Appoints Michael Houston as Chief Counsel
SCAG Briefs Leaders on Draft Framework to Eliminate Barriers, Promote Racial and Social Equity
A newly formed committee comprised of leaders from across six Southern California counties was briefed Wednesday on a draft framework to promote racial and social equity and an inclusive economic recovery strategy.
SCAG Partners with California Community Foundation on the Call for Collaboration
California faces a tremendous challenge in meeting our collective housing needs. In partnership with California Community Foundation, SCAG is launching the Call for Collaboration program that will fund the development of community-based policies and plans that help cities and counties reach 6th Cycle RHNA goals of 1.3 million new housing units across the six-county SCAG region.
Regional Data Platform Software Licenses Available Now
Don’t miss the chance to take advantage of the complimentary Esri licenses available to your jurisdiction as part of the Regional Data Platform (RDP)! SCAG is making a suite of Esri software licenses available to one designated staff member in each jurisdiction to help support local planning activities and build technological capacity in the region.
Nominations Now Open for the 2021 SCAG Sustainability Awards
What has helped improve mobility and livability in your community? SCAG is now accepting nominations for the 2021 SCAG Sustainability Awards.
Each year, the SCAG Sustainability Awards celebrate plans and projects that use innovative planning to promote a cleaner, healthier and happier Southern California. Past awards have honored a wide range of plans and projects including community bike share programs, local general plan updates, transit fleet electrification and more.
2019 Federal Transportation Improvement Program
Proposed Amendment #19-31
The Southern California Association of Governments is in receipt of the 2019 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment #19-31 for Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. The Public Review period starts on January 19, 2021 and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on January 28, 2021.
A copy of the Project Listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website Proposed Amendment link at https://scag.ca.gov/2019-proposed-amendments.
SCAG Adopts Resolution on Climate Change Action
The nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization on Thursday formally affirmed the climate change crisis in Southern California and committed to a series of actions to mitigate the growing threat that greenhouse gas emissions pose to the region’s environment, economic security, public health and quality of life.
SCAG Releases Statement in Support of Governor’s Equitable Recovery for California Businesses and Jobs Plan
SCAG fully supports Gov. Gavin Newsom’s commitment to an equitable economic recovery strategy as part of his 2021-2022 budget proposal. SCAG has prioritized an inclusive and equitable recovery strategy as critical to Southern California’s economic future. As we build our recovery strategy, creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed is essential to building a strong, resilient, sustainable economy.
2020 in Review
As 2020 comes to a close, we would like to extend our sincere thanks on behalf of everyone at SCAG. Though this past year has tested the resiliency of the region through unprecedented challenges, we want to recognize the many milestones and accomplishments achieved in the face of hardship, all made possible through collaboration and support from our partners.
In the past 12 months, SCAG:
SCAG Economic Summit Highlights Need for an Inclusive Economic Development Strategy
An inclusive economic development strategy is critical to Southern California’s long-term economic prospects as the region begins a slow and prolonged post-pandemic recovery, experts said Tuesday.
2019 Federal Transportation Improvement Program
Proposed Amendment #19-29
The Southern California Association of Governments is in receipt of the 2019 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment #19-29 for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. The Public Review period starts on November 24, 2020 and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on December 3, 2020.
A copy of the Project Listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website Proposed Amendment link at https://scag.ca.gov/2019-proposed-amendments.
SCAG Appoints Cindy Giraldo as Chief Financial Officer
Cindy Giraldo has been appointed Chief Financial Officer for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), joining the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization after spending the past 10 years as Financial Services Director for the City of Burbank.
Read the full PRESS RELEASE: SCAG Appoints Cindy Giraldo as Chief Financial Officer
CoMotion LA LIVE
A New Deal for Mobility
SCAG is proud to participate in the upcoming CoMotion LA LIVE virtual conference happening this Nov. 17 - 19. CoMotion LA LIVE is bringing together global mayors and policymakers, leading technologists, public transport operators and venture capitalists, start-ups and established players to try and reimagine a world of mobility that better serves our cities and their citizens.
Keynote Speaker Announced for Economic Summit
SCAG is very pleased to announce three-time Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times columnist Tom Friedman as the keynote speaker for the 11th Annual Southern California Economic Summit on Tuesday, Dec. 1.
Tom Friedman is renowned for his direct reporting and accessible analysis of complex issues shaping the world. With clear and compelling language, Friedman discusses the opportunities and challenges that profound “accelerations,” including technology and connectivity, pose for society as well as for individuals, business and governments. His talk will take a big-picture look at the unprecedented time through which we’re living and weave together the themes of macroeconomic change, the challenges and opportunities specific to the regional level, and how we can break through stagnation to make real progress to a strong economy that works for everyone. Don’t miss this vital conversation on the region’s economic future – register here.
Draft 2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY AND PUBLIC HEARINGS
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has prepared the Draft 2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (Draft 2021 FTIP) in compliance with the adopted 2020 Connect SoCal, the 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (2020 Connect SoCal RTP/SCS) and all federal and state requirements, including those set forth in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST ACT) and metropolitan planning regulations.
SCAG Receives Grant for Go Human Safety Program
The Southern California Association of Governments has been awarded a $1.25 million grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to fund continued work on its regional active transportation safety and encouragement program, Go Human.
Read the full PRESS RELEASE: SCAG Receives Grant for Go Human Safety Program.
Last-Mile Freight Study Addresses Impacts of Surge in Business & Home Deliveries
As part of a major study, SCAG has unveiled a series of strategies to address challenges caused by the growing role freight shipments and e-commerce play in our lives.
SCAG developed the newly released Last-Mile Freight Study to provide solutions to the logistical challenges and community impacts resulting from the rapidly increasing demand for commercial and home deliveries.
Read the Last-Mile Freight Study.
Read the full PRESS RELEASE: Last-Mile Freight Study Addresses Impacts of Surge in Business & Home Deliveries
SCAG Wins Two Awards from the American Planning Association
The American Planning Association’s California Chapter has honored the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) for its work in establishing an active transportation database and its climate adaptation communications strategies.
The two Excellence Awards were announced Wednesday during the 2020 APA California Virtual Conference: State of Change.
Read the full PRESS RELEASE: SCAG Wins Two Awards from the American Planning Association
New Clean Truck Partnership Will Invest $10 Million for Goods Movement
The Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC)and SCAG announced today a new match-funding program for “last mile” transportation to help goods movement providers invest in clean truck and infrastructure technology.
The announcement comes as the MSRC celebrates 30 years of clean air transportation investments from its Clean Transportation Funding Program. Concurrently, SCAG adopted Connect SoCal to advance opportunities for deploying the most cutting-edge technologies to reduce emissions in the last-mile freight market.
Read the full PRESS RELEASE: New Clean Truck Partnership will Invest $10 Million for Goods Movement
SCAG Announces Subregional Partnership Program
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is making available $23 million to its subregional partners for projects that would accelerate home and apartment production and help local jurisdictions meet their immediate and longer-term housing needs.
SCAG Regional Council Formally Adopts Connect SoCal
The Regional Council of Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) on Thursday formally adopted a 25-year plan to meet the mobility needs of one of the most robust population and economic centers in the United States.
SCAG Report Shows Significant Drop in Travel During Early Months of COVID-19; Troubling Patterns Emerge as Economy Reopens
One of the nation’s most congested metropolitan areas has seen a significant decline in vehicle traffic, transit use and air travel since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the first comprehensive analysis of the coronavirus’ impact on planes, trains and automobiles in Southern California.
SCAG to Re-launch ‘Go Human’ Campaign to Promote Active Transportation Awareness and Safety
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) re-launches its highly successful Go Human advertising campaign this month throughout the region to encourage drivers to slow down and look for people walking.
SCAG has secured advertising space throughout the region on billboards, gas pump toppers, convenience stores, and bus shelters – all located in areas with high rates of collisions. The campaign also will also rely on digital ads to ensure its message of safety reaches drivers before they get on the road.
Read the full PRESS RELEASE: SCAG to Re-launch ‘Go Human’ Campaign to Promote Active Transportation Awareness and Safety
Go Human Awards 28 Safety Mini-Grants Across the Region
SCAG’s Go Human campaign is proud to announce that we have awarded 28 Local Community Engagement and Safety Mini-Grants (Mini-Grants) to fund projects that build street-level community resiliency and increase the safety of vulnerable street users, including those who depend on biking and walking.
SCAG Regional Council Adopts Resolution to Close the Gap of Racial Injustice, Will Provide $1 Million to Promote Equitable Economic and Housing Strategies
The Regional Council of Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) adopted a resolution Thursday to meaningfully advance justice, equity, diversity and inclusion and work in partnership with others to close the gap of racial injustice.
In a parallel move, the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization approved a partnership with the California Community Foundation and other nonprofits, and will provide $1 million in funding to promote community-driven equitable economic and housing strategies throughout the six-county region.
Regional Council Approves Recommendations for 2020 Scholarship Awards
The Regional Council today voted to approve the Scholarship Committee recommendations for the 2020 SCAG Scholarship Program Awards. This year, SCAG received 93 applications from high school and community college students from across the region. Ten outstanding students were selected for scholarships, representing all six of SCAG’s member counties.
Lower Net Migration, Housing Crisis, Fundamental Shifts in How We do Business and Live Our Lives Create Challenges in a Post-COVID World
More than 500 attendees gathered online Thursday to get an inside take on COVID-19’s impact on housing, the economy and how Southern Californians live their lives.
Part 2 of the 31st Annual Southern California Demographic Workshop, held virtually by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, brought together some of the region’s leading researchers, demographers and policy analysts to talk about the immediate and long-term effects of the global pandemic on the six-county region.
Long Beach City Council Member Rex Richardson Sworn in as SCAG President
Building an inclusive and equitable recovery strategy that addresses the health, social and economic challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic tops Rex Richardson’s policy priorities as the newly installed President of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).
SCAG Report: COVID‐19 Impact on SoCal Economy Will be Severe and Long‐Lasting, With Historic Levels of Unemployment, Taxable Sales Losses
Southern California faces “severe and long-lasting” economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, with Great Depression-level unemployment, supply chain interruptions and significant drops in taxable sales, according to an analysis from the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization.
SCAG Honors Six Innovative Local Projects with 2020 Sustainability Awards
Six exemplary and innovative planning projects are being honored as winners of the 2020 Sustainability Awards by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).
SCAG Regional Council Approves Resolution on Connect SoCal
Over the course of Connect SoCal’s four-year planning cycle, SCAG has benefited greatly from listening to the many needs and concerns of our stakeholders. This invaluable feedback and insight has created the foundation of a truly collaborative and comprehensive vision for the region.
SCAG Regional Council Adopts Resolution on Connect SoCal – A Significant Milestone in Meeting the Mobility, Quality‐of‐Life Needs for Six‐County Region
The Regional Council of Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) adopted a resolution Thursday to submit its proposed final Connect SoCal plan to the federal government, a critical step in meeting the mobility needs of a region expected to add 1.6 million people in the next 25 years.
Proposed Final Connect SoCal
Following a cooperative and comprehensive planning process with stakeholders, SCAG has made available the Proposed Final Connect SoCal and its Proposed Final Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR). SCAG received over 107 separate communications (both oral and written) on the draft, which staff reviewed and addressed in the Proposed Final Connect SoCal, as appropriate. SCAG thanks everyone who provided feedback on a sustainable vision for Southern California.
FAQ: SCAG Operations During COVID-19
Is SCAG open to the public?
SCAG’s regular business activities are continuing as normal; however, SCAG offices, including headquarters and regional offices, are closed at this time until further notice. SCAG staff can be reached by phone and email.
Is SCAG hosting stakeholder meetings?
Meetings will be facilitated by telephone and video via Skype and Zoom. Please visit our website at scag.ca.gov for details about current and upcoming meetings, including call-in information.
Regional Conference & General Assembly Update
After careful consideration of the growing public health concerns regarding Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19), we have made the decision to cancel the Regional Conference and General Assembly, scheduled for May 6-8 in Palm Desert. We feel this is the best decision to help decrease the spread of virus across the Southern California region and protect the health and safety of our staff, board and partners.
Measures We’re Taking Regarding COVID-19
During this time of rapidly changing information on the Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19), SCAG is implementing some precautionary changes to the way we do business in the coming week and possibly longer. Our top priority is the health and safety of our staff, board and partners, and we are taking every measure to help decrease the spread of COVID-19.
Staff Report Highlights Comments on Draft Plan
Following a cooperative and comprehensive planning process with SCAG’s stakeholders, a large-scale outreach campaign throughout the six-county region to educate and solicit feedback, and a 60-day public comment period, SCAG received 107 separate communications (both oral and written) containing over 1,800 comments on the draft Connect SoCal Plan.
Close of Comment Period on Draft Connect SoCal Plan
SCAG recently completed the public input period for the Draft Connect SoCal plan, the 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy. The draft plan was released for public comment and review starting on Nov. 14.
SCAG Appoints Sarah Jepson as Planning Director
Sarah Jepson has been appointed Planning Director for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization representing six counties, 191 cities and nearly 19 million residents.
Southern California Continues to Outperform the Nation in Employment Growth, but Housing Crisis, Income Gap Present Significant Threats to Six-County Region
Southern California’s top economists on Thursday offered a largely promising outlook for the region, forecasting continued strong growth across key industry sectors into 2020 and the foreseeable future.
“If I could summarize in three words: Things are good,” Wallace Walrod, chief economic advisor for the Orange County Business Council, told the 10th Annual Southern California Economic Summit. “I don’t have a crystal ball to predict when the next recession will occur, but nothing in the numbers would suggest that happening soon.”
SCAG Releases Connect SoCal Draft – A Major Milestone in Meeting the Mobility, Land-Use and Sustainability Needs for the Six-County Region
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) released a draft of Connect SoCal, its 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, for public review and comment on Nov. 14. Connect SoCal, the 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, presents a long–range vision that balances future mobility and housing needs with economic, environmental and public health goals. It will help guide the region’s growth, and includes transportation improvements and land use ideas to shape the future of Southern California.
SCAG Approves Modified Plan for Allocating 1.34 Million Units as Part of the 6th Cycle RHNA Process
PRESS RELEASE
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) on Thursday approved a modified methodology for distributing a state-mandated 1.34 million housing units in the six-county region over an eight-year period.
The plan goes further in promoting greater housing development near jobs and transit availability than did earlier methodology proposals. The modified plan now goes to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for its approval, which could be finalized by January or February.
Regional Council Approves Draft RHNA Allocation Methodology
On Thursday, SCAG’s Regional Council voted to advance a draft RHNA Allocation Methodology introduced by City of Riverside representative Mayor Rusty Bailey, directing staff to make refinements to the allocation methodology before sending to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). In comments, the board adopted this alternative approach to shift housing needs closer to jobs centers and high quality transit, and sought to avoid contributing to greater sprawl and traffic congestion.
SCAG Regional Council to Consider Release of Draft Connect SoCal Plan
On Nov. 7, SCAG’s Joint Policy Committees and Regional Council will consider releasing the Draft Connect SoCal plan, the 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, for public review and comment. Connect SoCal is a long-range visioning plan that seeks to meet the region’s air quality and greenhouse gas reduction goals, while balancing future mobility and housing needs with economic, environmental and public health goals, and SCAG is excited to be able to share this with the public.
SCAG Awarded Grant for Go Human Active Transportation Safety Program
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has been awarded a $1,000,000.00 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to fund continued work on its Go Human traffic safety program next year.
SCAG Region Receives Regional Determination of 1.3 Million Housing Units
Yesterday, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) transmitted the final Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Determination of 1,344,740 total units for the six-county SCAG region. This number reflects the number of housing units the region must plan for in the October 2021 – October 2029 planning period.
Specifically, the regional determination was comprised of the following four income categories:
SCAG Congratulates First Vice President Randon Lane on DOT Appointment
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) offered its gratitude and congratulations to its First Vice President, Randon Lane, who has resigned to accept a presidential appointment in Washington, D.C.
On Tuesday, Lane announced his resignation as Mayor Pro-Tem of the City of Murrieta, as well as his appointed roles at SCAG, the League of California Cities and the Riverside Transit Agency, to accept a role within the U.S. Department of Transportation.
SCAG Takes Important Next Step in Determining Local Housing Need
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) today opened the public comment period on how best to allocate local housing need – a critical step forward in addressing an affordability crisis that has broad ramifications on our region’s prosperity and quality of life.
SCAG will conduct four public hearings and accept written comments over the next several weeks for residents, businesses and stakeholders to weigh in on three options for determining local housing needs as part of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) process.
Public Comment Period to Open Soon on Allocation Methodology for Determining Local Housing Need
Residents, businesses and stakeholders soon will have the opportunity to weigh in on three options for determining local housing needs as part of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) process.
Housing Stock Falling Further Behind Demand, Creating a Worsening Crisis, Demographic Experts Say
Demographic experts warn that Southern California’s housing crisis will only worsen until and unless there is a significant increase in the number of new homes built.
Speaking at the 30th annual Demographic Workshop sponsored by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and the University of Southern California’s Sol Price School of Public Policy, researchers said housing supplies aren’t keeping pace with a growing population and other factors that have increased demand and pushed costs skyward.
2019 SCAG Scholarship Winners Approved
The Regional Council has voted to approve the Scholarship Committee recommendations for the 2019 SCAG Scholarship Program Awards. This year, SCAG received 111 applications from high school and community college students from across the region. 10 outstanding students were selected for scholarships, representing all six of SCAG’s member counties.
SCAG Launches Connect SoCal; Will Host Series of Public Workshops in May and June
The Southern California Association of Governments on Friday formally launched Connect SoCal, the agency’s 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy.
At its annual Regional Conference and General Assembly in Palm Desert, SCAG announced a series of public workshops across the six-county region beginning this month to engage residents and stakeholders in the planning and visioning process for the 25-year plan.
SCAG Opens 2019 Regional Conference With Laser Beam Focus on Improving Transportation Safety in Communities Across the Six-County Region
Public education, planning and designing safer streets and closer collaboration with law enforcement pare keys to reducing a growing number of fatalities and serious injuries from traffic collisions throughout Southern California, experts said Wednesday.
Appearing at the Traffic Safety Leadership Symposium, sponsored by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), experts in planning, safety and urban design said more needs to be done to make roads safer for everyone who walks, bikes and rides.
Transportation Technology, Green Economy, Big Data Take Center Stage at SCAG’s 2019 Regional Conference
More than 500 leaders from throughout Southern California are gathering here for a three-day conference on topics ranging from innovative and emerging transportation technology to harnessing the enormous potential of the green economy to using big data to address local and regional challenges.