2022 Regional Conference & General Assembly

Bridging the Digital Divide – Getting to Universal Broadband
Sponsored by Verizon

While access to high-speed internet service – commonly known as “broadband” – has been beneficial for nearly a generation, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it became downright essential. From getting groceries delivered to working and attending school, everyone who could get online did. But many in our region lack either the physical infrastructure or the economic means to access broadband service. For the SCAG region to be competitive and equitable in the future, all Southern Californians must have access to affordable broadband service. So how do we get there? This panel will talk about the ways in which the public and private sectors are working together to bring that essential service into everyone’s homes as soon as possible.

Moderator:

• Sunne McPeak, Chief Executive Officer, California Emerging Technology Fund

Panelists:

• Sonia Hooks, Assistant Director, Technology Services, Los Angeles County Office of Education
• Tony Naughtin, President & Chief Executive Officer, GoldenStateNet
• Bill Allen, President & Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation
• Kevin Harbour, President, BizFed Institute 

Advancing Housing Production Across Sectors: Tools, Resources & Opportunities
Sponsored by Jamboree Housing

With a need of an additional 1.3 million housing units before 2030, the SCAG region cannot rely only traditional methods to plan and build housing locally. In recent years, a variety of innovative planning and financial tools have been developed and implemented by various jurisdictions and entities to help meet local housing goals. This panel will talk about non-traditional ways to plan, fund and build housing and the pro-housing resources available to jurisdictions as we collectively try to meet our regional housing needs.

Moderator:

• Steve PonTell, President & Chief Executive Officer, National Community Renaissance

Panelists:

• Grace Chionuma, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley
• Scott Ochoa, City Manager, City of Ontario
• Gene Slater, Chairman, CSG Advisors
• Gustavo Velasquez, Director, California Department of Housing & Community Development

Student Showcase
Some of the SCAG region’s most outstanding students will present exciting and innovative research and planning work on a number of the region’s greatest challenges and opportunities. All attendees will be able to vote to award their favorite projects for an Audience Award and accompanying cash prizes.

Presentations:

• Visualizing Countywide Mass Rapid Transit in Orange County
• Synergy in Sustainability
• On The Grid

The Region’s Zero-Emission Transformation
Sponsored by WSP

With advancements in vehicle technology across all modes and state mandates to phase in zero-emission vehicles, the transition to zero-emission provides challenges and opportunities. This panel will take a holistic view of this transition, highlighting opportunities and best practices in the production and commercialization of vehicles, infrastructure provision, workforce and economic development opportunities, ensuring equitable access, and the opportunity to repurpose electric vehicle batteries to support a more resilient energy system.

Moderator:

• Jonathan Parfrey, Executive Director, Climate Resolve

Panelists:

• Larry Chung, Vice President of Local Public Affairs, Southern California Edison
• Lauren Skiver, Chief Executive Officer/General Manager, Sunline Transit
• Jannet Malig, Director, Advanced Transportation Technology & Energy Center
• Aravind Kailas, Advanced Technology Policy Director, Volvo Group

Funding Futures of Growth
Sponsored by AT&T

By the end of 2021, the SCAG region recovered nearly 40 percent of the pandemic job losses. While this reveals the region’s underlying strengths and potential, it is only the beginning of the region’s recovery. With its strengths in diversity, work ethic, resilience and innovation, the region can leverage federal and state funding to fuel a new era of growth. This panel will explore the major state and federal funding opportunities available, and how our cities and counties can best position themselves for success.

Moderator:

• Cecilia V. Estolano, Chief Executive Officer, Estolano Advisors

Panelists:

• Bill Higgins, Chief Executive Officer, California Association of Councils of Governments
• Mitch Weiss, Executive Director, California Transportation Commission
• Stephanie N. Wiggins, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Student Showcase
Some of the SCAG region’s most outstanding students will present exciting and innovative research and planning work on a number of the region’s greatest challenges and opportunities. All attendees will be able to vote to award their favorite projects for an Audience Award and accompanying cash prizes.

Presentations:

• How Can We Connect the Rim of the Valley Trail?
• Improving Ridership by Urban Development Near the Station
• Re-Imagine Our Electrical Towers
• Visible Fear: Accidents Far Outweigh Concerns of Emissions

Connect SoCal: A Bold Vision for 2050
Sponsored by Ontario International Airport Authority

Connect SoCal 2024, SCAG’s next long-range transportation plan and sustainable communities strategy, will outline a course for achieving multiple mobility, environmental and economic goals. The challenges facing the region, like traffic, affordable housing and climate change are known but complex. As new technologies emerge and the policy context continues to shift, how can local governments work together to face our shared challenges, access resources and enable innovation for a vibrant region?

Moderator:

• Christina Pascucci, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, KTLA

Panelists:

• Toks Omishakin, Secretary, California State Transportation Agency
• Elizabeth Fretheim, Global Head of Sustainability & Social Responsibility, Nikola Motors
• Greg Bielli, President & Chief Executive Officer, Tejon Ranch Company
• Mott Smith, Principal, Civic Enterprise, and Chair, Council of Infill Builders