SCAG Honors Seven Innovative Projects With 2024 Sustainability Awards

News

Seven innovative projects across the six-county region were honored by SCAG at the 2024 Sustainability Awards ceremonies at the 2024 Regional Conference and General Assembly on May 2 in Palm Desert. 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.   

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation received the Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability, SCAG’s most prestigious Sustainability Award, for its Universal Basic Mobility (UBM) Pilot Program in South Los Angeles. The UBM Pilot Program brings innovation to South Los Angeles and demonstrates a future where transportation is equitable, accessible, and sustainable for all by encompassing a variety of components designed to connect diverse and sustainable transportation options with the community. These include transportation subsidies, e-bike libraries, electric vehicle car-sharing programs, increased mobile payment options on all modes of transportation and workforce development training that empowers residents with skills for the emerging green economy.  

Other 2024 Sustainability Award winners were:   

Active, Healthy and Safe Communities: The City of Buena Park, Silverado Trail Phase 2, reduces major gaps in the city’s existing trail network, connecting previously isolated segments to support a healthier, greener and more sustainable community lifestyle. 

Carmen Ramirez Award for Equity: Inland Equity Community Land Trust, Plan Adelanto, offers reduced-price homes, near or at cost, making the dream of owning a home achievable for low-income families while keeping investments local. 

Clean Cities: Alternative Fuels and Infrastructure: Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles, Clean Truck Fund Program, enhances the 2008 Clean Trucks Program and represents a creative and innovative approach to supporting zero-emission operations at the ports. 

Green Region Initiative: Climate Action and Resource Conservation: The City of Oxnard, Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, combats pressing issues of climate change  with a comprehensive strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent below 2010 levels by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. 

Housing Innovation: The City of Moreno Valley, Courtyards at Cottonwood, a groundbreaking initiative to provide both affordable housing and on-site supportive services tailored to low-income families and seniors. 

Plan, Policy and Program: Riverside Community College District (RCCD) Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming the RCCD to be more sustainable and adaptable, prioritizing decarbonization, climate justice, health, water, waste minimization and resiliency.