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Overview
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SCAG Economic Roundtable Update

Fourth Quarter, 2023

SCAG’s Economic Roundtable met for its quarterly discussion on the current state of the regional economy. The region’s employment situation, the logistics sector, and labor market conditions were the focus, and several overarching themes emerged from the conversation:

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34th Annual Demographic Workshop Spotlights Slower Population Growth and High Housing Costs Across The Region

The number of Southern Californians leaving the state leveled off last year, but the region will continue to experience slow population growth due to accelerated aging and immigration declines, according to data released Wednesday at the 34th Annual Demographic Workshop. 

Sponsored by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, the workshop brought together the region’s leading demographers and population experts, as well as more than 400 attendees from the public and private sectors. 

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American Community Survey 2022 Data Release

The extent of the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic are still becoming clear. This report examines new data from the American Community Survey to provide insights into how demographic, economic and housing trends in Southern California have changed between 2019 and 2022—and what has stayed the same. 

This report compares several topics in demographic, economic and housing conditions across the United States, California, the SCAG region, and each of its six counties. The topics include: 

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Updates on Connect SoCal 2024 & Stakeholder Engagement

This month, SCAG’s joint policy committee recommended the draft Connect SoCal 2024 Plan to the Regional Council for approval to release for circulation in November. The committee heard a presentation previewing the contents of the Plan, which showcased key policies and strategies to be included in the draft Plan to address existing and emerging challenges facing the region. The presentation also showed how the Plan is based on the best available information, and rooted in local planning and policy actions.

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2023 Federal Transportation Improvement Program

Proposed Amendment #23-14

The Southern California Association of Governments is in receipt of the 2023 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment #23-14 for Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties. The Public Review period starts on August 2, 2023 and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on August 11, 2023.

A copy of the Project Listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website Proposed Amendment link at https://scag.ca.gov/2023-proposed-amendments.

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SCAG Economic Roundtable Update

Third Quarter, 2023

SCAG’s Economic Roundtable met for its quarterly discussion on the current state of the regional economy last week. Labor market conditions were a major focus of the conversation and several overarching themes emerged: 

Post REAP 2.0

SCAG Receives $237 Million in REAP 2.0 Funding, Allocates $80 Million to Innovative Transporation Projects

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) formally awarded SCAG $237 million in REAP 2.0 grants earlier this week to accelerate progress toward state housing goals and climate commitments through a strengthened partnership between the state, its regions and local entities.  

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2023 Federal Transportation Improvement Program

Proposed Amendment #23-11

The Southern California Association of Governments is in receipt of the 2023 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment #23-11 for Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Various, and Ventura Counties. The Public Review period starts on June 15, 2023 and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on June 26, 2023.

A copy of the Project Listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website Proposed Amendment link at https://scag.ca.gov/2023-proposed-amendments.

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New Data Release from 2020 Census

A First Look at the Demographic and Housing Characteristics File in Southern California and Beyond 

The United States Census Bureau recently released a critical update to its 2020 numbers, offering additional data on the demographic and housing characteristics of local communities across the country. 

This data puts known trends in historical perspective and shows how differently Southern California, and Los Angeles County in particular, has evolved from the rest of the nation in the last generation. 

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SCAG Go Human Awards $360,000 to 11 Community Driven Projects

Community Hubs Web Banner

SCAG’s Go Human program is thrilled to announce that 11 community organizations have been conditionally awarded funding for local projects that leverage community gathering and resource sites to implement equity-centered, traffic safety and community engagement strategies.   

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Students Receive 2023 SCAG Scholarships  

SCAG has announced 10 students as winners of the 2023 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) scholarships.  

The SCAG scholarship program, now in its 13th year, is intended to provide financial support to a select group of high school and community college students who have expressed interest in urban planning and public policy as part of their long-term career goals. These outstanding students will receive $4000 each to help bring them closer to achieving their dreams of receiving a college education: 

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2023 Federal Transportation Improvement Program

Proposed Amendment #23-08

The Southern California Association of Governments is in receipt of the 2023 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment #23-08 for Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties. The Public Review period starts on May 12, 2023 and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on May 22, 2023.

A copy of the Project Listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website Proposed Amendment link at https://scag.ca.gov/2023-proposed-amendments.

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SCAG Conference Previews Connect SoCal Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy

Nearly 1,000 local and regional leaders are gathering today and tomorrow in Palm Desert for the Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) 2023 Regional Conference & General Assembly, one of the largest events of its kind in the United States. As the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization, SCAG represents six counties, 191 cities and a population of nearly 19 million.  

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SCAG Honors Seven Innovative Projects With Its 2023 Sustainability Awards

Seven innovative projects across the six-county region will be honored by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) at the 2023 Sustainability Awards ceremonies at SCAG’s Regional Conference and General Assembly May 4 in Palm Desert. The awards recognize excellence and innovation in planning, land use and transportation to improve mobility, livability, prosperity and sustainability.   

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SCAG Economic Roundtable Update

Second Quarter, 2023

SCAG’s Economic Roundtable met for its quarterly discussion on the current state of the regional economy. The discussion focused on the potential impacts of the Silicon Bank failure on the SCAG region, the logistics sector, water resources, and the regional employment outlook.

Several overarching themes emerged from the conversation:

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SCAG Regional Council Approves Digital Action Plan and Active Transportation Program, Adopts Clean Technology Policy

The folllowing is a brief round up of activity from the April 6 SCAG Regional Council meeting.

Digital Action Plan

The Regional Council approved the Digital Action Plan, which outlines SCAG’s actions to provide digital accessibility and foster an equitable, prosperous and resilient region for all residents.  

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Notice of Comment Period for Conflict of Interest Code Update

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Southern California Association of Governments, pursuant to the authority vested in it by Section 87306 of the Government Code, proposes amendment to its Conflict of Interest Code. A comment period has been established commencing on April 4, 2023 and closing on May 19, 2023. All inquiries should be directed to the contact listed below.

The Southern California Association of Governments proposes to amend its Conflict of Interest Code to include employee positions that involve the making or participation in the making of decisions that may foreseeably have a material effect on any financial interest, as set forth in subdivision (a) of section 87302 of the Government Code. The amendment carries out the purposes of the law and no other alternative would do so and be less burdensome to affected persons.

The proposed changes to the Conflict of Interest Code would add new staff positions, delete old staff positions and revise the titles of existing staff positions to reflect organizational changes since approval of SCAG’s last code amendments by the Fair Political Practices Commission in 2016. The proposed amendment and explanation of the reasons can be obtained from the agency’s contact.

Any interested person may submit written comments relating to the proposed amendment by submitting them no later than May 19, 2023, or at the conclusion of the public hearing, if requested, whichever comes later. At this time, no public hearing is scheduled. A person may request a hearing no later than May 4, 2023.

The Southern California Association of Governments has determined that the proposed amendments:

  1. Impose no mandate on local agencies or school districts.
  2. Impose no costs or savings on any state agency.
  3. Impose no costs on any local agency or school district that are required to be reimbursed under Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
  4. Will not result in any nondiscretionary costs or savings to local agencies.
  5. Will not result in any costs or savings in federal funding to the state.
  6. Will not have any potential cost impact on private persons, businesses or small businesses.

All inquiries concerning the proposed amendment and any communication required by this notice should be directed to: Michael R.W. Houston, Chief Counsel, at (213) 630-1471 or at houston@scag.ca.gov.

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SCAG’s 2023 Go Human Community Hubs Grants Program: Call for Projects Now Open

Community Hubs Web Banner

The call for projects for SCAG’s 2023 Go Human Community Hubs Program is open now through April 21. The program facilitates an equity-centered approach to meeting local and regional safety goals by providing funding opportunities for community organizations to implement traffic safety and community engagement strategies. Interested applicants are invited to review the Program Guidelines.  

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SCAG Receives Funds From FCC To Help Bridge The Digital Divide

On Friday, March 10 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced $66 million in outreach grants to fund projects to expand participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).  SCAG will be awarded $500,000 of the ACP Outreach Grant Program funds to utilize in helping bridge the digital divide through implementing innovative strategies to reach historically underserved and unserved communities across jurisdictions.

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SCAG Economic Roundtable Update

First Quarter, 2023

Despite showing economic resilience, Southern California is likely to follow the nation into a recession and faces several challenges ahead, including potential new supply chain constraints, labor and equitable growth, according to the latest quarterly update from SCAG’s Economic Roundtable. 

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2023 Federal Transportation Improvement Program

Proposed Amendment #23-05

The Southern California Association of Governments is in receipt of the 2023 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment #23-05 for Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties. The Public Review period starts on March 1, 2023 and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on March 10, 2023.

A copy of the Project Listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website Proposed Amendment link at https://scag.ca.gov/2023-proposed-amendments.

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2023 Scholarship Applications Now Open  

Applications for the 2023 SCAG Scholarship Program are now open. The program offers a $4,000 scholarship award for seven high school seniors or community college students from the SCAG region (and potentially two additional scholarship awards that are not tied to a specific county but may be awarded at the Regional Council’s discretion). Recipients may also have the opportunity to meet with elected officials and practicing planners to learn more about careers in public service.  

To apply to the SCAG Scholarship Program, students must submit:  

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Transit Ridership Update

SCAG Publishes Quarterly Ridership Update and Regional Dedicated Transit Lanes Study

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) continues to expand its availability of critical data for our region with the release of its quarterly Transit Ridership Update. The latest report, which was presented to SCAG’s Regional Council today, includes:

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Draft Amendment 3 to the Connect SoCal – Regional Transportation Plan/ Sustainable Communities Strategy (2020 RTP/SCS or Connect SoCal 2020) and Draft 2023 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Consistency Amendment #23-03

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY & PUBLIC HEARINGS

The Draft Amendment 3 to the Connect SoCal 2020 (2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy “2020 RTP/SCS” or “Connect SoCal 2020”) and the Draft 2023 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Consistency Amendment #23-03 including the associated transportation conformity analysis are available for public review and comment. Information on how to provide public comment is contained in this notice.

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2022 SCAG Year in Review

With 2022 coming to an end, we extend a sincere thank you on behalf of everyone at SCAG. As we continue to work together to achieve our unified goals, the region is looking toward a brighter future because of our collaboration.

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SCAG Offices Reopen to the Public in January 2023  

In response the COVID-19 public health crisis, SCAG offices have been closed to the public since March 2020 and Regional Council and Policy Committee meetings have been held in a hybrid format.  

While Regional Council and Policy Committee meetings will continue to be held in a hybrid format for the near future, in January 2023, SCAG offices will reopen to the public to permit participation in SCAG’s legislative body meetings in person. 

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American Community Survey (ACS) Data in Southern California

A First Look at 2017-2021

On Dec. 8, the Census Bureau released the latest American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year data (2017-2021). The 5-year ACS represents data collected over a period which includes time on either side of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This offers a unique advantage to study estimates for smaller geographic areas (e.g., cities, counties, and neighborhoods) and population subgroups (e.g., workers). Drawing on the current ACS data and comparing it to data from the previous five-year ACS, SCAG staff have computed several key variables for the local jurisdictions in the SCAG region.

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Socal To Receive $345 Million In Active Transportation Funding

On Dec. 7, the California Transportation Commission adopted the Statewide Component of the Active Transportation Program, which will bring nearly $345 million in much-needed funds for 22 projects across the SCAG region. Next year SCAG will work with the commission to program an additional $343 million for the region in the MPO Component of this program.

SCAG-region projects included in the funding approval:

Press Release

Southern California’s Strengths Could Soften Impact of Recession

At the 13th Annual Southern California Economic Summit, hosted Thursday by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), economists reporting on each of the six SCAG region counties indicated Southern California’s current economic strengths as:

  • Continued growth in core industries, such as information, logistics and tourism.
  • Measurable increases in labor productivity in 2022.
  • New development and construction in infrastructure and housing, both public and private.
  • Household debt and real estate values that are less likely to decline than elsewhere.

“Southern California is a major economic driver, not only for the region but the world. As a result, we are in a better position than most to withstand some of the negative economic pressures that are surfacing,” said Wallace Walrod, Chief Economist for the Orange County Business Council.

More than 400 regional leaders participated in this year’s Summit, which took place amid growing uncertainty about the state of the global economy. While the job market has been strong throughout much of the world, inflation concerns have triggered interest rate hikes as governments try to rein in prices.

Building on prior annual summits, SCAG convened a new Economic Roundtable consisting of experts across the region as well as specialists in labor, equity and sustainability to provide both a current snapshot of Southern California, as well as a preview of economic opportunities and challenges ahead. Their research was released in a report that offers caution on turbulence ahead from global forces, but also promise that Southern California is better positioned than other regions to withstand it.

Among factors that could moderate the impacts of a possible recession across the six-county SCAG region:

  • Strong outlooks for the three industry sectors currently experiencing the most robust job growth: Information; Transportation and Warehousing; and Arts, Entertainment and Recreation.
  • Labor force participation throughout the region has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
  • Continued heavy demand for housing, commercial building and infrastructure development, which has led to the highest construction employment levels since the 2008 housing crash.
  • Strong demand and spending on non-residential construction, which has increased by 19.3 percent, in real terms, over the past year – a trend expected to persist into 2023.
  • Productivity gains in 2022, as the region’s GDP/capita increased 7.6 percent in 2022.

The report also identified localized opportunities across the region. In Imperial County, for instance, billions of dollars of investment in new geothermal and rare-mineral extraction has the potential to create thousands of new jobs and significantly increase the county’s tax base. The Inland Empire’s role as a global supply chain hub should continue to drive job growth, though the area’s long term prospects would benefit from diversification into sectors offering higher quality jobs. And in Orange County, emerging industry clusters, such as medical devices, biotech, information technology and advanced transportation (EVs and hydrogen), along with major new developments, such as Disneyland Forward and OCVibe, promise vibrant future economic growth.

“Improvements in the global inflation picture, combined with continuing 2022’s positive momentum, the region’s economy raises hopes that the much-anticipated global recession of 2023 may  not  impact Southern California as severely,” said Dr. Gigi Moreno, Senior Economist at SCAG.

Even so, the economists urged policymakers to recognize and be able to adapt to early clues about a broader economic weakening, including:

  • Significant downward shifts in the labor market.
  • A meaningful slowdown in consumer and business spending in the region.
  • A collapse of interest rate-sensitive sectors, such as new and existing housing.
  • Rising unemployment leading to increased out-migration from the region or inability to service mortgage payments.
  • Other debt that would raise the probability of asset devaluation. 

Other threats include high housing costs and a proliferation of lower paying jobs, which have flattened real income growth, could soften consumer spending, and further increase wealth inequity. Another challenge is a decrease in the region’s overall population – down 300,000 people since 2019 – due to out-migration, increased mortality and a steep drop in foreign immigration, which threatens to stymie innovation and job growth.

In Los Angeles County, real gross domestic product growth is expected to slow to 2.9% in 2022 and 1.3% next year.

“LA County’s strong post-COVID recovery is at risk of a slowdown over the next five years,” said Shannon Sedgwick, Director of the Institute for Applied Economics at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). “The deep socioeconomic inequities spotlighted by the pandemic remain and are now seen with lower income households disproportionately feeling the effects of inflation.”

Ventura County, meanwhile, is among the most vulnerable localities with the SCAG region with regard to a potential recession.

The county has struggled this year to attract the workforce lost during the pandemic recession. Despite a historically low unemployment rate of 3.2 percent, the county has thousands of unfilled positions. 

“The local economy in Ventura County is the most sluggish in the SCAG region in terms of job growth, new housing, and consumer spending on retail goods and services,” said Mark Schniepp, Principal of the California Economic Forecast.

Click here for the complete Southern California Economic Update. 

Press Release

SCAG Receives Grant for Go Human Traffic Safety Program

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has been awarded a $1.18 million grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to fund continued work on its regional traffic safety and community engagement program, Go Human.

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2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program

Proposed Amendment #21-32

The Southern California Association of Governments is in receipt of the 2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment #21-31 for Orange County. The Public Review period starts on October 28, 2022 and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on November 7, 2022.

A copy of the Project Listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website Proposed Amendment link at https://scag.ca.gov/2021-proposed-amendments.

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2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program

Proposed Amendment #21-31

The Southern California Association of Governments is in receipt of the 2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment #21-31 for Imperial, Orange, and Riverside Counties. The Public Review period starts on October 14, 2022 and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on October 24, 2022.

A copy of the Project Listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website Proposed Amendment link at https://scag.ca.gov/2021-proposed-amendments.

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SCAG Adopts Resolution on Water Action 

On Oct. 6, 2022 the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) formally affirmed the drought and water shortage emergency in Southern California and called on local and regional partners to join together to adopt an “all of the above” approach to addressing the region’s water challenges and catalyzing opportunities across a six-county region that’s home to more than 19 million people. 

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2023 Federal Transportation Improvement Program

Proposed Amendment #23-01

The Southern California Association of Governments is in receipt of the 2023 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment #23-01 for Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Various, and Ventura Counties. The Public Review period starts on October 6, 2022 and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on October 17, 2022.

A copy of the Project Listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website Proposed Amendment link at https://scag.ca.gov/2023-proposed-amendments.

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2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program

Proposed Amendment #21-28

The Southern California Association of Governments is in receipt of the 2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment #21-28 for Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. The Public Review period starts on September 8, 2022 and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on September 19, 2022.

A copy of the Project Listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website Proposed Amendment link at https://scag.ca.gov/2021-proposed-amendments.

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SCAG Honors the Late Carmen Ramirez for Her Trailblazing Leadership

In Memoriam: Carmen Ramirez The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) honored the memory of “a trailblazing leader and beloved friend” – the late Ventura County Supervisor Carmen Ramirez – by putting forward a proclamation to posthumously confer the honorary title of Regional Council President, In Memoriam, and rename an annual scholarship after her.

Ms. Ramirez, who served as SCAG’s Regional Council First Vice President, was tragically killed on Aug. 12, 2022, in a pedestrian-vehicle accident in Oxnard. She previously served on the Oxnard City Council before being elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2020. She was the first Latina to serve on the Board and was Chair at the time of her death.

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SCAG mourns Regional Council First Vice President and trailblazing Ventura County Supervisor Carmen Ramirez

Photos of Carmen Ramirez

SCAG leadership and staff are shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of Regional Council First Vice President Carmen Ramirez who died Friday evening, August 12, 2022, after being struck by a vehicle in downtown Oxnard.

“The region has lost a tremendous woman and a skillful leader. Our hearts go out to Carmen’s family, as well as the many others who knew and loved her,” said Regional Council President Jan Harnik.

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SCAG Honored with the Making a Difference Award from Esri

SCAG Honored with the Making a Difference Award from Esri

SCAG is excited to announce it was awarded the Esri 2022 Making a Difference Award during the Esri User Conference on July 11. Presented by Esri President and Founder Jack Dangermond, the award recognizes organizations or individuals who, through the use of GIS, have made a positive impact in their community.

Press Release

Go Human Mini-Grants Awarded

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has conditionally awarded more than $350,000 to community and nonprofit organizations to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety in targeted communities across the six-county SCAG region.

The 26 awarded projects will receive funding through the Mini-Grants Program, which is part of Go Human, SCAG’s regional active transportation safety and encouragement campaign. Projects are awarded up to $15,000 to implement safety and engagement strategies between June and August 2022.

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Draft 2023 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) and Draft Amendment 2 to the Connect SoCal – Regional Transportation Plan/ Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS)

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY & PUBLIC HEARINGS

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has prepared the Draft 2023 FTIP in compliance with the adopted 2020 Connect SoCal and all federal and state requirements. SCAG has also prepared the Draft Amendment 2 to the 2020 Connect SoCal to reflect additions and/or changes to several critical transportation projects that are ready to move forward to the implementation phase.

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2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program

Proposed Amendment #21-25

The Southern California Association of Governments is in receipt of the 2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment #21-25 for Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Various, and Ventura Counties. The Public Review period starts on June 30, 2022 and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on July 11, 2022.

A copy of the Project Listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website Proposed Amendment link at https://scag.ca.gov/2021-proposed-amendments.

Press Release

Palm Desert’s Jan Harnik Sworn In As SCAG President As Nation’s Largest Metropolitan Planning Organization Faces Critical Year Ahead

Newly installed President Jan Harnik is taking the long view on what the next 12 months will mean for the six-county Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) region as it confronts critical issues such as broadband access, transportation, air quality and the housing crisis.

Press Release

Future Of Southern California In The Spotlight As Hundreds Gather In Palm Desert For SCAG’s 2022 Regional Conference & General Assembly

More than 700 local leaders from throughout Southern California will gather in Palm Desert this week for a two-day conference on topics such as bridging the digital divide, the housing crisis and how local governments can work together to address challenges and solutions facing the region. The Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) 2022 Regional Conference & General Assembly returns to the desert after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Press Release

SCAG Honors 7 Innovative Projects with its 2022 Sustainability Awards

A public-private partnership to advance battery-electric freight movement leads a list of seven innovative projects across the region that have been announced as winners of the 2022 Sustainability Awards by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).

Press Release

An Equity First Approach is a Necessary Foundation for Road Pricing Strategies, Study Shows

Transportation access poses one of the biggest barriers to closing the equity gap, but Southern California has the opportunity to turn this challenge into an opportunity with a thoughtful and inclusive approach to pricing strategies and other mobility innovations, new research shows.

Press Release

California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla Secure $480,000 for SCAG’s Highways to Boulevards Regional Study

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) on Tuesday praised U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California) and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-California) for sponsoring $480,000 in Community Project Funding for SCAG’s Highways to Boulevard Regional Study. This funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Act (H.R. 2471) that was approved by Congress with a bipartisan vote last week and signed by President Joe Biden today.

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Regional Data Platform is Now Live!

Big news! SCAG’s Regional Data Platform (RDP) has launched!

The RDP is a revolutionary system for collaborative data sharing and planning designed to facilitate better planning at all levels – from cities and counties of all sizes up to the region as a whole. As one of SCAG’s largest and most transformative initiatives to date, the RDP places data and technology in the hands of local jurisdictions to support more robust, transparent, and collaborative community planning.

Press Release

6 projects to split $6.75 million through SCAG’s Last Mile Freight Program to help electrify truck fleets and reduce emissions

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is awarding grants totaling $6.75 million to six projects across the region designed to promote clean transportation and reduce harmful emissions during last-mile freight and delivery operations.

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2022 Student Showcase: Submit Your Idea for an ArcGIS StoryMap!

SCAG is excited to announce a major opportunity for college and university students in the region. The 2022 Student Showcase is a storymapping competition that challenges students to think innovatively and compete for cash prizes in two award categories: Best in Show and Audience Awards.

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2021 Year in Review

2021 Year in Review Banner

As 2021 comes to a close, we would like to extend our sincere thanks on behalf of everyone at SCAG. Thanks to partners like you, the region has been able to achieve many milestones and accomplishments in the face of hardship.

Press Release

Southern California Will Continue to See an Uneven Recovery Through 2022

SCAG Economic Summit Offers a Promising, but Cautious Forecast as Labor Shortages and Supply Chain Disruptions Continue to Impact the Regional Economy

Los Angeles – Southern California has reclaimed 70% of the jobs lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the recovery ahead will be an uneven one as labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, equity gaps and inflation continue to impact the region’s economy, a new forecast shows.

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Regional Council Approves 27 Last Mile Freight Projects

Featured Image for Regional Council Approves 27 Last Mile Freight Projects News Item

The Regional Council on Nov. 4, 2021, approved 27 proposals as a part of the Last Mile Freight Program Phase 1 to be awarded $10 million. The Regional Council also approved a contingency list of projects that can be considered should additional funding become available through the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee.

Press Release

SCAG appoints Javiera Cartagena as Director of Government and Public Affairs

Los Angeles – Javiera Cartagena has been appointed Director of Government and Public Affairs for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization.

Cartagena has played a prominent role in SCAG’s legislative and external affairs since 2015, first as a Regional Affairs Officer liaising with elected officials and stakeholders in Los Angeles County before being promoted to Manager of Regional Services. She has been serving as Acting Director of Government and Public Affairs since April.

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2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program

Proposed Amendment #21-12

The Southern California Association of Governments is in receipt of the 2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment #21-12 for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and Ventura Counties. The Public Review period starts on October 22, 2021 and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on November 1, 2021.

A copy of the Project Listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website Proposed Amendment link at https://scag.ca.gov/2021-proposed-amendments.

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Regional Council & Policy Committee Members Tour Omnitrans and San Bernardino Transit Center

A group of people in yellow safety vests stand in front of an electric city bus.

On Monday, Sept. 27, President Lorimore visited Omnitrans San Bernardino facility and the San Bernardino Transit Center. His visit consisted of a briefing by the Omnitrans Executive Team at their headquarters, a tour of the Omnitrans West Valley Facility, a bus ride in a new Omnitrans electric bus, a tour of the San Bernardino Transit Center and a look at a segment of the sbX BRT line connecting Cal State San Bernardino and the Loma Linda Medical Center campus and Veterans Hospital.

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2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program

Proposed Amendment #21-14

The Southern California Association of Governments is in receipt of the 2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment #21-14 for Riverside County. The Public Review period starts on October 1, 2021 and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on October 11, 2021.

A copy of the Project Listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website Proposed Amendment link at https://scag.ca.gov/2021-proposed-amendments.

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2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program

Proposed Amendment #21-09

The Southern California Association of Governments is in receipt of the 2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment #21-09 for Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Various, and Ventura counties. The Public Review period starts on September 3, 2021 and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on September 13, 2021.

A copy of the Project Listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website Proposed Amendment link at https://scag.ca.gov/2021-proposed-amendments.

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2021 Redistricting Roundup

Introduction 

Redistricting is the process by which voting or legislative districts are adjusted or modified to reflect population changes in the decennial U.S. Census. Each respective district is required to be roughly equal in size and as populations change, so do the populations of those districts. Redistricting makes them even to reflect the new population numbers.  

Press Release

SCAG Awards More Than $275,000 to 31 Community-driven Traffic Safety Projects in the Region

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has awarded more than $275,000 to community and nonprofit organizations to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety in targeted neighborhoods across the region.

The 31 awarded projects will receive funding through the Community Streets Mini-Grants Program, part of SCAG’s regional active transportation safety and encouragement campaign, Go Human.

Press Release

8 Jurisdictions Across Southern California Awarded Share of $2.5 Million in Funding to Address Mobility, Air Quality Challenges

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) on Thursday (July 1) approved the awarding of $2.5 million, in total, through its Sustainable Communities Program (SCP) and Smart Cities & Mobility Innovations initiative. A major element of the Smart Cities initiative is to support innovative solutions to the mobility and air quality challenges associated with parking, freight and last-mile deliveries, and commerce at the curb.

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2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program

Proposed Amendment #21-06

The Southern California Association of Governments is in receipt of the 2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment #21-06 for Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties. The Public Review period starts on July 6, 2021 and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on July 15, 2021.

A copy of the Project Listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website Proposed Amendment link at https://scag.ca.gov/2021-proposed-amendments.

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Draft Connect SoCal – Regional Transportation Plan/ Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) Amendment #1 and 2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Consistency Amendment 21-05

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY & PUBLIC HEARING

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has prepared the Draft Connect SoCal Amendment #1 in compliance with applicable federal and state requirements, including those set forth in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), Senate Bill 375 and metropolitan planning regulations. The RTP/SCS is a long-range visioning plan that is developed and updated by SCAG every four years. The plan is periodically amended. The draft Connect SoCal Amendment #1 is available for public review and comment as of July 1, 2021.

Press Release

SCAG Approves Inclusive Economic Recovery Strategy to Bridge Equity Gaps, Fortify Region’s Role as an Economic Driver

The nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization has unveiled an inclusive recovery strategy – more than a year in the making – to fortify Southern California’s role as a global economic powerhouse while bridging equity gaps and creating new opportunities across the region’s broad demographic spectrum.

Press Release 33rd Annual Demographic Workshop

SCAG Demographic Workshop Day 2: The Post-Pandemic City: ‘All the rules are changing, and it’s forcing us to be more creative than ever’

We’re already seeing how life – and work – will change in post-pandemic Southern California as a shift toward working from home and a renewed emphasis on health and safety impact everything from corporate culture to the homes we live in, experts said Tuesday.

Press Release 33rd Annual Demographic Workshop

Pandemic Has Created ‘Monumental Task’ For Southern California As Population Growth Draws To A Halt

Low birth rates, uncertainty over immigration and long-term impacts from COVID-19 will result in a year-over-year population decline in Southern California for the first time ever, researchers said Tuesday in the first of a two-part demographic conference sponsored by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and the University of Southern California.

Press Release Scholarship Program

Eleven Students From Around The Region To Receive 2021 SCAG Scholarship

The SCAG scholarship program, now in its 11th year, is intended to provide financial support to a select group of high school and community college students who have expressed interest in urban planning and public policy as part of their long-term career goals. The scholarship winners were announced at SCAG’s Regional Council meeting.

Press Release

SCAG’s New President, Clint Lorimore, Pledges Broader Collaboration as the Region Emerges from COVID-19, Addresses Ongoing Challenges

Broadening collaboration on key issues like the region’s economic recovery and building greater regional connectivity top Clint Lorimore’s priorities as the newly installed president of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).

Lorimore, an Eastvale City Councilmember, was sworn in Thursday to lead the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization after serving the past year as SCAG’s First Vice President. The swearing in took place during SCAG’s 2021 General Assembly, held virtually this year.

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2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program

Proposed Amendment #21-03

The Southern California Association of Governments is in receipt of the 2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment #21-03 for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties. The Public Review period starts on May 4, 2021 and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on May 13, 2021.

A copy of the Project Listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website Proposed Amendment link at https://scag.ca.gov/2021-proposed-amendments.

Press Release

SCAG Honors 6 Innovative Projects with its 2021 Sustainability Awards

Los Angeles – Six exemplary and innovative planning projects have been announced as winners of the 2021 Sustainability Awards by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).

Recipients of this year’s awards include municipalities, agencies and nonprofit organizations – all recognized for excellence in coordinating land use and transportation to improve mobility, livability, prosperity and sustainability. They will be formally honored at SCAG’s Regional Conference and General Assembly, which will be held virtually on May 6.

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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.

Press Release

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

Press Release

SCAG Announces Grant Awards To Promote Affordable Housing and Equitable Growth Strategies

SCAG Call For Collaboration

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.

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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.