TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a presentation and report on Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) “Year in Review,” highlighting the President’s 2020-2021 work plan, including Connect So Cal Plan adoption, the Regional Housing Needs Assessment, the Regional Equity Framework, the Regional Data platform, and other key milestones.
DISCUSSION
The Southern Association of Governments is a Joint Powers Authority, established as an association of local governments and agencies that convenes to address regional issues. The SCAG region encompasses six counties (Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura) and 191 cities in an area covering more than 38,000 square miles. Among its responsibilities, the agency develops long-range regional transportation plans including sustainable communities’ strategy and growth forecast components, regional transportation improvement programs, regional housing needs allocations, and a portion of the South Coast Air Quality management plans. The board is governed by an 86-member Regional Council as well as an executive leadership team consisting of the President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, and Immediate Past President.
The 2020-2021 Executive Board faced unprecedented challenges amid a crisis on three fronts; the public health impacts of the covid-19 pandemic, an economic recession not seen since the great depression, and renewed calls for racial equity in response to the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police. In response, the board had one of its most active years on record and created a regional equity framework, an inclusive economic recovery strategy, and embarked on other efforts to respond to the immediate crises impacting the region.
In recognition of the historic work done during this board term, SCAG produced its “Year in Review” video and “President’s Report Year in Review: 2020-2021” highlighting the years accomplishments. The report highlights the full scope of the year’s accomplishments for the region, including the implementation of the regional council’s resolution on equity, the acceleration of the implementation of connect SoCal plan, regional recovery efforts with data and information services, efforts to support housing production, and SCAG’s legislative accomplishments at the state and federal levels.
As a member city of the SCAG region, Long Beach is impacted by the actions of SCAG. The city has received multiple planning awards, coordinated special events, and in other ways benefited due to its involvement regionally. This makes it critical that the council receives an update on its work annually.
Statement of Urgency
Due to the conclusion of the 2020-2021 board on May 6th, 2021, urgency on this item is requested.
FISCAL IMPACT
Due to time constraints no fiscal analysis was conducted.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
REX RICHARDSON
VICE MAYOR, NINTH DISTRICT
MARY ZENDEJAS
COUNCILWOMAN, FIRST DISTRICT
CINDY ALLEN
COUNCILWOMAN, SECOND DISTRICT
SUELY SARO
COUNCILWOMAN, SIXTH DISTRICT