Executive Director’s Monthly Report, June 2025
Connect SoCal 2024 Implementation Update: Sustainable Communities Strategy Accepted
On May 7, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) informed SCAG that it had accepted SCAG’s determination that the Connect SoCal 2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) meets CARB’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets. CARB’s acceptance ensures transportation projects in the SCAG region remain eligible for all SB1 funding programs.
However, the lengthy review process highlights SCAG’s concerns about the need to revisit Senate Bill 375 to better support SCS implementation. On May 21, CARB presented proposed scenarios at a public workshop on the GHG target-setting process. SCAG is preparing a joint public comment letter reiterating concerns about the applicability of the scoping plan scenario to metropolitan planning organization (MPO) targets and the need for clarity on the technical assumptions guiding both target-setting and SCS evaluation. SCAG and other MPOs have requested CARB maintain current targets. Given current economic and demographic challenges, along with restrictions on crediting electric vehicle transition, MPOs face growing difficulties meeting current targets.
CARB plans to release a draft target report in fall 2025, followed by a final report and environmental assessment in spring 2026, which will apply to SCAG’s next SCS, expected in 2028. SCAG will continue to engage with CARB throughout the process and provide updates to policy committees after the draft target report.
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SCAG Economic Roundtable Publishes Quarterly Report on the Regional Economy
SCAG’s Economic Roundtable met on May 22 for its second quarterly meeting in 2025 to review trends, data, and current events impacting the region’s economy.
According to the SCAG Economic Roundtable, the region is showing several severe economic warning signs, including low regional job growth, with all new jobs created in 2024 and 2025 being in the healthcare, local government, and logistics industries. Tariffs, federal funding cuts, and low consumer confidence weaken the outlook further.
Read SCAG News for more detail on each of the major themes identified by the Economic Roundtable in the latest Quarterly Report.
Regional Council Adopts Resilience Resolution
Over the last several decades, Southern California has faced an increasing number of events and natural disasters that have significantly impacted the region’s communities, infrastructure, economy, and natural environment. In response to these events and the need for regional collaboration to increase resilience, the SCAG Regional Council adopted the Resilience Action Resolution on June 5. The resolution outlines several ongoing and upcoming SCAG efforts to increase resilience and support a thriving and prosperous region. To read more about SCAG’s new Regional Action Resolution, read the June staff report.
SCAG Outlines Role to Support 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games
To prepare for the success of the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, its impact on the region’s transportation network, and to leverage this opportunity to create a regional legacy, SCAG presented the draft Games Mobility Program Development Framework to the SCAG Executive/Administration Committee in June. Drawing from the Connect SoCal 2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, the Games Mobility Program Development Framework coalesces SCAG’s planning efforts toward goals, objectives, and guiding principles around the LA28 Games and this framework is expected to go to the Regional Council in the fall
SCAG’s upcoming work to prepare for the LA28 Games includes developing transportation demand management strategies for passenger vehicles and goods movement, pilot programs and projects, and community hubs. Staff will continue to provide updates on the program’s strategies and projects to the SCAG Regional Council and policy committees. To read more about the draft Games Mobility Program Development Framework, read the June staff report for the Executive/Administration Committee.
SCAG Staff Reports Progress on the ‘Southern California Zero-Emission Truck Infrastructure Study’
SCAG staff provided an update on progress for the “Southern California Zero-Emission Infrastructure Study” (ZETI Study) at the June meeting of the SCAG Transportation Committee, The ZETI Study will create a phased blueprint and action plan to realize a regional network of zero-emission charging and fueling infrastructure and answer key questions about how stations in the region will be required to serve different truck markets and business functions. The report will also detail the quantity, distribution, and characteristics of charging and fueling stations needed in the region.
The ZETI Study includes three technical analysis components to develop an understanding of future public charging and hydrogen fueling demand across the region: analyzing statewide truck travel to determine trip characteristics of the fleet, simulating travel as battery electric or hydrogen trucks to generate aggregated energy demand metrics, and classifying locations across the region into typologies that can meet demand with adequate power levels and charging and fueling taps. An industry-focused technical advisory committee guided this work.
Based on ZETI’s findings on future projected demand, public agencies, utilities, and the private sector will need to ramp up development of charging sites, working together to find available land in proximity to industrial and warehousing districts to ensure prompt grid interconnection, while also considering innovative approaches such as fast-track permitting. The region will need an estimated 3,267 chargers distributed across 191 locations, consuming 1.6 gigawatt-hours of energy during peak demand. Public site demand is anticipated to be 62 percent of all truck charging by 2040; these sites are especially critical for long-haul truck markets that often lack reliable parking or overnight residences.
Concerns about the potential repeal of the state’s Advanced Clean Fleets Rule (ACF) and other clean air rules under California’s waivers from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will have impacts to the timeframe of the expected demand scenarios. ZETI’s analysis was completed before the ACF rule was withdrawn—the change might potentially require more time to ramp up fleet transition and meet rising energy demand. However, the state and other stakeholders can take additional actions to incentivize zero-emission truck purchases and supporting infrastructure, which will continue to drive the industry forward.
Water White Paper Presented to SCAG Energy and Environment Committee
SCAG is developing a “Water Resolution White Paper” to explore regional water management challenges and potential strategies to increase regional water resilience. Staff presented findings from the white paper at the June Energy and Environment Committee meeting, with further discussion from an expert panel.
SCAG launched the white paper in response to the Water Action Resolution, adopted by the Regional Council in October 2022, which called for regional collaboration to address regional water resilience challenges.
These findings will inform SCAG’s work to identify and refine strategies and resources that can support member jurisdictions as they advance regional water resilience with infrastructure investment and public policy.
SCAG Disburses $5 Million to San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust
SCAG has officially processed its first Lasting Affordability Program payment supporting a regional lending program, disbursing $5 million to the San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust’s (SGVRHT). The Lasting Affordability Program is one of several programs enabled by the Regional Early Action Planning Program of 2021. This disbursement will expand SGVRHT’s Revolving Loan Fund, which provides acquisition and predevelopment capital for affordable housing across the San Gabriel Valley.
SGVRHT’s Lasting Affordability Program funding will directly support a second round of financing for an estimated 75 to 150 affordable units, benefiting households at or below 80 percent of the area median income. With this investment, SGVRHT’s Revolving Loan Fund now totals $14 million, creating a renewable and long-term source of funding for housing development in the region.
SCAG Hosts Inaugural Regional Transportation Demand Management Forum to Prepare for LA28 Games
On May 7, SCAG hosted the inaugural Regional Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Forum at SCAG’s Downtown Los Angeles office and via Zoom.
Working with the Games Mobility Executive (GME) partners—including the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, LA28, Caltrans, and Metrolink—SCAG is leading the GME TDM Subcommittee to coordinate TDM initiatives across the region for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The LA28 Games will be exciting and impactful for the entire Southern California region, particularly as an opportunity to rethink transportation networks. Recognizing the need to engage regional partners in this work, SCAG established this Regional TDM Forum to facilitate introductions and begin preparing for the significant coordination required for a successful LA28 Games. The forum was the initial dialogue among GME and regional partners on TDM strategies for the LA28 Games. Topics of discussion included lessons learned from past games, existing conditions, and partner efforts.
The Regional TDM Forum will function as an advisory group, facilitating coordination and collaboration of planning, development, and implementation of regionwide TDM strategies for the LA28 Games. TDM will contribute to a cohesive regional strategy to optimize transportation options, reduce congestion, and enhance mobility across the region during the LA28 Games as well as to support enduring modal shifts and emissions reductions.
Future forum discussions will cover topics such as partnership and funding opportunities, regional partner planning and pilot project updates, and steps toward regional TDM strategies and coordination.
STBG/CMAQ Call for Project Nominations Application Period Closed
The SCAG federal fiscal year 2026-27 and federal fiscal year 2027-28 Surface Transportation Block Grant program (STBG) and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program (CMAQ) call for project nominations application period ended on May 16.
To support potential applicants, SCAG hosted two general program workshops and six county-specific workshops, including a requested second Los Angeles County workshop for applicants interested in applying for projects that would support the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. SCAG also offered technical support via office hours for potential applicants in April, resulting in over 30 appointments with potential applicants.
In total, 257 applications were submitted as part of the STBG/CMAQ Program Call for Project Nominations.
The call for project nominations will make an estimated $1.2 billion available for eligible transportation projects in the SCAG region in federal fiscal years 2026-27 and 2027-28.
Next, the six county transportation commissions will begin review and prioritization of applications within each of their counties consistent with their respective board approved project prioritization frameworks, with final prioritization lists due to SCAG on August 1. SCAG will evaluate applications from August through November 2025. Award recommendations are planned for presentation to the SCAG Regional Council by December 2025.
SCAG plans to publish an application receipt log on the SCAG STBG/CMAQ webpage.
Clean Cities Coalition Strategic Plan Update
In May, SCAG staff published the 2025 Southern California Clean Cities Coalition Strategic Plan, providing a multi-year roadmap outlining specific objectives and activities for coalition stakeholders, aligning with SCAG's Clean Transportation Technology Policy (Resolution No. 23-654-5), the Connect SoCal 2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, the Clean Technology Program, and federal, state, and regional objectives. The strategic plan advances clean transportation technologies within the SCAG region, emphasizing a commitment to environmental sustainability.
The Southern California Clean Cities Coalition received two first place awards at the national 2024 Clean Cities and Communities Training Workshop for the “greatest percent increase in gasoline gallon equivalents (GGEs) reduced” and the “greatest percent increase in greenhouse gases (GHGs) reduced.”
The U.S. Department of Energy requires all Clean Cities and Communities Coalitions to establish and maintain a strategic plan. Given shifting priorities and uncertainties with federal transportation programs, the nature of this annual update was minimal. The primary changes were condensing content and redirecting readers to other resources where appropriate (such as the “Clean Technology Compendium”). However, the 2025 strategic plan can be revisited later this spring or summer as more guidance becomes available regarding federal programs. The strategic plan will be revised again in fiscal year 2025-26 as part of SCAG’s annual responsibilities under the Clean Cities and Communities Program, offering another opportunity to align with future federal priorities.
For more information on SCAG’s Clean Cities Coalition and to view the 2025 strategic plan, visit the SCAG website.
Toolbox Tuesday Recap: Water Resilience Challenges and Opportunities
On May 20, SCAG hosted a Toolbox Tuesday session about how clean, safe, affordable, and reliable water supply supports Southern California’s people, economy, natural systems, and projected population growth.
The Connect SoCal 2024 Regional Transportation Policy/Sustainable Communities Strategy includes Regional Planning Policies and Implementation Strategies that support regional water resilience and support local partners in tackling the region’s deepening water crisis. This work builds on the Regional Council’s 2022 resolution to reduce water use; improve water conservation, reuse, and efficiency; enhance water system health and resilience; pursue and potentially implement new water supply and storage opportunities; and support investments in water infrastructure and conservation practices that support the region’s economic and population growth and fosters planning for the region’s housing needs.
The session reviewed current and emerging issues as well as opportunities in the water management ecosystem based on interviews with water agencies and community-based organizations. Video of the session is available on YouTube.
Technical Working Group Launches Next Connect SoCal Cycle
SCAG officially launched the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the upcoming Connect SoCal Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy development cycle. The kickoff meeting was held on May 22, with materials available on the TWG website.
The TWG serves as a collaborative forum for local jurisdictions, subregional and county transportation agencies, regulatory partners, and field experts to engage on the technical foundations of Connect SoCal. The group provides an opportunity to discuss and provide feedback on data collection, growth-related methodologies, technical tools, and other components essential to plan development—informing SCAG’s work ahead of policy committee discussions.
TWG agenda topics will include the Regional Forecast Framework, regional data platforms, and key milestones in the development process. Primary representatives are expected to participate in six bi-monthly meetings throughout the year, while other participants can stay engaged through the TWG email distribution list and publicly available meeting materials.
APA Inland Empire Recognizes Two Go Human-Funded Partners with Excellence Awards
Go Human congratulates Tomorrow’s World and the Riverside Art Museum, 2024 Go Human-funded projects, for receiving Excellence Awards from the American Planning Association Inland Empire section. The Inland Empire Section honored these organizations at its 2025 Awards Gala on May 14 at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center.
Tomorrow’s World received the Excellence Award in the Grassroots category for their project, “Rialto Juneteenth Jam.” This community celebration included traffic safety education and a Go Human Kit of Parts traffic safety demonstration, reaching 5,000 attendees. The Riverside Art Museum received the Excellence Award in the Communications category for their project, “RIDE-WALK-ENGAGE," a pedestrian-focused traffic safety marketing campaign, funded through the Go Human Community Streets Grant program.
SCAG Visits the Nation’s Capital for Lobby Day
Regional Council President Cindy Allen led a delegation of SCAG leadership to Washington, D.C., on May 19-22, to advocate for SCAG’s federal legislative priorities, including dedicated funding for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, critical housing programs, and resiliency efforts, as well as seeking support for the Surface Transportation Reauthorization priorities adopted by the Regional Council.
President Allen was joined by Second Vice President Jenny Crosswhite (Santa Paula) and regional councilmembers Jan Harnik (Palm Desert) and Thomas Wong (Monterey Park).
The advocacy trip began with a series of meetings with members of SCAG’s Congressional delegation and staff:
- Representative Ken Calvert (R-Corona)
- Representative Judy Chu (D-Claremont)
- Representative Laura Freedman (D-Burbank)
- Representative Robert Garcia (D-Long Beach)
- Representative Dave Min (D-Costa Mesa)
- Representative Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia)
- Senator Alex Padilla (D-California)
- Senator Adam Schiff (D-California)
- Representative Nanette Barragán (D-Long Beach)
- Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles)
- Representative Pete Aguilar (D-San Bernardino)
- Representative Julia Brownley (D-Oxnard)
- Office of Representative Gil Cisneros (D-Covina)
- Office of Representative Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles)
- Office of Representative Young Kim (R-Yorba Linda)
- Office of Representative Luz Rivas (D-Arleta)
- Office of Representative Mark Takano (D-Riverside)
- Office of Representative Norma Torres (D-Ontario)
The day concluded with SCAG’s annual California Transportation Reception, co-hosted by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. The time-honored event, held in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Room, brings together California’s transportation leaders and stakeholders in the nation’s capital to network and discuss issues of importance to California’s transportation and infrastructure needs. The reception drew over 200 attendees, including members of California’s Congressional delegation, as well as legislative and committee staff. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-Washington State) joined as guest speaker.
SCAG San Bernardino County Office Closure
SCAG closed its San Bernardino County Regional Office in the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) building, effective May 30. SBCTA needed additional office space to accommodate their growing workforce, and SCAG mutually agreed to terminate the lease.
SCAG’s Riverside County Regional Office, located at 3403 10th Street, Ste. 805, in Riverside, will continue to support SCAG’s operations and videoconferencing in the Inland Empire. This closure will not affect SCAG’s work or presence in San Bernardino County, as work will continue to partner with Regional Council and policy committee members, member cities, and stakeholders across the region.
SCAG Participates in Move LA Community Conversation and Policy Conference
SCAG joined hundreds of policy leaders from the local, state, and federal levels in Downtown Los Angeles at the annual Move LA Community Conversation and Policy Conference to participate in dialogue as Los Angeles County strives to forge a brighter future for transportation and housing in the region. Keynote speakers Toks Omishakin, secretary of California State Transportation Agency, and Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County supervisor and SCAG Regional Council member, addressed pressing issues such as greenhouse gas emission goals, state and local transit and mobility solutions, the federal surface transportation reauthorization bill, and sustainability innovations.
SCAG Chief of Planning Sarah Jepson joined the conference as a speaker on a panel titled “Creating a Climate Resilient Region” to highlight the importance of the Connect SoCal 2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy for helping cities become more resilient, share SCAG’s new resilience tool kits for local agencies, and share how cities can develop enhanced infrastructure financing districts.
