SCAG accepts Sustainability Awards submissions in six categories. Applicants can submit their nomination under only one category. Each year, the most deserving project is selected from all nominations to receive the Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability Award. The section below recognizes award recipients in their associated categories.
We at SCAG would like to express our gratitude to all the organizations that have applied to the Sustainability Awards over the years. We would also like to thank the jurors from across the region for lending their expertise in a range of planning and sustainability disciplines.
2023
Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability
Ventura County
SCAG’s most prestigious sustainability award, for its Agricultural Worker Housing Ordinance. Adopted last year by the Board of Supervisors, these regulations promote housing for agricultural workers, including temporary housing for seasonal farmworkers. It also expanded potential locations for development of farmworker complexes, closer to existing infrastructure and services, and added new permitting and development standards for all agricultural worker housing types to ensure the development of quality housing and to minimize impacts to agricultural land.
Carmen Ramirez Award for Equity
City of Rialto and the Inland Empire Utility Agency (IEUA)
The Recycled Water Collaboration is a unique partnership between the City of Rialto and the Inland Empire Utility Agency (IEUA) whereby Rialto will sell a portion of its recycled water supply to IEUA, which, in turn, will fund the design, construction and operation of a pipeline, pump station and connection between the wastewater plant and the agency’s own recycled water distribution system.
Plan, Policy and Programs Award
Envision San Jacinto
Envision San Jacinto is a multi-faceted long-range planning program designed to improve the quality of life for the citizens of San Jacinto by identifying and capitalizing on the community’s strengths and opportunities while taking proactive steps to address perceived weaknesses and possible threats.
Clean Cities: Alternative Fuels & Infrastructure
City of San Bernardino Clean Fleet Project
The City of San Bernardino Clean Fleet Project established a framework for transitioning the City’s fleet from conventionally powered vehicles to zero- to low-emission vehicles.
Active, Healthy and Safe Communities Award
Lynwood Urban Bike Trail
Lynwood Urban Bike Trail is a project that converted undeveloped Caltrans excess land into a Class 1 Bicycle Trail in the City of Lynwood and created new multi-benefit public open space.
Green Region Initiative Award
Pacoima Cool Community Project
The Pacoima Cool Community Project provided much-needed urban cooling by applying cool pavement on dark and hot asphalt surfaces throughout the city.
Housing Innovation Award
Legacy Square
Legacy Square is a transit-oriented, mixed-use, affordable housing development that will replace two underutilized buildings with high-quality affordable apartment homes and flexible space, bringing new investment to downtown Santa Ana.
2022
Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability
South Coast Air Quality Management District & Volvo Trucks North America
Volvo LIGHTS Project
The Volvo Low Impact Green Heavy Transport (LIGHTS) project brought together the South Coast Air Quality Management District, Volvo Trucks North America and 12 other public and private organizations to develop a blueprint to introduce zero-tailpipe emission battery-electric trucks and equipment into the market. During the project, which ran from 2019 to 2022, the partners demonstrated a range of innovations critical for the commercial success of battery-electric freight movement. This innovative project took place in Southern California in regions within the top 25 percent of the state’s disadvantaged communities. The project achieved an estimated 30,200 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions over a 10-year period.
Active, Healthy and Safe Communities
City of Riverside
Riverside PACT
This project aims to protect and support residents with safe, interconnected set of transportation options that promotes healthy, active mobility options for all ages and abilities. The Riverside PACT is supportive of Connect SoCal’s core vision of Complete Streets, as it envisions means to enhance public rights of way in support of all roadway users. Special care was given throughout PACT’s development to prioritize outcomes in underrepresented communities. This comprehensive plan includes a Pedestrian Target Safeguarding Plan, an Active Transportation Plan, a Complete Streets Ordinance and a Trails Master Plan. Together, these four plans represent the City of Riverside’s “PACT.”
Clean Cities – Alternative Fuels and Infrastructure
Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink)
Metrolink Trains Run on Fossil-Free Fuel
As the country’s third-largest commuter rail network, Metrolink’s 538 miles of track and 62 stations serve an essential part in the region’s transportation system. Transitioning this rail system to all modes of renewable energy sources to reduce emissions will help the SCAG region reach clean air goals and provide a cleaner way to travel for customers and those who keep the trains running. By using renewable diesel fuel, Metrolink trains reduce harmful pollutants while decreasing CO2 by up to 80 percent. These reductions are not just good for the environment but also for workers and the communities Metrolink serves.
Efficient and Sustainable Land Use
City of Rancho Cucamonga
PlanRC – City of Rancho Cucamonga General Plan Update
In the General Plan Update for the City of Rancho Cucamonga, health, stewardship, and equity emerged as the core values the community finds most important and aspirational. Each chapter of this plan is rooted in the vision and core values, with an expectation that the future can be harnessed to improve on the past. With a focus on reducing greenhouse gases to nearly 50 percent of 2018 levels by 2040, the city planned infill development to align with public transportation to support new development. Additional mobility choices in the form of new bike paths compliments miles of natural trails created for recreation.
Green Region Initiative Resource Conservation & Climate Action
Orange County Transportation Authority, in Partnership with the City of San Juan Capistrano
City Parcel/2C Ranch Habitat Restoration Project
This project transformed an area plagued by illegal dumping, graffiti and non-native weeds into an ecosystem supporting native plants and wildlife. Threatened wildlife like the coastal California gnatcatcher and the Bell’s Vireo have been found in the new habitat. The new area also provides greater protection against wildfires, as the weeds and debris that once filled the area could be used to ignite or spread a fire. Local businesses, nurseries, contractors and residents were employed to work on habitat restoration. As part of the Orange County Conservation Corps, 50 young adults were also brought in to assist with the project.
Equity
Port of Long Beach
Community Grants Program
As the second-largest port in the country, the Port of Long Beach is an economic driver for Southern California. As a gateway to international markets and a crucial part of the global supply chain, the port is important for our regional economy. However, freight traffic has negatively impacted the surrounding community, including poor air and water quality, traffic and transportation pollution, and noise. As a good neighbor, the port has implemented the Community Grants Program to mitigate these impacts on families and schools in the community, which focuses on creating healthy, sustainable and economically resilient communities.
Housing Innovation
City of El Centro
Lotus Living Tiny Home Project
By using available land owned by the city and strategically relocating a transit stop to the project site, this project has created a student community that provides not just housing but access to other resources to support them and their educational pursuits. While building dorms was not feasible due to costs and land use issues, funding by the state was available to create 26 170-square-foot tiny homes on a small infill property in the heart of El Centro. The neighborhood has many amenities like grocery stores within walking distance. Students can augment public transportation with bikes as well.
Honorable Mentions
City of Glendora, for the Glendora People Movement Project (Active, Healthy and Safe Communities)
City of Oxnard, Oxnard Urban & Community Forestry Program (Active, Healthy and Safe Communities)
City of Los Angeles, Department of Transportation, for the Zero-Emission Delivery Zone Pilot Project (Clean Cities – Alternative Fuels and Infrastructure)
City of Long Beach, for the Southeast Area Specific Plan (Efficient and Sustainable Land Use)
Advance OC, for the Orange County Equity Map (Equity)
Los Angeles Community Choice Energy Authority Joint Powers Agreement, for the Clean Power Alliance (Green Region Initiative: Resource Conservation and Climate Action)
Community Development Partners, for the Casa Querencia (Housing Innovation)
2021
Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability
City of Santa Ana | Santa Ana Arts Collective (SAAC) Affordable Housing and Adaptive Reuse Community | (Watch Video)
SAAC is Santa Ana’s first successful adaptive reuse project, containing residential, commercial, live/work and community spaces in a renovated and re-imagined mid-century office building. The project provides permanent supportive housing to low-income artists and their families, as well as previously homeless residents within the city. It is located in a neighborhood just north of downtown that had been home to a bourgeoning artists community that languished after the Great Recession. The SAAC was one of the first projects in Southern California that was funded through the State of California’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program. SAAC is located along a transit corridor and provides residents with walking access to jobs and amenities in the downtown area.
Active, Healthy and Safe Communities
The City of Palm Desert | San Pablo Avenue Streetscape Project | (Watch Video)
The San Pablo project reconfigures a previous five-lane roadway to better serve pedestrians and non-motorized uses along two low-to-moderate-income neighborhoods with low Healthy Places Index (HPI) scores. Among the improvements: A vehicle-travel lane was removed in each direction, sidewalks were expanded and seven themed community pocket parks were added. The two neighborhoods directly impacted by the project have performed poorly in HPI’s scoring for education, active commuting, transportation, automobile access, clean environment and healthcare access.
Clean Cities – Alternative Fuels and Infrastructure
Sunline Transit Agency | Driving the Future of Hydrogen | (Watch Video)
This comprehensive initiative built on Sunline’s legacy of serving the Coachella Valley and Riverside County with a clean-fuels fleet of vehicles. Sunline recently built the nation’s largest hydrogen fueling station dedicated to transit, using electricity and renewable energy to generate clean hydrogen. It also is the first agency to develop a comprehensive workforce training program in transportation technologies – the West Coast Center of Excellence in Zero Emission Technology and Renewable Energy.
Efficient and Sustainable Land Use
Kounkuey Design Initiative and the City of Los Angeles | Adopt-A-Lot Program Hydrogen | (Watch Video)
This pilot project helps community group “adopters” design and build temporary starter parks on vacant and neglected lots, then maintain them for up to 18 months. These parks can be created in a few months’ time, setting the stage for their development into permanent parks that support active, healthy and safe communities. Last year, Pacoima Beautiful created a community park and garden in North Hills, and in Watts, Brillante Watts created a pocket park with seating, a stage, planters and tables.
Housing Innovation
Clifford Beers Housing Inc. | Isla de Los Angeles development | (Watch Video)
Isla de Los Angeles is an affordable housing project under development in the city. One of its more innovative features is a “living lung” – a green buffer that breaks down particulate matter and serves as an organic example for developing sites within close proximity to freeways. It also acts as Los Angeles’ first shared street – a lush path and public space surrounded by plants and trees with direct access to light rail and bus line stops.
Green Region Initiative
The San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District | Upper Santa Ana River Wash Habitat Conservation Plan | (Watch Video)
This plan provides a collaborative, integrated and fiscally sound approach to land use that preserves precious water resources, establishes a permanent nature reserve, reduces the carbon footprint and provides economic security by identifying disturbed land areas for mining and supporting $36 million in annual payroll to economically disadvantaged communities. Partners included the cities of Highland and Redlands, the East Valley and San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water Districts, CEMEX and Robertson’s Ready Mix, the Inland Valley Development Agency, Endangered Habits League and various state and federal agencies.
Honorable Mentions
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation, for its Safe Routes to School/Little Street Redesign and Rapid Implementation Project (Active, Healthy and Safe Communities)
StratosFuel and the City of San Bernardino, for the Inland Empire Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Carshare Program (Clean Cities – Alternative Fuels and Infrastructure)
The City of Alhambra, Los Angeles County Public Works and the County of Los Angeles, for the Los Angeles County Food Donation & Food Waste Recycling Initiative (Green Region Initiative)
The City of Placentia, for its Health, Wellness and Environmental Justice Element (Efficient and Sustainable Land Use)
Community Development Partners, for La Placita Cinco/Tiny Tim Plaza (Housing Innovation)
2020
Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability
Cities of Claremont and Pomona | CHERP-Locally Grown Power | Watch Video
The mission of CHERP-Locally Grown Power is to make solar power available to households forced to make choices as stark as between paying the electric bill or buying medicine. Currently, the federal government picks up 26 percent of the cost of residential solar. However, these subsidies flow almost exclusively to wealthy households, leaving solar power unaffordable for those who struggle hardest to keep the lights on. When CHERP set out to address the challenges with the prevailing model for commercial solar to meet the needs of low-income communities, they knew it wouldn’t be easy. Yet, CHERP has been licensed two award-winning patents that allow them to radically simplify the manufacturing of solar panels. By coupling this innovation with a non-profit business strategy, they aim to make solar a vehicle of carbon mitigation, job creation, local economic stimulus, and environmental justice.
CHERP is outfitting the nation’s first non-profit solar panel factory, located in one of California’s most economically disadvantaged and environmentally burdened communities. The Pomona pilot factory will be producing the world’s most technologically advanced solar panels in 2020. The model for distributed manufacturing is replicable and meant for the widest application possible, in disadvantaged communities across Southern California.
Active, Healthy and Safe Communities
City of Burbank | Burbank Channel Bikeway | Watch Video
Burbank believes in working with all its residents together to create a safe, beautiful, and thriving community. One important way the City embodies this mission is to connect their neighborhoods with active and safe “8-to-80” multi-modal transportation projects that allow all residents to travel safely, comfortably, and conveniently. Recognizing the many benefits of a bicycle-friendly community, Burbank has continued its mission to promote healthy eco-friendly transportation options with the Burbank Channel Bikeway project.
The Burbank Channel Bikeway project runs one mile along a tributary of the Los Angeles River called the Burbank-Western Flood Control Channel between the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station and Victory Boulevard. Once completed, the bikeway will connect the highly trafficked Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station to Alameda Avenue. This Bikeway expansion increases the City’s 8-to-80 bike path network that is instrumental in creating a safe and enjoyable system for all types of riders and pedestrians, while continuing to reduce the circulation demands of busy streets.
Clean Cities – Alternative Fuels and Infrastructure
San Bernardino County Transportation Authority | Zero-emission Multiple Unit Initiative | Watch Video
The zero-emission multiple unit (ZEMU) Initiative came to fruition through SBCTA’s dedication to expand multimodal opportunities while also recognizing the need to innovate cost effective solutions and maximize environmental benefits. San Bernardino County is home to some of the most severe air quality in California and the country. As such, SBCTA works persistently on fulfilling state, regional, and agency goals related to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation network and improving the quality of life for our residents. In order to achieve these goals, SBCTA has been in the forefront of developing innovative transportation projects that will significantly improve air quality in the region.
SBCTA’s Redlands Passenger Rail Project, now in construction, will simultaneously expand the regional rail network serving Southern California, move single occupancy vehicles off the congested Interstate 10, and reduce GHG emissions by developing and deploying the nation’s first ZEMU passenger rail vehicle as part of the future Arrow hybrid-rail service. After careful evaluation of appropriate technologies for the corridor, it was determined that hybrid battery-hydrogen powered vehicles would be the most feasible technology for further reducing emissions and for also having the flexibility to expand service beyond the 9-mile corridor and into Los Angeles Union Station. This allows for a longer range, reduced idle times, and for the ability to capture regenerative braking energy.
Efficient and Sustainable Land Use
City of Long Beach | General Plan Land Use Element Update | Watch Video
After more than 10 years of effort and more than 170 community engagement opportunities, an update to the City of Long Beach’s General Plan Land Use Element (LUE) was adopted by the City Council on December 3, 2019. Building upon the City’s award-winning Mobility Element, the updated LUE promotes infill, transit-oriented development, and a better jobs-housing balance through a strategy of encouraging mixed-use density near transit nodes and along transit corridors, in alignment with the RTP/SCS. The update aims to guide Long Beach to a more sustainable future, improve mobility choices, expand transit access, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. In addition to accommodating the City’s population and employment projections through the horizon year of 2040, the plan creates sufficient housing opportunity to address the City’s existing housing need due to overcrowding. The LUE advances several goals and policies for addressing equity in access to housing, jobs, community resources, and open space, while creating more opportunities for active living, improved urban design, sustainability, and overall quality of life for all.
Housing Innovation
City of Palmdale | Courson Arts Colony | Watch Video
The civic center area of the City of Palmdale has a high concentration of multi-family housing that served as the City’s primary stock of work force housing over many years. This housing was essential for those who worked in the aerospace industry in the Antelope Valley. Over the years the area became run down, the crime rate increased, and many families no longer found the area to be a desirable place to live. In 1999, the City of Palmdale committed to revitalizing the civic center area of the City with new affordable housing units and public amenities.
Over the course of the past twenty years the City redeveloped three City blocks, including construction of a new senior center and 153 units of affordable housing for seniors, acquired and revitalized 291 affordable housing units around the City park area, replaced the first community swimming pool in Courson Park and most recently construction was completed of the final phase of development known as the Courson Arts Colony. Courson Arts Colony consists of 159 affordable housing units with the development being focused around the cultivation and promotion of the arts. All apartments are equipped with fully furnished kitchens. The building’s common areas consist of a fitness room, a dance studio, art gallery, an art walk, flexible art space, digital art room, clubhouse room, homework room, leasing room, and an outdoor amphitheater. Courson Art Colony contains 60 permanent supportive housing apartments that will serve medically complex Veteran and non-Veteran households experiencing homelessness.
Green Region – Resource Conservation and Climate Action
Caltrans | Wildlife Passage Modifications on State Route 118 in Las Posas Valley | Watch Video
State Route 118 (SR-118) is currently one of the largest obstacles affecting wildlife movement within the Santa Monica-Sierra Madre Connection, a wildlife corridor located between the Santa Susana Mountains and Las Posas Valley. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and National Park Service, evaluated the effects of SR-118 on wildlife movement and mortality for two years by measuring wildlife mortality from vehicles, determining wildlife movement patterns in the area, evaluating the use of existing road crossing points, identifying land use that may affect animals’ ability to cross, and determining potential measures to improve these crossing points.
The study identified five key undercrossings which needed improvements to increase wildlife movement and reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions within the Santa Monica-Sierra Madre Connection. Using the findings from the study Caltrans constructed fencing and ramps in targeted locations to direct and assist with wildlife movement. Following construction, the National Park Service is conducting a year-long monitoring effort to assess the results of the improvements.
Nestled into city of Ventura’s Westside neighborhood, Kellogg Park is the result of extensive collaboration between residents and the City. Built on a vacant lot that once was the site of a rebar factory, the park serves the varied recreation needs of a community short on open space. Residents advocated for a number of amenities to meet the diverse needs of the community, including multi-generational opportunities to exercise, a community garden, and design components that allow for increased safety. The park also features innovative sustainable design such as a sand-filter swale “river” that reflects the nearby Ventura River watershed and provides recreational and educational opportunities.
In April of 2018, hundreds of residents joined to celebrate Kellogg Park’s grand opening as one of the most highly anticipated new facilities in Ventura’s recent history. This was a much-needed community gathering space, especially after the Thomas Fire had burned through the hillsides and destroyed over 500 structures in the City just a few months prior to the opening.
Active, Healthy and Safe Communities
City of Santa Ana | Central Santa Ana Complete Streets Plan | Watch Video
Santa Ana is the fourth densest large city in the United States, and about 55 percent of its residents do not have access to an automobile. The Central Santa Ana Complete Streets Plan (CSACS) will transform some of Santa Ana’s major thoroughfares into complete streets that enable safe and attractive access throughout the city. The analysis and recommendations in the CSACS were based primarily on the input received from the community, as well as existing land uses and transportation characteristics around central Santa Ana, and not based on throughput of vehicular traffic. This was necessary to identify pedestrian, bicycle, and transit movements within the study area. The CSACS analyzed the connections between the selected corridors and other existing or planned Complete Streets corridors and builds upon them to create a complete streets network that will improve access and mobility for all modes, including walking, bicycling, transit, and motor vehicles.
Clean Cities: Alternative Fuels and Infrastructure
City of Long Beach | City of Long Beach Fleet Services Bureau – Alternative Fuels | Watch Video
In 2017, the city of Long Beach created the interdepartmental Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Task Force and later formalized the BEV Policy to guide the transition of all possible City vehicles to electric. This policy is accompanied by a five-year implementation plan to electrify and install infrastructure for up to 200 vehicles. The safety fleet is currently 42% alternative fuel and the non-safety fleet is 60% alternative fuel. Use of renewable fuels saved approximately 7,700 short tons of GHG emissions in 2016, 7,600 tons in 2017, and a projected 7,900 tons in 2018. Long Beach carries a heavy pollution burden due to traffic congestion and Port activity and has some of the highest asthma rates in the state. By switching to alternative fuels, the city reduces emissions and allow residents to breathe easier without sacrificing service quality.
Green Region Initiative: Resource Conservation & Climate Action
City of Los Angeles | One Water LA 2040 Plan | Watch Video
This Plan takes a holistic and collaborative approach to address the city’s water resources from surface water, groundwater, potable water, wastewater, recycled water, dry-weather runoff, and stormwater as “One Water.” The Plan involves multi-departmental and multi-agency integration opportunities to manage water in a more efficient, cost effective, and sustainable manner. The level of complexity, scope, and large number of stakeholders involved makes One Water LA more comprehensive than most other studies or master plans. The 7 objectives are: 1. Integrate management of water resources and policies 2. Balance environmental, economic and societal goals 3. Improve health of local watersheds 4. Improve local water supply reliability 5. Implement, monitor and maintain a reliable wastewater system 6. Increase climate resilience 7. Increase community awareness and advocacy for sustainable water. By identifying the multiple benefits (environmental, economic, and social) of projects and programs, the City can implement more sustainable and cost effective solutions.
Efficient and Sustainable Land Use
City of Placentia | Old Town Placentia and TOD Packing House District Plans | Watch Video
The Old Town Placentia Revitalization Plan (OT) and the TOD Packing House District Plan (TOD) are two separate plans that work together to revitalize the City’s historic downtown area. A result of extensive public outreach, these two plans focus on sustainable design standards that complement historic architectural themes, developing quality housing, and expanding transportation options around a new Metrolink station.
The redevelopment of this historic area will connect the area to rest of the region, and is sure to enhance Placentia’s rich identity for generations to come.
Environmental Justice
County of Los Angeles | The Environmental Justice Pilot Project Initiative | Watch Video
This project focuses on addressing the disproportionate environmental and health impacts in disadvantaged communities both at land use policy and implementation levels. Through this project the County of Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning has developed and successfully implemented complementary programs that tackle pertinent environmental issues. The Industrial Use Task Force Pilot Program (“IUTF”) ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements for industrial land uses adjacent to disadvantaged residential neighborhoods in the unincorporated community of Florence-Firestone, while the Groundtruthing Initiative is a community-based participatory research strategy that produces documents local sources of pollution through innovative partnerships with community-based environmental justice organizations and local residents in vulnerable communities.
2018
Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability
City of Long Beach | 2017 Bicycle Master Plan, Communities of Excellence in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Prevention (CX3) & Willow Springs Wetland Restoration Project | Watch Video
This year’s award for Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability recognizes the City of Long Beach for their overall excellence in two distinct plans and one project. Combined, these three efforts demonstrate the City of Long Beach’s holistic approach to sustainability that includes improvements in mobility, public health and natural lands restoration.
Active Transportation
City of Cathedral City & SCRAP Gallery | Cycle Cathedral City Bicycle Outreach and Education Program | Watch Video
The purpose of Cycle Cathedral City is to educate and empower while promoting bicycle use. By providing a year-round series of projects and events, the program encourages residents to to use more active transportation fortheir health and environment. Goals set for the program are to encourage biking, provide opportunities for students and residents to get more exercise, recycle donated and salvaged bikes and encourage community and student leaders to make sustainability a priority.
Against All Odds
City of San Fernando | Corridors Specific Plan | Watch Video
The Corridors Specific Plan fosters sustainable development patterns, encourages public transit and walking and biking within the downtown area and the surrounding neighborhood. San Fernando overcame multiple challenges in reaching successful adoption of the Plan including community push-back, budgetary constraints, a staffing shortage, regulatory constraints and difficulties that come with being an economically-disadvantaged community.
Collaborative Partnership
Cities of Arcadia, Azusa, Duarte, Irwindale, Monrovia, San Marino, South Pasadena and LA Metro | 626 Golden Streets | Watch Video
Modeled after the thousands of “ciclovia” events that have been staged in cities around the world, 626 Golden Streets temporarily closed off stretches of roadway from South Pasadena to Azusa for people to walk, jog, skate, bike, run and play. Over 18 miles of streets, linking 6 Metro Gold Line stations, were made car-free on March 5, 2017. Eight San Gabriel Valley communities participated in the event, which was held on the one-year anniversary of the Foothill Gold Line Phase 2A Azusa extension opening.
Green Region
City of Rancho Cucamonga | Rancho Cucamonga Sustainable Community Action Plan | Watch Video
The Sustainable Community Action Plan is a unique triple-bottom line approach to drive comprehensive sustainable change across not only Rancho Cucamonga’s environment but also its economy and community health and equity. Five key areas that the plan targets include energy and water efficiency, land use and open space, transportation and mobility, community health and environmental equity.
Adopted in concurrence with the General Plan Healthy Community Element, Live Well Perris is a campaign to provide opportunities and create initiatives that provide citizens a platform to live a healthier, active lifestyle. Activities have included urban farming, free workout sessions, sports clinics for children, city-wide health fairs, hikes, yoga and a farmers market.
Integrated Planning
City of Hermosa Beach | PLAN Hermosa | Watch Video
A combination of the city’s two key planning documents, the General Plan and the Local Coastal Program, PLAN Hermosa raises the bar for General Plan updates in Southern California by addressing new and critical topics like climate change and sea level rise. Using diverse outreach methods, PLAN Hermosa thoughtfully engaged the community and set a consistent graphic style and tone that contributes to the long-term utility of the document.
2017
Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability
Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) | Foothill South Settlement Agreement | Watch Video
For the past 20 years, TCA has been attempting to gain approvals for the southern extension of State Route 241. TCA’s Settlement Agreement with opponents was a breakthrough, and represents a responsible and practical approach to working with environmental communities on providing solutions to mobility issues while preserving valued environmental areas and resources.
Active Transportation
UCLA Department of Transportation | UCLA BruinBikeSmart | Watch Video
UCLA BruinBikeSmart is a safety and education program that allows cyclists who received a moving violation citation to have their citation dismissed by completing an online interactive bike safety course and paying an administrative course fee. This project is the first of its kind for Los Angeles County and required significant coordination between UCLA Transportation, the UCLA Police Department, and the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Against All Odds
City of San Bernardino | Waterman + Baseline Neighborhood Specific Plan | Watch Video
This Specific Plan provides comprehensive and multi-faceted strategies for revitalization of the neighborhoods surrounding the intersection of Waterman Avenue and Baseline Street. The plan establishes a long term vision for the area accommodating the addition of 1,200,000 square feet of new employment and commercial uses and 2,400 new housing units.
Collaborative Partnership
Imperial County Transportation Commission (ICTC) | Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation Access Study for the California/Baja California Land Ports of Entry | Watch Video
This is the first ever border infrastructure study focused on improving a border crossing for pedestrians and cyclists. The study resulted in 102 recommended binational projects and policies including 34 pedestrian projects, 37 bicycle projects, 12 transit projects and 7 policies.
Green Region
Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation | Los Angeles County Master Plan for Sustainable Parks and Recreation: Phase I | Watch Video
This project plans for the following six unincorporated, park‐poor communities: East Los Angeles, East Rancho Dominguez, Lennox, Walnut Park, West Athens‐Westmont and Willowbrook. Each plan is individualized to analyze and address the unique needs of each of the six communities. The plan lays out a green space vision with an innovative design approach that includes new parks, parklets, fitness nodes and expanded walking paths.
Healthy and Safe Communities
City of Lynwood | Lynwood Safe and Healthy Communities Element | Watch Video
The Lynwood Safe and Healthy Communities Element addresses both community health and public safety. It is the first adopted General Plan Element in California to combine the required Safety Element with the optional Health Element. The element includes policies related to re-entry and community violence in addition to the traditional General Plan safety topics.
Integrated Planning
City of Long Beach | Midtown Specific Plan | Watch Video
This project plans for transit oriented development along the Long Beach Boulevard corridor in order to promote economic development, housing production, transit use and active transportation. The plan is built upon five identified guiding principles: Enhanced mobility and complete streets, safety and wellness, a sustainable future, supporting urban amenities, and working with and for the community. The Specific Plan originated from a SCAG Compass Blueprint Grant.
2016
President’s Award
City of Los Angeles – Sustainable City pLAn | Watch Video
The SCAG Sustainability Awards’ highest honor this year goes to the City of Los Angeles for their “Sustainability pLAn,” an ambitious, comprehensive and actionable policy roadmap to prepare the city of Los Angeles for an environmentally healthy, economically prosperous, equitable future.
Excellence Awards
EXCELLENCE IN ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION
City of Santa Monica – Breeze Bike Share | Watch Video
The Breeze Bike Share Program is a network of 500 public bicycles at 75 stations throughout Santa Monica that offers flexibility for one-way bike rides to get around town in a fun, healthy and environmentally-friendly way.
EXCELLENCE IN GREEN REGION INITIATIVE
Antelope Valley Transit Authority – Antelope Valley Electric Bus Fleet | Watch Video
The Antelope Valley Transit Authority has made a commitment to convert to a 100 percent Electric Bus Fleet, which will make it the first all-electric public transit fleet in the country.
EXCELLENCE IN INTEGRATED LAND USE & TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
County of Ventura – Update to Saticoy Area Plan | Watch Video
The updated Saticoy Area Plan, sets the stage for future reinvestment in Saticoy through improved land use and circulation patterns as well as increased opportunities for employment and affordable housing.
Achievement Awards
ACHIEVEMENT IN ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION
City of Redondo Beach – Herondo Street / Harbor Drive Gateway Park and Cycle Track
The Harbor Drive Gateway Park and Cycle Track is a street redesign that improves accessibility for bicyclists and pedestrians and provides a key link between the Hermosa Beach “Strand” and Redondo Beach’s Marina District.
ACHIEVEMENT IN ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION
San Bernardino Associated Governments – Metrolink and BRT Station Accessibility Project
The Metrolink and BRT Station Accessibility Project will bring over 70 miles of high priority bicycle corridors, nearly 50 new or improved pedestrian crosswalks, and over 23 miles of upgraded ADA-compliant sidewalks to increase the accessibility and safety of transit stations in the San Bernardino area.
ACHIEVEMENT IN ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION
California Department of Transportation & Imperial County Transportation Commission – Quechan Crossing
The Quechan Crossing project provides infrastructure improvements to one of the busiest ports-of-entry in the nation for pedestrian crossings and better accommodations for the high volume of elderly and disabled pedestrians.
ACHIEVEMENT IN GREEN REGION INITIATIVE
City of Riverside – Riverside Restorative Growthprint: Economic Prosperity Action Plan & Climate Action Plan
The Restorative Growthprint is a comprehensive plan that combines the city’s Climate Action Plan with a companion Economic Prosperity Action Plan for boosting low-carbon economic growth through investment in urban infrastructure, urban mobility systems, public-private partnerships and entrepreneurship.
ACHIEVEMENT IN INTEGRATED LAND USE & TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
City of Santa Ana – Depot at Santiago
The Depot at Santiago is a transit-oriented mixed-use development that provides quality workforce housing and catalyzes future urban development in its surrounding vicinity.
ACHIEVEMENT IN INTEGRATED LAND USE & TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
Western Riverside Council of Governments – Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee Program (TUMF)
The Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee Program implements a fee on new development projects that mitigates the impact of new growth on the area’s transportation infrastructure, while incentivizing mixed-use and transit-oriented development.
2015
President’s Award for Excellence
President’s Award | Watch Video
City of Anaheim
Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC)
The Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) is the first LEED Platinum designed transit station in the world. Environmental sustainability is at the heart of ARTIC’s innovative design, construction, operation, maintenance, and financial feasibility and includes reducing energy use, water use, solid waste production, and carbon emissions through transportation modes and efficient land use. ARTIC improves connectivity to adjacent cities for multiple user groups, and provides regional connectivity. ARTIC promotes economic value by actively engaging in partnerships to minimize construction costs and by supporting population a walkable, transit oriented urban environment.
Los Angeles Department of Transportation
Broadway Dress Rehearsal Existing Conditions Report
A corridor in Downtown Los Angeles renowned for its historic cultural and commercial significance, Broadway is the focus of intensive short- and long-term pedestrian safety projects, transit planning, and economic revitalization, including the Broadway Dress Rehearsal, a phase-one implementation strategy under the City-adopted Broadway Streetscape Master Plan. The Broadway Dress Rehearsal Existing Conditions Report (BDR-ECR) establishes a precedent for measuring the performance of complete streets projects throughout the SCAG region, especially in terms of mobility and safety conditions for people walking, bicycling and accessing transit. Through an innovative methodology synthesizing various research techniques, the Report provides a comprehensive framework for both evaluating the impacts of complete streets projects and educating the public and elected officials about those impacts.
Excellence in Green Region Initiative | Watch Video
City of Glendale
Greener Glendale Plan for Community Activities
The Greener Glendale Plan for Community Activities (“Greener Glendale”) is Glendale’s comprehensive climate action and sustainability plan. From its inception, Greener Glendale was prepared in accordance with SCAG’s GHG reduction targets and the SCAG Compass Blueprint principles. Greener Glendale maps out specifically how Glendale will achieve the GHG reduction targets set by SCAG (8% by 2020, 13% by 2035). Glendale was able to create this map by completing an inventory of community GHGs and identifying actions that could be taken to measurably reduce Glendale’s GHGs. The specific actions included a variety of sustainability measures crossing the areas of land use, transportation, urban design and nature, environmental health, waste reduction, and energy and water conservation.
Excellence in Integrated Land Use & Transportation Planning | Watch Video
City of Coachella
City of Coachella General Plan Update
While only 40,000 residents currently call Coachella home, the City and its General Plan foresee the population will more than triple in size to 135,000 residents by 2035. In anticipation of this growth, the City needed a community based plan that would provide practical and responsible growth methods that emphasized walkability, neighborhoods, and sustainability. The City of Coachella, with support from Raimi + Associates, Sargent Town Planning, and Fehr and Peers have developed a General Plan with a strong emphasis on health, sustainability, and social equity.
Achievement Awards
Achievement in Active Transportation
City of Rialto Public Works Department
Rails to Trails/Along the Pacific Electric Railway
The City of Rialto’s Rails to Trails project brings the final section of the Pacific Electric Trail to realization while promoting the principles of placemaking, reduced reliance on cars, active transportation planning and encourages safe physical activity in an industrially growing, but economically challenged and racially diverse City. This project promotes linkages to existing active transportation and transit networks such as the PE Trail as it travels through the partner cities, Metrolink commuter rail and Onmitrans bus systems. The PE Trail also promotes moving away from cars to active transportation and Transit-Oriented Development by providing a 21 mile east-west route to travel between Rialto and Claremont that is separated from vehicular traffic.
Achievement in Green Region Initiative
Orange County Transportation Authority
Measure M2 Environmental Cleanup Program
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Measure M2 (M2) transportation sales tax, passed by Orange County voters in November 2006 by nearly 70%, includes provisions that integrate innovative programs that protect our environment for future generations. The Environmental Cleanup Program helps to improve overall water quality in Orange County from transportation-generated pollution. Program funds are allocated on a countywide competitive basis to assist jurisdictions to meet the Clean Water Act standards for urban runoff. Over $300 million in funds are available over the next 30 years, ending in 2041. The Program funds are designed to supplement, not supplant existing water quality programs. Eligible applicants include all 34 cities and the County of Orange.
Achievement in Integrated Land Use & Transportation Planning
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County General Plan Update
The General Plan is the County’s first comprehensive plan update since 1980 and is the result of nearly two decades of work by hundreds of stakeholders, County staff, and partnering local, regional, and state agencies. The County unincorporated areas represent one of the most varied and complex planning areas in the world. They include urban, suburban and rural communities— mountains, valleys, forests, coastal areas and high deserts. The General Plan Update embraces the unique character of the unincorporated communities and their environs. An important component of the General Plan Update is the unincorporated County’s first Community Climate Action Plan, a sub-element of the Air Quality Element; digitizing, parceling, and refining land use and zoning maps to a degree of precision not possible with the mapping technology of 1980.
