Founded in 1965, SCAG is a Joint Powers Authority under California state law, established as an association of local governments and agencies that voluntarily convene as a forum to address regional issues. Under federal law, SCAG is designated as a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and under state law as a Regional Transportation Planning Agency and a Council of Governments. 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. 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.

In accordance with City Council Policy Number 100-17, the City Council approved overnight conference and training expenditures during the FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25 budget adoption process (see attached).  At the time of budget approval, the SCAG conference was not included on the overnight conference and training list.  The City Council is being requested to add the SCAG conference to the approved list of conferences under the City Manager's Office, and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to attend the conference.

Per City Council Policy Number 100-19, the City Council is also being requested to 1) concur that the costs incurred in attending the SCAG conference are justified based on the benefits of attending (additional detail in the below “Discussion” section of this staff report) and 2) authorize and approve overnight travel for one (1) City Council member.  The costs associated with the conference are provided in the “Fiscal Impact” section of this staff report.

The upcoming SCAG 2024 Regional Conference and General Assembly presents a valuable opportunity for the City to promote its commitment to the region and meet with elected officials, decision makers, community leaders, and business stakeholders through Southern California. The 2024 Regional Conference will bring together local and regional leaders to share and learn from each other on topics including the future of mobility, housing and community, the environment and economic resilience.

The cost for the City Council member and designee from the City Manager’s Office to attend the conference is estimated at $1,000. No additional appropriation is needed as funds are available within the FY 23-24 approved budget.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Concur that the costs incurred in attending the SCAG conference are justified based on the benefits of attending, add the SCAG conference to the approved list of conferences for the City Manager's Office, and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to attend the conference; and

• Approve the overnight travel for one (1) Council Member to attend the SCAG conference.

By: Shawn Park, Sr. Administrative Analyst