Executive Director’s Monthly Report, September 2025
Keynote Speaker and Panel Information Announced for the 2025 Southern California Demographic Workshop
The 2025 Southern California Demographic Workshop, “Revisiting the Intergenerational Contract,” will feature noted professor and author Dowell Myers, Ph.D., as keynote speaker. Dowell Myers is professor and director of the Population Dynamics Research Group at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy.
Professor Myers’s keynote will address how children, immigrants, and intergenerational “lifecycle sharing” can contribute to future economic success as California responds to the new population growth realities of the 21st century. In addition to the keynote address, full program and panelists information is also now available on SCAG News.
The last day for online registration is Sept. 26. Register online today to join the discussion about the demographic changes underway and what they mean for the future of Southern California.
CARB Publishes Evaluation of SCAG’s Sustainable Communities Strategy
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) published its evaluation of the Connect SoCal 2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS), adopted in April 2024. In May 2025, CARB accepted SCAG’s determination that, if implemented, the SCS would achieve the region’s greenhouse gas emission reduction target of 19 percent by 2035 from 2005 levels. CARB’s acceptance of the SCS was an important milestone because it ensures funding eligibility for projects.
In the evaluation document, CARB explains their determination to accept Connect SoCal 2024 and offers recommendations for SCAG to consider in developing its next SCS. The evaluation is available on the CARB website.
Regional Council Adopts LA28 Games Program Framework
On Sept. 4, the SCAG Regional Council adopted the Games Mobility Program Development Framework, which coalesces SCAG’s planning priorities and activities in support of regional preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. Aligning with the Connect SoCal 2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy and its pillars of mobility, communities, environment, and economy, the framework identifies goals, objectives, guiding principles, and strategies. As part of the presentation, representatives from cities in the region spoke about opportunities for non-venue cities to bring the LA28 Games to their communities. In conjunction with the program framework adoption, SCAG launched an interactive regional map of venues and related transportation data on the SCAG website.
SCAG to Launch Last Mile Freight Program Rebate Program
On Sept. 4, the SCAG Regional Council approved the Last Mile Freight Program Rebate Program with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to support commercial deployment of Class 4/5 battery electric vehicles. In coordination with the South Coast Air Quality Management District, SCAG received $51.5 million in funding from the Infrastructure, Vehicles, and Equipment Strategy for Climate, Equity, Air Quality and National Competitiveness project. The Regional Council action clears the way for SCAG to announce the Rebate Program publicly.
Read more about the Rebate Program on the staff report.
SCAG Accepts $52.6 Million ‘Solutions for Congested Corridors Program’ Grant
On Sept. 4, the Regional Council approved receipt of a $52.6 million 2024 Solutions for Congested Corridors Program (SCCP) Grant Award from the California Transportation Commission (CTC). The SCCP is a competitive statewide program to reduce congestion through multimodal, integrated corridor investments that improve mobility, safety, access, and sustainability. The CTC awarded the funding to SCAG, as the project applicant, in partnership with Metrolink, the implementing agency. Metrolink will use the funding to replace 12 Tier 2 diesel locomotives with Tier 4 locomotives, the cleanest diesel technology currently available, with the capability to transition to hybrid operations. These replacements will improve service reliability, reduce criteria pollutant emissions, and support long-term regional mobility, air quality, and sustainability goals, which are consistent with the Connect SoCal 2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy by reducing transportation-related emissions, improving passenger rail service reliability, and supporting mode shift from single-occupancy vehicles to rail transit. By replacing aging Tier 2 locomotives with Tier 4 units, the project will reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter emissions, improving air quality in Southern California communities along Metrolink corridors.
Read more about the SCCP grant award in the staff report.
SCAG Represented on New CalSTA Sustainable Communities Task Force
At the end of August, California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin announced the creation of a cross-sector Sustainable Communities Task Force to recommend policies to better support implementation of regional Sustainable Communities Strategies (SCS).
SCAG Chief Planning Officer Sarah Jepson was appointed to the task force alongside 29 leaders from across the state representing state and regional agencies, local government, transit agencies, community-based organizations, housing and environmental advocates, and academic institutions.
The task force will prepare a final report in November 2026 outlining recommendations for legislative, regulatory and budgetary action to further SCS implementation toward reductions in greenhouse gases and vehicle miles traveled.
Over the past year, SCAG and other metropolitan planning organizations have engaged with the California Air Resources Board around concerns related to SCS development and evaluation, and the need to revisit Senate Bill 375 to better support SCS implementation.
SCAG Publishes Economic Roundtable Quarterly Economic Update
The SCAG Economic Roundtable met for its quarterly discussion on Aug. 21 and released a report on key topics of interest from the meeting. Highlights from the group’s findings include:
- Job growth in the region continued to be modest and narrow. There appear to be no major layoffs or job losses region-wide, though only the Healthcare and Social Assistance sector is growing significantly.
- While effective tariff rates currently sit at 18.6 percent, a majority of the burden is being absorbed by corporations, not consumers. Impacts of tariffs, as well as federal funding cuts to Medicaid and research, remain major longer-term concerns.
- Twenty-eight percent of the SCAG region’s construction labor force is made up of undocumented immigrants; this (and other) sectors are disrupted by increased enforcement action.
- Expansive California Environmental Quality Act exemptions show promise for reducing some procedural roadblocks for urban infill projects statewide. While housing production has been sluggish in 2025 and 12,971 residential units were lost in L.A. County‘s January wildfires, these exemptions provide a meaningful policy level for boosting supply.
Read the entire Economic Roundtable Update for the third quarter of 2025 on SCAG News.
SCAG Releases ‘2025 Transportation Safety Regional Existing Conditions’ Report
At the September Transportation Committee and Regional Council meetings, SCAG staff provided an overview of the “2025 Transportation Safety Regional Existing Conditions Report,” scheduled for release in October to align with Walktober and support local jurisdictions in developing targeted, data-informed transportation safety policies and improvements.
The report analyzes traffic safety trends from across the region between 2014 to 2024 by identifying patterns and trends in historical roadway collision data, including pedestrian- and bicyclist-involved collisions and fatalities, to identify the victims, as well as where, when, and why collisions occur. Additionally, the report includes maps with data on reported crashes, including pedestrian- and bicyclist-involved collisions and fatalities and serious injuries.
Visit SCAG’s Transportation Safety website to learn more about existing and upcoming transportation safety resources.
SCAG Releases Latest ‘Transportation Trends Update’
At the September Transportation Committee meeting, SCAG staff shared a newly redesigned “2025 Transportation Trends Update.” The update integrates transit ridership, roadway performance, and commuting patterns to assess regional travel behavior since the pandemic. According to the update, roadway travel has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, though congestion remains lower due to hybrid work. Enhanced visuals and narrative flow make the report a more accessible tool for guiding investment, addressing equity, and anticipating future travel trends.
Read the full report on SCAG News.
SCAG Issues 2025 California Clean Air Day Proclamation
The SCAG Regional Council on Sept. 4 issued a proclamation pledging SCAG’s support for the 8th Annual California Clean Air Day, which will be held on Oct. 1.
In previous years, more than 16,500 Californian’s made more than 125,000 clean air action pledges; 22 transit agencies provided free rides on buses, trains, bike share programs, and even ferries; and 121 California Clean Air Day events were held virtually and in-person on the first Wednesday in October.
SCAG has participated in the annual California Clean Air Day by signing the organizational pledge, encouraging SCAG’s staff to take the California Clean Air Day pledge, and encouraging 197 member jurisdictions to explore actions and pledges to make a difference in the region’s air quality on the Clean Air Day and beyond.
SCAG’s regional planning policies, programs, strategies, and initiatives, as reflected in the adopted Connect SoCal 2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy and the 2025 Federal Transportation Improvement Program will continue to play an important role in improving air quality and protecting public health in the SCAG region.
SCAG Hosts Regional Transportation Demand Management and Freight Industry Forums to Prepare for the LA28 Games
In August, SCAG convened its second Regional Passenger Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Forum to share updates on planning efforts for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The forum featured partner agency updates, a presentation on TDM best practices for large-scale events, and an open discussion on next steps for developing a cohesive regional strategy. The inaugural forum in May introduced LA28’s mobility planning framework, the Games Mobility Executives (GME), and SCAG’s coordinating role in shaping the regionwide TDM approach.
SCAG also hosted its third Regional Freight TDM Industry Forum, bringing together industry stakeholders, GME members, and regional partners to inform freight-specific TDM planning for the LA28 Games. The forum featured work plan and partner agency updates, lessons learned from the Paris 2024 Games, and key venue requirements and considerations from LA28. The first forum in November featured an industry panel and open discussion highlighting operational challenges and strategies during mega-events and expanded on SCAG’s coordinating role in preparing for the LA28 Games while maintaining supply chain fluidity across the region.
SCAG Co-Hosts Inland Zero Emission Vehicle Network Forum with WRCOG
The Western Riverside County Clean Cities Coalition (part of the Western Riverside Council of Governments) and the Southern California Clean Cities Coalition (part of SCAG) co-hosted the 2025 Inland Zero Emission Vehicle Network Forum on Aug. 27 at the Riverside Convention Center. The event brought together stakeholders from state, regional, and local agencies, as well as private companies and community organizations, to explore strategies for advancing zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption and infrastructure deployment across Inland Southern California.
The forum featured panel discussions and hands-on workshops on state and regional policies, incentives, and agency initiatives as well as the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to ZEVs and expanding charging and fueling infrastructure. Attendees took part in interactive sessions focused on technician training, workforce development, and ZEV codes and standards. An exposition and marketplace showcase offered networking with industry professionals and hands-on experiences with zero-emission technology.
Mayor Jan Harnik from the city of Palm Desert provided opening remarks on the current state of ZEVs and opportunities to expand ZEV and infrastructure deployment in the Inland Empire.
Highlights From SCAG Go Human’s August Traffic Safety Partnerships
During August, SCAG’s Go Human program provided more than $36,000 in funding for traffic safety activities, distributing more than 300 helmets alongside bicycle safety education at four local community events across the SCAG region. The city of South El Monte, Alianza Coachella Valley, Los Amigos de la Comunidad, and Bike Culver City distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety materials, such as helmets and bike lights, at community events throughout the month.
Throughout August, Go Human partnered with Central City Neighborhood Partners in Los Angeles to share traffic safety information at their “Back to School, Back to Safety” event, engaging 350 community members. SCAG partnered with the city of Artesia to host a traffic calming pop-up event, using the Go Human Kit of Parts lending library to showcase safety improvements. Lastly, Go Human partnered with CicLAvia to host a traffic safety educational Play Zone at the Culver City Meets Venice open streets event. SCAG’s Go Human program will host the next Play Zone at the Historic South-Central Meets Watts event on Sept. 14.
August Legislative/Communication and Membership Committee Features Eno Transportation Presentation
Rebecca Higgins, vice president of policy at the Eno Center for Transportation, delivered a detailed presentation to members of the Legislative/Communications and Membership Committee on Aug. 19, outlining current federal transportation policy priorities. Higgins highlighted key initiatives under the new U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who is emphasizing modernization and efficiency within the department.
Among the top congressional priorities are elimination of duplicative programs to streamline federal funding and a renewed focus on prioritizing larger, more impactful grant programs. According to Higgins, the ongoing reauthorization discussion is clearly emphasizing “traditional” infrastructure investments, including roads, bridges, and freight systems.
Secretary Duffy is also advancing initiatives related to air traffic control modernization and surface transportation reauthorization while calling for increased collaboration across sectors to enhance safety, expedite project delivery, and ensure effective implementation of national infrastructure goals.
SCAG Represents at ITS World Congress in Atlanta
SCAG Executive Director Kome Ajise represented SCAG at the ITS World Congress in Atlanta, Georgia last month. The global event, with over 53 countries and regions in attendance, brought thousands of industry professionals together to gain knowledge about new technologies for smarter transportation systems and the broader intelligent transportation systems industry. Kome, alongside peers from Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Europe, and San Francisco participated in the "Fair Mobility as a Service” panel. Kome spoke to SCAG’s work in the region, including the agency’s efforts to research travel choices via the “MaaS Feasibility White Paper,” the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Mobility Wallet Pilot Program, and more.
SCAG Joins Celebration of the Tenth Annual ‘City Hall Selfie Day'
Each year SCAG employees and Regional Council members participate in the national #CityHallSelfieDay and celebrate the essential work of public service and pride in communities across the SCAG region. City Hall Selfie Day is organized by Engaging Local Government Leaders, a professional association for people who work in and with local government.
Thank you to our Regional Councilmembers Mike Goodsell (Holtville), Mark Woronek (Lomita), William Go and Betty Martinez Franco (Irvine), Debbie Baker (La Palma), Wendy Bucknum (Mission Viejo), Helen Tran (San Bernardino), Ulises Cabrera (Moreno Valley), Jenny Crosswhite (Santa Paula) for showcasing your city hall selfie pride.
