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On June 9, SCAG hosted the “Exploring Regional Progress with the 2026 State of the Region Report” Toolbox Tuesday session to examine major trends in Southern California. 

SCAG has released a new white paper, “Practical Applications of AI and Big Data for Metropolitan Planning Organizations,” exploring how emerging technologies are transforming regional planning.  

In a development that promises to improve customer experience on transit in Southern California and advance the region’s readiness for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, FIFA World Cup 2026, and future mega events, Metrolink recently launched its Contactless Payments Pilot project. Contactless payment is a secure, cash-free method to pay transit fares by tapping or holding a payment card, smartphone, or smartwatch on a payment terminal. This technological innovation is becoming more common around the region and the nation and is considered an important upgrade in advancing a more seamless, connected, and rider-focused transportation experience. Projects like Metrolink’s Contactless Payment Pilot explore new ways to simplify transit access and improve the overall customer experience.

SCAG’s SoCal Greenprint is now available online. 

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SCAG’s Regional Council officially kicked off the 7th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) process on June 4 by approving membership for a new RHNA Subcommittee. The RHNA process, which occurs in eight-year cycles, ensures that local governments plan for adequate housing to meet current and future needs at all income levels. As a state-mandated process under California Government Code Section 65584, RHNA supports cities and counties in advancing affordability, sustainability, and fair housing goals. 

SCAG published its preliminary draft SB 79 map on June 1, 2026. This map is based on SCAG’s approach and methodology to the transit-oriented development map required by Senate Bill (SB) 79 (Wiener, 2025) published in late May. The map is specific to Los Angeles County at this time. Report any errors to SCAG staff with documentation by emailing sb79@scag.ca.gov by June 12. 

SCAG received various program and project modifications to the 2025 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP), summarized as proposed Amendment #25-27, from the county transportation commissions representing Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and various counties. The public review period starts on May 29 and will conclude at 5 p.m. on June 8.

A copy of the project listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website.

SCAG hosted the “Understanding Economic Statistics From the U.S. Census Bureau” Toolbox Tuesday session on May 12 to explore U.S. Census Bureau tools that businesses and government organizations can use to understand current economic trends.

The Annual Integrated Economic Survey (AIES) and the Economic Census are the largest economic survey programs at the U.S. Census Bureau.  

The 2026 Regional Conference and General Assembly, the region’s largest gathering of elected and industry leaders, took place in Palm Desert this week. 

“My role as President of SCAG’s Regional Council is to bring people to the same table.” “Through honest conversations and transparency, we can find solutions that reflect both our shared mission and the unique needs of each community," said Chino Hills City Councilmember Ray Marquez, who was formally elected as president of the SCAG Regional Council for the fiscal year 2026-27 during the event.

2026 Student Showcase winners were announced on May 8 at SCAG's 2026 Regional Conference and General Assembly in Palm Desert. SCAG Regional Council President Ray Marquez presented awards to Ethan Maldonado from University of California, Irvine in the Audience Award category, as well as Evelyn Zhong from University of Southern California and Kevin Sohn from University of Southern California in the Best in Show category. 

2025-26 SCAG Regional Council President Cindy Allen shared the “2025-26 President’s Report” while closing out her term at the 2026 Regional Conference and General Assembly. The “2025-26 President’s Report” provides a detailed account of SCAG’s accomplishments since Allen assumed the role of Regional Council president in May 2025. SCAG also screened a video highlighting SCAG's accomplishments over the past year at the conference.

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The SCAG Sustainability Awards recognize projects for outstanding contributions to the local implementation of the Connect SoCal Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy for a more mobile, sustainable, and prosperous region. 

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SCAG announced the awardees of the

SCAG offers a wide range of funding programs, data tools, trainings, and technical assistance to help local jurisdictions plan and implement projects that advance the regional vision outlined in the Connect SoCal Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy.

The SCAG Resource Lounge, part of two days of programming and events during the 2026 Regional Conference and General Assembly, creates a space for attendees to explore SCAG tools, programs, and initiatives, with direct access to SCAG’s regional planning experts. Designed to create access to SCAG resources, the lounge brings leaders and practitioners together to exchange information on funding sources, data, and best practices that support work to address the region’s most pressing challenges.

SCAG received various program and project modifications to the 2025 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP), summarized as proposed Amendment #25-24, from the county transportation commissions representing Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and various counties. The public review period starts on May 4 and will conclude at 5 p.m. on May 14. 

A copy of the project listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website.