SoCal Greenprint Proposed Data Layer List

Proposed Data Layer List

Once developed, the SoCal Greenprint be an online mapping tool to help stakeholders prioritize lands for growth and conservation based on the best available scientific data. The SoCal Greenprint will compile more than one hundred existing data sources into interactive maps that help stakeholders visualize how to better integrate nature into future growth and development. The Greenprint is not a “plan,” nor is it intended to produce any new data; rather it will aggregate data from existing public sources to support local jurisdictions, transportation agencies, developers, non-profits and other stakeholders in advancing the policies adopted in Connect SoCal.

SoCal Greenprint Proposed Data Layer List

The SoCal Greenprint is being developed with five user groups in mind who are shaping the future of the region: developers, local planners, infrastructure agencies, community-based organizations, and conservation professionals. One of the project goals is to make it simpler for intended users to easily access information about natural resources so that planning and mitigation measures can be identified early, saving project costs, expediting timelines, and making it possible to proactively address issues that can help avoid risk to projects.

Data and Stakeholder Outreach

This data listing currently provides background information on the proposed individual data layers that draw from diverse sources, including public agencies, universities, non-profit organizations, amongst others. Data is divided into six themes: Agricultural & Working Lands; Built Environment; Vulnerabilities & Resilience; Environmental Justice, Equity & Inclusion; Habitat & Biodiversity; and Water Resources.

The six themes and datasets were developed with robust stakeholder engagement to ensure that the tool is crafted to address the information needs of developers, local planners, infrastructure agencies, community-based organizations, and conservation professionals. The SoCal Greenprint team has conducted regular engagements with over sixty advisors from these key user groups and other stakeholders through meetings with the project’s Steering, Advisory, and Scientific committees, and have also completed interviews with 35 partners. Further, “Rapid Assessment” sessions have been conducted with a diverse array of organizations to identify their priorities and walk individual stakeholders through potential data outputs for inclusion in the SoCal Greenprint.

Feedback Opportunity

SCAG has posted this data list for further review from members of SCAG’s Technical Working Group and other stakeholders. Please note that the list details the changes from previously posted data layers lists, including updated hyperlinks and the exclusion of a data layer. The data list has been revised based off feedback provided by the August 2021 public hearing and the October 2021 Public Hearing and Regional Council meeting.

For questions, please contact SCAG staff at scaggreenregion@scag.ca.gov.

Preliminary Survey Results

• A survey was conducted to continue engagement with stakeholders and solicit additional feedback on the data layers proposed to be included in the SoCal Greenprint. The survey builds on the project’s continuous engagement process and was developed in response to the July 1, 2021 motion by SCAG’s Regional Council to pause the implementation of the SoCal Greenprint and engage with stakeholders to consider and address concerns.
• The survey was distributed widely and made publicly available between July 19th and August 13, 2021. SCAG sent the survey to 4,204 people, including all SoCal Greenprint advisors, city managers, clerks, council members, mayors, planning directors, planning staff, public works directors, representatives from the building industry, business councils, chambers of commerce, and others. The survey was also published on SCAG’s website for any stakeholder or member of the public to access.
• 33 respondents submitted the survey. Comments on the specific data layers were largely positive. 69 survey comments addressed 45 different data layers. Feedback on the data layers was generally positive: 75% of comments were generally supportive of the data layer(s), 13% offered suggestions to improve data layer(s) or consider additional data, 3% expressed a concern over the data layer(s), and no comments requested exclusion of specific data layer(s).
• Many respondents are concerned with pausing or not completing the project.
  • When asked for feedback on concerns about the goal of the SoCal Greenprint, 53% of respondents reported no concerns about the goal and no respondents reported concerns. However, 12% of respondents expressed concerns over pausing or not completing the project and 18% of respondents expressed other concerns.
  • When asked for feedback on general concerns about the SoCal Greenprint, 47% of respondents expressed concern over pausing or not completing the project, 27% expressed concern over the data content, 13% expressed other concern, and 13% expressed no concern.

SoCal Greenprint Proposed Data Layers Survey Summary of Preliminary Survey Results