The SCAG Sustainability Awards recognize projects for contributing to the goals of the Connect SoCal Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy and for achieving progress toward a more mobile, sustainable, and prosperous region.
CONTACT
For questions regarding the 2024 SCAG Sustainability Awards, please contact:
Lyle Janicek
janicek@scag.ca.gov
2025 Sustainability Awards
The 2025 Sustainability Awards were open to governmental agencies, non-governmental agencies, community-based organizations, nonprofits, universities, and more. Projects completed or adopted between Jan. 1, 2021, and Dec. 31, 2024, were eligible for nomination. The application period is now closed. Selected awardees will be notified beginning February 2025.
SCAG will announce the winners of the 2025 Sustainability Awards at the 2025 Regional Council Conference and General Assembly at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Palm Desert on May 1.
Award Categories
ACTIVE, HEALTHY, AND SAFE COMMUNITIES
The Active, Healthy, and Safe Communities award honors a project that promotes public health through improved active transportation and transportation safety or reduced pollution. Submissions should demonstrate how the projects promote healthy behaviors such as biking or walking, improve community safety by reducing collision rates, or reduce exposure to environmental hazards. Projects should result in communities where residents are empowered to lead healthier lives.
CARMEN RAMIREZ AWARD FOR EQUITY
The Carmen Ramirez Award for Equity honors a project that advances equity and facilitates the growth of healthy, livable, sustainable, and economically resilient communities. Submissions should demonstrate how the project addresses improving outcomes for traditionally marginalized, vulnerable, or underrepresented communities. Examples include projects that have meaningful partnerships with community-based organizations or community ambassadors, explicitly integrate equity into the planning process (e.g., through existing conditions analysis, project prioritization methodologies, etc.), or develop innovative tools or resources that advance equitable planning.
CLEAN CITIES: ALTERNATIVE FUELS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
The Clean Cities: Alternative Fuels and Infrastructure award honors a project that promotes low- and zero-emission transportation in the region, with a focus on clean fuel vehicles and infrastructure. Successful examples might include replacing gas or diesel fleet vehicles with cleaner alternatives, streamlining permitting for clean fuel and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, a vehicle idle reduction program, or a program to promote system-wide efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. This award is presented by the SCAG Clean Cities Coalition, a U.S. Department of Energy-certified program.
GREEN REGION INITIATIVE: CLIMATE ACTION AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION
The Green Region Initiative: Climate Action and Resource Conservation award honors a project that addresses climate change through greenhouse gas emission reduction or adaptation planning. This includes projects that conserve, restore, and enhance the natural environment or prepare communities for challenges related to a changing climate, such as extreme heat, drought, sea-level rise, and wildfire. Examples include habitat conservation and restoration projects, climate action plans, green infrastructure, and watershed management projects.
HOUSING INNOVATION
The Housing Innovation award honors a project that promotes and supports innovative housing practices. Submissions should demonstrate how the project addresses housing needs across income levels, uses innovative practices or policies, improves access to jobs and transit, or creates diverse, vibrant communities. Submissions for projects should show promise for implementation in the near term and how they meet housing needs.
PLAN, POLICY, AND PROGRAMS
The Plan, Policy, and Programs award honors a plan, policy, or program integrating land use and transportation planning for sustainable outcomes. Submissions should identify how the project promotes infill, transit-oriented development, equitable access to housing and employment opportunities, or placemaking for vibrant and connected neighborhoods and centers. Submissions should demonstrate the potential for sustainable outcomes, such as reduced vehicle miles traveled, increased transit use, increased housing and jobs within regional Priority Development Areas, and shorter distance trips in existing and planned neighborhoods.
