Resource Lounge Provides Access to SCAG Programs and Staff at 2025 Regional Conference and General Assembly
The SCAG Resource Lounge, part of two days of programming and events during the 2025 Regional Conference and General Assembly, provided space for attendees to explore SCAG tools, programs, and initiatives, with direct access to the regional planning experts from SCAG and local planners from around Southern California. With more than 900 local and regional leaders in attendance at the 60th annual event, the lounge allowed political leaders to connect and share with local and regional planners about the ongoing work to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing Southern Californians.
Go Human Traffic Safety Summit
As a centerpiece of the Resource Lounge, SCAG’s Go Human Program conducted a Traffic Safety Summit showcasing community-based strategies to design and build safer streets. The summit featured an interactive artistic crosswalk and a series of “Ranger Talks,” where attendees heard from local leaders from around the region and discussed best practices for community engagement and street design. Speakers included:
- Aydee Palomino, environmental justice project manager, Alianza Coachella Valley
- Yolanda Davis-Overstreet, founder, Yolanda Davis-Overstreet Consulting and Ground Truth Network
- Griselda Suarez, executive director, Arts Council for Long Beach
- Waymond Fermon, mayor, city of Indio
Participants walked away with fresh ideas for promoting traffic safety and active transportation in their communities.
Key Topics & Tools Explored in the Resource Lounge
2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games Mobility Framework
Attendees learned about SCAG’s strategic approach to travel demand management, reducing congestion, and enhancing accessibility ahead of LA28, with an emphasis on quick-build projects and sustainable mobility.
Regional Early Action Planning: Driving Housing Solutions
The lounge featured updates on how SCAG’s Regional Early Action Planning grant programs and how they are supporting community-led housing projects. Attendees shared input and learned about funding opportunities and implementation strategies.
SCAG Web Tools
Attendees explored SCAG’s powerful data platforms, including the Regional Data Platform, HELPR 3.0, Econ Trends Tool, and the forthcoming SoCal Transportation Safety Predictive Modeling Platform. SCAG staff provided live demos and hands-on engagement to show event attendees how to apply these tools to local and regional planning efforts.
Contracts & Procurement
The lounge provided guidance on becoming a SCAG vendor, shared resources for navigating procurement opportunities, and collected feedback to improve future processes.
STBG/CMAQ Call for Projects
Attendees learned about the $1.2 billion in available funding and saw a demonstration of eFTIP, SCAG’s online tool for project tracking and submission support.
Sustainable Development & Climate Resilience
Through interactive materials and tools, participants explored key metrics and planning principles to help jurisdictions track climate adaptation progress and build more resilient communities.
Save the Date for the 2026 Regional Conference and General Assembly
The 2026 Regional Conference and General Assembly will be held on May 7-8 in Palm Desert. Sign up for SCAG newsletters for event updates as they become available and to stay tuned to SCAG’s work throughout the year.