Southern California Leaders Mark 60th SCAG Regional Conference and General Assembly With Bold Ideas for Region's Future
More than 900 local and regional leaders gathered in Palm Desert this week to celebrate SCAG's 2025 Regional Conference and General Assembly. This 60th annual event marks a milestone in regional collaboration while tackling challenges facing one of the nation’s most complex and diverse metropolitan areas.
“This was more than a celebration of SCAG’s six decades of leadership,” said Long Beach City Councilmember Cindy Allen, who was formally elected as president of the SCAG Regional Council during the event. “It was a call to action. Our region is facing some of the greatest tests in its history—from devastating wildfires and an escalating housing crisis to economic volatility that’s reshaping communities across Southern California. But with these challenges come opportunities to lead with vision, courage, and collaboration. Together, we’re building a future that is smarter, greener, more connected—and more resilient for generations to come.”
Event Program
Keynote Speaker: Tucker Bryant
Keynote speaker Tucker Bryant, an innovation strategist and poet whose performances have garnered millions of views and captivated audiences at TEDx, Google, and The New York Times, challenged attendees to break free from invisible barriers to creativity and bold leadership.
Creating a Regional Legacy for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games
With the LA28 Games approaching, panelists explored how this global event can catalyze lasting improvements in mobility, equity, and infrastructure—benefiting not just visitors, but the region’s nearly 19 million residents. Speakers included senior leaders from LA28, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the city of Los Angeles, and the city of Long Beach.
From Smart Cities to a Smart Region
A look at how cities are scaling real-time data analytics, connected infrastructure, and digital platforms into a coordinated, regional mobility strategy—one that reduces emissions, improves accessibility, and delivers better service to all residents.
Fostering a Healthy Local Economy for All
As growth slows and crises become more common, how can local governments prepare for both immediate fiscal disruptions and long-term demographic shifts? Panelists shared how their communities are rethinking economic resilience and inclusive development.
Strong Foundations: Housing Solutions in the Wake of Disaster
With wildfires worsening an already strained housing market, this panel highlighted innovative strategies for rebuilding stronger, more equitable communities.
Sustainable Infrastructure for Resilient Growth
A cross-sector discussion on building climate-resilient utilities, green infrastructure, and electrification to support sustainable growth and housing affordability.
2025 Sustainability Awards
SCAG honored seven innovative projects across the six-county region during the 2025 Sustainability Awards ceremony at the 2025 Regional Conference and General Assembly.
SCAG presented its top award, the “Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability,” to the city of Baldwin Park's Homeless Reduction Initiative, a groundbreaking innovation in dignified, eco-friendly housing.
The SCAG Sustainability Awards recognize projects for contributing to the goals of the Connect SoCal Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy and for achieving progress toward a more mobile, sustainable, and prosperous region.
SCAG Student Showcase
SCAG also awarded four Southern California students with cash prizes for the 2025 Student Showcase. The Student Showcase challenges students to create posters or StoryMaps that innovatively tell a story, provide insight, showcase plans and projects, engage stakeholders, and illustrate the possibilities of open data at the regional level.
SCAG Scholarship Program
During the event, SCAG announced the awardees of the 2025 SCAG Scholarship Program. The 15th annual SCAG Scholarship Program supports the next generation of public servants. SCAG received a record total of 165 applications from throughout the SCAG region.
The Scholarship Committee of nine Regional Council members and two representatives from academia recommended that the Regional Council award 10 students with a 2025 SCAG Scholarship Award.
2024-25 Year in Review Report Released
At the event, 2024-25 SCAG Regional Council President Curt Hagman shared the “2024-25 President’s Report” while closing out his term at the 2025 Regional Conference and General Assembly. The “2024-25 President’s Report” provides a detailed account of SCAG’s accomplishments since Hagman stepped into the role of Regional Council President in May 2024. SCAG also screened a video highlighting President Hagman’s leadership of the SCAG Regional Council at the event.
2024-25 Year in Review and 60th Anniversary Videos Released
In addition to publishing the president’s report and video, SCAG screened the “2024-25 Year in Review” video, highlighting SCAG’s most significant accomplishments over the past fiscal year, and a 60th anniversary video, commemorating the agency and reflecting on its work since its founding in 1965.
Save the Date for the 2026 Regional Conference and General Assembly
We look forward to seeing you at next year’s event. Save the date for May 7-8 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California, and stay tuned for event updates.