News

The SCAG Regional Council today approved the 2027 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Guidelines. The FTIP is a federally required four-year program that 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. 

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SCAG to Release Call for Projects Under the REAP 2.0 Lasting Affordability Program 

On Nov.

The “2025 Southern California Economic Update” will be presented during the SCAG Joint Policy Committee Meeting on Dec. 4, 2025, beginning at 9:30 a.m. alongside regular SCAG business. This annual presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the region’s economic performance and outlook, with analysis to support informed Southern California’s local and regional policymakers in making informed decisions. 

This update will feature an in-depth look at the SCAG region’s economy, which capture key dynamics shaping Southern California’s growth. The analysis examines wages and consumer spending, taxable sales, and labor market trends, while exploring shifts in demographics, household income, and patterns of new development. 

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On September 22,

SCAG received various program and project modifications to the 2025 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP), summarized as proposed Amendment #25-15, from the county transportation commissions representing Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties. The public review period starts on Oct. 15 and will conclude at 5 p.m. on Oct. 24.  

A copy of the project listing is located on the SCAG FTIP website.  

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. 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 region’s next long-term plan: Connect SoCal 2050.

October is Walktober, a month dedicated to celebrating walking; raising awareness about pedestrian safety; and encouraging communities to create safer, more accessible streets. In Southern California, Walktober is a reminder of the urgent need to address traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries continuing to affect the region’s communities.  

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SCAG 2026 Draft Public Participation Plan Available for Public Comment    

More than 350 people attended the 2025 Southern California Demographic Workshop, “Revisiting the Intergenerational Contract,” on Oct. 1 to discuss the latest demographic trends for the region and explore how demographic and economic changes are influencing the traditional “intergenerational contract”—how groups in society rely on one another across generations and between lifecycle stages. The 36th annual event was hosted by SCAG and the USC Price School of Public Policy.  

SCAG has published a new demographic analysis based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) one-year estimates: “Highs, Lows, and Shocks: Key Housing and Economic Trends in Southern California.” Published during the 2025 Southern California Demographic Workshop, hosted by SCAG and the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy on Oct. 1, the report uses ACS data to compare trends in the region to California and the United States across a range of housing and economic topics.  

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SCAG is taking the Clean Air Pledge to commemorate California Clean Air Day, this Oct. 1, and recommit to working with federal, state, local, and subregional partners to clean the improve air quality.

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The SCAG 2026 Draft Public Participation Plan (PPP) is now available for public comment.

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. 

The latest publication of SCAG’s “Transportation Trends Report,” a bi-annual assessment of transit ridership statistics, roadway performance measures, and commuting patterns, is now available online. 

Third Quarter, 2025

The SCAG Economic Roundtable met for its third 2025 quarterly discussion on Aug. 21. Highlights included:

Dramatic demographic changes are reshaping age groups in Southern California.

Workers with immigrant roots—essential to fortify businesses, health care services, and critical housing construction—are becoming a less reliable source of growth. As the region’s population ages, the region will have fewer children to take on key adult roles. Looking to the future, the fundamental interdependence among all segments of the regional community is becoming more apparent.

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Keynote Speaker and Panel Information Announced for the 2025 Southern California Demographic Workshop

The 2025 Southern California Demographic Workshop, “

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.  

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.

“Good Data, Stronger Tribes: Overcoming Native American Data Challenges in Southern California”—a new joint report from SCAG and Brooking Metro—examines persistent barriers to reliable data for Native American Tribes in the SCAG region and outlines a regional roadmap for change. Reliable data are essential for effective policymaking and community well being, yet Native American Tribes face persistent data challenges that undermine tribal governance and sovereignty.