SCAG Launches ‘Future Leaders Initiative’—Applications open Oct.14
SCAG is launching the Future Leaders Initiative, a new six-month civic leadership pilot program for young Southern Californians interested in learning how regional and local governments collaborate for long-term change. The Future Leaders Initiative is designed to prepare the next generation to shape the future of the region.
Once a month, participants will attend interactive online sessions—led by regional experts, thought leaders, and SCAG staff—to explore planning, policy, collaboration, and advocacy. The final session will be held in person at SCAG’s downtown Los Angeles office. Participants will also contribute to the development of the Connect SoCal 2050 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, the next long-term plan for the region.
Curriculum will include the following topics:
- Community Planning 101: The role of cities and local jurisdictions in Connect SoCal and regional planning.
- Where does regional planning fit into the national planning and policy landscape?
- Connections between long-range planning and local communities and neighborhoods.
- Intersectional Issues: The relationship between land use, transportation, public health, sustainable development, equity, and justice.
- Policy development and advocacy: Knowledge and skill-building
- Changemaking: From planning to implementation.
The application process for the Future Leaders Initiative will open Oct. 14. Individuals between 18-26 and living in the six-county SCAG region—comprising Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties—are invited to apply.