The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is committed to highlighting excellence in sustainable planning and development projects in the SCAG region. These projects are integral to accomplishing the goals of the Connect SoCal Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, and promoting a more mobile, sustainable and prosperous region.
CONTACT
For questions regarding the 2024 SCAG Sustainability Awards, please contact:
Lyle Janicek
janicek@scag.ca.gov
Award Categories
ACTIVE, HEALTHY AND SAFE COMMUNITIES
Honors a project that promotes public health through improved active transportation, transportation safety or pollution reduction. Submissions should demonstrate how the projects promote healthy behaviors such as biking or walking, improve community safety through declining collision rates, or reduce exposure to environmental hazards. Projects should result in communities where residents are empowered to lead healthier lives.
CARMEN RAMIREZ AWARD FOR EQUITY
Honors a project that advances equity and facilitates the growth of healthy, livable, sustainable and economically resilient communities. Submissions should demonstrate how the project addresses improving outcomes for traditionally marginalized, vulnerable and/or underrepresented communities. Examples include projects that have meaningful partnerships with community-based organizations or community ambassadors, explicitly integrate equity into the planning process (e.g., through the existing conditions analysis, project prioritization methodologies, etc.), or develop innovative tools or resources that help further advance equitable planning.
CLEAN CITIES: ALTERNATIVE FUELS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Honors a project that promotes low- and zero-emission transportation in the region, with a focus on clean fuel vehicles and infrastructure. Successful examples might include replacing gas or diesel fleet vehicles with cleaner alternatives, streamlining permitting for clean fuel and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, a vehicle idle reduction program, or a program to promote system-wide efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. This award is presented by the SCAG Clean Cities Coalition, a U.S. Department of Energy-certified program.
GREEN REGION INITIATIVE: CLIMATE ACTION AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION
Honors a project that addresses climate change through greenhouse gas emission reduction or adaptation planning. This includes projects that conserve, restore and enhance the natural environment, and/or prepare communities for challenges related to a changing climate such as extreme heat, drought, sea level rise, and wildfire. Examples include habitat conservation and restoration projects, climate action plans, green infrastructure and watershed management projects.
HOUSING INNOVATION
Honors a project that promotes and supports innovative housing practices. Submissions should demonstrate how the project addresses housing needs across income levels, uses innovative practices or policies, improves access to jobs and transit, or helps create diverse, vibrant communities. Submissions for projects should show promise for implementation in the near term, and how exemplary they are for meeting housing needs.
PLAN, POLICY AND PROGRAMS
Honors a plan, policy or program focused on the integration of land use and transportation planning that achieves sustainable outcomes. Submissions should identify how the project promotes infill, transit-oriented development, equitable access to housing and employment opportunities, or placemaking for vibrant and connected neighborhoods and centers. Submissions should demonstrate the potential for sustainable outcomes such as reduced vehicle miles traveled, increased transit use, increased housing and jobs within regional priority growth areas, and shorter distance trips in existing and planned neighborhoods.
2024 Call for Applications
The Call for Applications for the 2024 SCAG Sustainability Awards, SCAG’s annual recognition of projects (including plans, policies and programs) that best exemplify the core principles of sustainability, is now closed. The SCAG Sustainability Awards are open to governmental agencies, non-governmental agencies, community-based organizations, non-profits, universities and more. For projects that span multiple agencies, sectors and geographies, applicants are encouraged to submit a joint entry. Submittals included projects completed or adopted between Jan. 1, 2020, and Jan. 10, 2024. The SCAG Sustainability Awards will be presented at the 2024 Regional Conference and General Assembly at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Palm Desert on May 2. All winners will receive an award suitable for display.
The 2024 Sustainability Awards Call for Applications closed on Jan. 12, 2024.
