Executive Director’s Monthly Report, November 2025
SCAG to Release Call for Projects Under the REAP 2.0 Lasting Affordability Program
On Nov. 6, the SCAG Regional Council approved updated guidelines and authorized the call for projects under the Regional Early Action Planning Grants (REAP 2.0)-funded Programs Accelerating Transformative Housing Program (PATH) Notice of Funds Available for Lasting Affordability, Round 2. SCAG previously suballocated $45 million through the first Lasting Affordability funding cycle to create and expand housing trusts, catalyst funds and innovative financing strategies that secure long-term affordability. This call makes an additional $20 million available to existing housing trusts and catalyst funds. The goal is for these trusts to expand finance tools and lending products that create supply, choice, and ongoing affordability through a mix of housing types and price ranges, including those for households at or below area median income.
The call for applications will open on Nov. 17, 2025, and close on Jan. 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. More information about this call for projects is available in the November staff report. The Regional Council also received a full status report on the program, which is outlined in the corresponding staff report.
California Transportation Secretary Presents to Regional Council
California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin joined SCAG’s Nov. 6 Regional Council meeting to share updates on the state's transportation program. He outlined state efforts shifting the focus from infrastructure alone to prioritizing the people in transportation planning and investments, with CalSTA’s four core priorities: safety, equity, climate action, and economic prosperity. Secretary Omishakin discussed the central role of transit in these priorities, and praised Regional Council decisions to fund transit projects. He recognized SCAG’s leadership on traffic safety and the need to reduce the more than 4,000 annual transportation-related deaths in California. He also spoke about solutions that benefit both the environment and economy, including several that support the LA 2028 Olympics and Paralympic Games.
He highlighted Ventura County’s open loop payment pilot on Metrolink and the America's Green Gateway project at the Port of Long Beach for strong alignment with state transportation priorities. The Secretary also engaged with Regional Council members on questions about California High Speed Rail, investing in highway safety, and integrating transportation and land use planning.
Secretary Omishakin also thanked Southern California members of the Transit Transformation Task Force, including SCAG Executive Director Kome Ajise. Release of the Task Force's Final Recommendations Report to the state legislature is imminent.
Video of the presentation will be available on SCAG’s website.
STBG/CMAQ Call for Project Award Recommendations Announced
At the November Transportation Committee meeting, SCAG recommended $1.25 billion in Federal Fiscal Year 2026-27 and 2027-28 Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding for projects in Southern California. Project nominations were submitted by eligible project sponsors through their respective county transportation commissions and evaluated according to criteria outlined in the STBG/CMAQ Program Guidelines approved by the Regional Council in March 2025.
SCAG hosted numerous program workshops for interested applicants, held more than 30 hours of office hours appointments, and provided robust information on our website and via newsletters. Additionally, several County Transportation Commissions conducted county-specific outreach, as required through the program guidelines – which can be viewed in the staff report.
These funding recommendations will be presented to the Regional Council in December for approval. Upon approval, project sponsors may program their projects into the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) and begin the obligation process.
Due to federal corrective action in 2021, SCAG became responsible for the selection of STBG/CMAQ-funded projects within the region as of July 1, 2023. SCAG’s role administering this program is consistent with the purpose of Metropolitan Planning Organizations to align transportation projects in the region under the Connect SoCal Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy and Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP). For more information on the STBG/CMAQ funding process, visit SCAG’s STBG/CMAQ website.
Regional Council Approves 2027 FTIP Guidelines
On Nov. 6, the SCAG Regional Council approved the 2027 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Guidelines. This federally required four-year program identifies all major surface transportation projects in the region that receive federal funding, require federal approval, or are regionally significant. Updated every two years, the FTIP is the short-range implementation plan for Connect SoCal Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. The approved 2027 FTIP Guidelines, including transportation conformity analysis and modeling, is available on SCAG’s FTIP website.
Applications Open for the New Future Leaders Initiative
SCAG has launched 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. Program participants will engage in monthly interactive virtual sessions led by practitioners, community 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 who complete the program will receive a $500 stipend at the end of the program. SCAG invites individuals, ages 18-26, living in the SCAG region (Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties), to apply. Students, interns, young professionals, and community members are encouraged to apply.
The application for the Future Leaders Initiative is open through Nov. 25. Please share this opportunity with your network or anyone who may be interested. For more information on the program, visit the website.
2025 Southern California Economic Update Set for December Joint Policy Committee
The 2025 Southern California Economic Update will take place during the SCAG Joint Policy Committees meeting on Dec. 4 at 9:30 a.m. This presentation will feature SCAG’s annual economic report and analysis from the SCAG Economic Roundtable, a group of independent economists representing the region’s six counties and key specialties. Following the presentation will be an in-depth discussion about the state of the region’s economy moderated by former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.
SCAG Assigned Mapping in Senate Bill 79
Senate Bill 79, signed by the Governor on Oct. 10, 2025, aims to increase housing supply by allowing more housing development near public transit. The bill includes a requirement for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), including SCAG, to develop maps of transit stations and surrounding areas affected.
SCAG sent a letter to the Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) requesting guidance, including their timing and process for issuing standards mentioned in the bill. These standards are necessary for SCAG’s mapping, as well as for guiding local jurisdictions to implement this legislation. SCAG continues to review the legislation to inform mapping assumptions and coordinate with HCD on areas requiring more clarity and will provide updates as more information is available.
SCAG Releases 2025 Transportation Safety Regional Existing Conditions Report and SoCal Transportation Safety Community Model Tool
During the month of Walktober, SCAG released two new resources for planning safer streets: The 2025 Transportation Safety Regional Existing Conditions Report and the Transportation Safety Community Modeling Tool.
The 2025 Transportation Safety Regional Existing Conditions Report compiles historical (2014–2024) and recent data to provide a comprehensive picture of the region’s current safety challenges. Each chapter includes an overview and analysis of transportation safety indicators across the SCAG region, with a focus on fatal and serious injury collisions, such as those involving pedestrians and bicyclists. The report is a resource to support local jurisdictions in developing transportation safety-focused policies and practices.
Released alongside the report, the Transportation Safety Community Model Tool is an interactive, GIS/web map-based platform that allows local and regional stakeholders to visualize and model customized scenarios. Users can explore how changes in land use, demographics, and infrastructure may impact transportation safety. This scenario-planning capability supports proactive decision-making by helping users identify and mitigate potential safety risks before a project is built. In addition to scenario modeling, the tool can be used to share safety information with local jurisdictions and community stakeholders, and monitor regional safety performance in communities that have historically faced disproportionate transportation safety risks.
Toolbox Tuesday Roundup: SCAG Hosts Oct. 28 Session on Street Safety, November Session Postponed
On Oct. 28, SCAG hosted Toolbox Tuesday session “From Risk to Resilience: Utilizing Transportation Safety Resources” to highlighted new transportation safety resources, including SCAG’s updated 2025 Transportation Safety Regional Existing Conditions Report and the new SoCal Community Transportation Safety Modeling Tool. Video of the session is available on SCAG's Toolbox Tuesday playlist.
SCAG’s webinar scheduled for Nov. 4 with staff from the U.S. Census Bureau on economic data was cancelled due to the federal government shutdown. Stay tuned for updates on rescheduling this session at a later date.
Sponsorships Now Available for the 61st Annual Regional Conference & General Assembly
SCAG will host the 61st annual Regional Conference and General Assembly on May 7-8, 2026, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available. For sponsorship inquiries or questions, please contact Special Events Producer, Perla Lopez at lopezp@scag.ca.gov or visit the website. A link to the sponsorship brochure outlining tiers and associated benefits is also available for download and sharing.
SCAG Joins State Leaders to Launch New Road Safety Policy
SCAG Executive Director Kome Ajise joined California officials to unveil a landmark joint Secretary’s Policy on Road Safety, committing to a Safe System and prevention-first approach to eliminate fatal and serious traffic injuries. The policy, signed by California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) Secretary Toks Omishakin and California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) Secretary Kim Johnson, integrates public health principles into transportation safety planning. As part of the initiative, two State Priority Corridors in Los Angeles were identified for focused safety improvements, with additional corridors currently under review.
The announcement took place at Alain LeRoy Locke College Preparatory Academy in Los Angeles, emphasizing youth engagement, and included transportation and public safety leaders, including Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commissioner Sean Duryee, and local safety advocate Pastor Patricia Strong-Fargas.
Congressman Ken Calvert speaks at LCMC Meeting
Congressman Ken Calvert (Corona) addressed the October meeting of the Legislative/Communications and Membership Committee (LCMC) with an update on federal priorities impacting the SCAG region. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Calvert discussed progress on the FY 2026 appropriations process, the Surface Transportation Reauthorization, and the importance of supporting freight and goods movement in Southern California as a cornerstone of the national economy. SCAG appreciates Congressman Calvert’s continued partnership and leadership in advocating for the region’s infrastructure and economic growth. Video of the October LCMC meeting is available on the SCAG website.
SCAG Meets with SANDAG and Kern COG
SCAG recently took part in two coordination meetings with neighboring Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), as part of a series of sessions to collaborate with these peer agencies.
On Oct. 20, SCAG First Vice President Ray Marquez (Chino Hills), Regional Council members John Gabbard (Dana Point), and William Go (Irvine), Executive Director Kome Ajise, and SCAG Executive staff joined San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Board Chairwoman Lisa Heebner (Solana Beach), and SANDAG Borders Committee Chairwoman Carolina Chavez (Chula Vista), and staff in the City of San Juan Capistrano.
SCAG and SANDAG collectively represent more than 21 million residents throughout Southern California and share California’s entire border with Mexico. Leaders discussed areas of shared interest, such as housing policy and SB375 reform, regional planning for mega events like the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, goods movement, and future opportunities for ongoing collaboration.
Also in October, Second Vice President Jenny Crosswhite (Santa Paula), Regional Council Members Thomas Wong (Monterey Park) and Marsha McLean (Santa Clarita), Deputy Executive Director Darin Chidsey, and SCAG staff joined Kern COG Board Members, Executive Director Jay Schlosser, and staff in the City of Santa Clarita for a joint MPO Coordination Meeting. The group shared updates on projects and programs, and discussed opportunities for future partnerships.
Connect SoCal Implementation Roadshow Continues
SCAG continued to host a series of roadshow presentations on implementation of the Connect SoCal 2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy with regional partners in Los Angeles County. SCAG staff presented to the Greater Los Angeles Realtors Association on Oct. 8, the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee on Oct. 14, and both the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee and the Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed) Goods Movement/ Transportation Committee on Oct. 28. SCAG looks forward to more presentations on Connect SoCal 2024 implementation with partners across the region in coming months.
SCAG Attends California Forward Economic Summit
In October, SCAG’s Manager of Community and Economic Development Victor Negrete participated in a Climate Resilience District workshop at California Forward’s annual Economic Summit in Stockton. The workshop featured learnings and best practices from projects across the state and helps to further SCAG’s work outlined in the Resilience Resolution approved by the Regional Council last June, including efforts around tax increment financing and Climate Resilience Districts.
SCAG Presents at the AMPO 2025 Conference
SCAG staff presented at three sessions at the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organization (AMPO) Annual Conference, which took place Sept. 15-19 in Providence, Rhode Island.
- On Sept. 16, staff presented alongside colleagues from the Denver Regional Council of Governments and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission in a session titled “The Role of Regional Agencies in Implementing Quick Build Projects for Safety and Complete Streets.” Staff shared how SCAG’s Sustainable Communities Program has leveraged state and federal funding sources, such as the Active Transportation Program and the Safe Streets and Roads for All Program, to provide technical assistance and fund quick-build projects that advance active transportation and safety in the region.
- On Sept. 17, staff presented with colleagues from the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) in a session titled, “Complete Streets Lending Libraries: MPO Resources for Pop-Up Projects.” Staff delved into the world of traffic safety demonstrations and the creative materials that MPOs and peer organizations can design and use to launch their own vibrant lending library program of materials for traffic safety improvements. SCAG and NJTPA provided an overview of their respective lending libraries and shared how these programs help communities test and actualize strategies for creating safer, more accessible streets
- On Sept. 17, staff presented to promote the Mobility Hub Local Design and Implementation Guide. In collaboration with the San Joaquin Council of Governments and the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, SCAG co-led a 60-minute speed charette exploring mobility hub design across rural, suburban, and urban contexts. The session was a hands-on crash course in tailoring hub features to diverse land use settings, reinforcing the importance of localized, multimodal strategies. SCAG’s urban scenario highlighted the complexities and opportunities of integrating mobility hubs into high-density, transit-adjacent development. The exercise sparked dialogue around shade, sidewalks, bike infrastructure, shared mobility, and public amenities—demonstrating how thoughtful design can support vibrant, connected communities.
SCAG Represented at Annual League of Cities Conference and Expo
Members of SCAG’s Government Relations team attended the Annual League of Cities Conference and Expo in Long Beach to promote collaboration between SCAG and Cal Cities, and foster professional development and intergovernmental relations.
The three-day conference, Oct. 8-10, was attended by mayors, council members, city managers, and other city staff, who participated in educational sessions focused on topics like climate resilience, legislation, and innovative leadership. SCAG First Vice President Ray Marquez (Chino Hills) passed the Cal Cities Latino Caucus Presidency to Regional Council Member Ulises Cabrera (Moreno Valley) and wished him the best during his term.
SCAG Sponsors Ventura Council of Governments Annual Dinner
On Oct. 16, elected officials and regional leaders gathered to celebrate collaboration across Ventura County at the Ventura Council of Governments (VOG) Annual Dinner in the City of Moorpark. SCAG was a sponsor of the event as part of its ongoing commitment to work alongside partners in Ventura County to advance a stronger, more connected region.
VCOG Chair and Moorpark Mayor Chris Enegren reflected on the year’s accomplishments, and SCAG Chief Operating Officer Darin Chidsey spoke about SCAG’s support of member agencies through partnerships and planning resources — including projects funded by the REAP program. SCAG Regional Councilmember Laura Hernandez, Chief of Government & Public Affairs Javiera Cartagena, and members of SCAG’s Government Affairs team were also in attendance.
SCAG Go Human Honors Walktober and National Pedestrian Safety Month
Throughout the month of October, SCAG’s Go Human program recognized Walktober and National Pedestrian Safety Month by supporting traffic safety events, presenting an active transportation safety panel, and by amplifying partner awards at the state level.
- On Oct. 22, Go Human staff participated in the California Active Transportation Program Symposium, a two-day event co-hosted by the California Transportation Commission and Caltrans with support from the Active Transportation Resource Center. SCAG Go Human staff led a panel titled “Leveraging Art as an Engagement, Placemaking, and Safety Strategy,” showcasing the role of art as a strategic and impactful engagement, placemaking, and transportation safety strategy.
- On Oct. 22, Latino Health Access, in collaboration with OCTA, borrowed materials from the Go Human Kit of Parts Lending Library to showcase improved safety designs near Franklin Elementary School in Santa Ana to support a community workshop for the OCTA Bus Stop Study.
- On Sept. 29, APA California honored two Go Human-funded projects at its 2025 statewide Conference in Monterey. APA California recognized Tomorrow’s World with an Award of Merit in the Grassroots category for its project, the Rialto Juneteenth Jam, as well as Los Angeles Walks with an Award of Merit in the Communications Initiative & Outreach category for its project, Safe Streets Advocates/Safe Streets Promotoras Office Hours.
