Meeting_Body
AD HOC SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 16, 2016
Subject/Action
SUBJECT: UPDATE - METRO/SCAG JOINT WORK PROGRAM
ACTION: RECEIVE AND FILE
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
RECEIVE AND FILE update on the Metro/SCAG Joint Work Program.
Issue
ISSUE
On July 2, 2015, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) adopted the Updated Sustainability Joint Work Program between SCAG and Metro, which was approved by the Metro Board on May 28, 2015. Some of the highlights of the updated program include coordinating efforts for respective planning grant programs, First/Last Mile training, and the implementation of the Regional Active Transportation Safety and Encouragement Campaign. This report is to update the Board of Directors on recent progress made.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
Staff provides regular progress reports on the SCAG/Metro Joint Work Program. We are reporting on the updated program as adopted on May 28, 2015.
Highlighted Project: SCAG Sustainability Grant Program/Go Human Campaign Events
At prior meetings of the Ad Hoc Sustainability Committee, staff provided an overview of SCAG’s Go Human Campaign, a region-wide effort to encourage active transportation usage and safety. Among various activities, the program includes a series of “pop-up” events around the region to highlight active transportation themes and messages and to engage the public. To date, SCAG has implemented three Go Human events in Los Angeles County. The most recent event was implemented in north Long Beach on October 1 to highlight the city’s newest protected bikeway on Artesia Boulevard and to gain input on upcoming safety projects on Myrtle Avenue.
SCAG will be providing technical assistance for additional Go Human events, along with other active transportation plans and programs, as part of the 2016 Sustainability Call for Proposals. The Call for Proposals was released on September 29, 2016 and applications are due to SCAG on November 18, 2016. Metro is collaborating with SCAG to promote the program across Los Angeles County, and the two agencies have planned to co-host a workshop for city and county staff focused on opportunities to apply for first-last mile planning and programs. In addition, SCAG has been providing on-line trainings and presentations to its policy committees and sub-regional agencies, as requested, to increase awareness and interest in the program.
SCAG’s Sustainability Call for Proposals is anticipated to award approximately $11 million to projects in three categories: Active Transportation, Integrated Land Use, and Green Region Initiative. Proposals will be evaluated based on project need, goals, objectives, outcomes and community support. All cities, counties and Councils of Governments (COGs) are encouraged to apply. Guidelines, application forms, and submission information are available on SCAG’s Sustainability website at <http://sustain.scag.ca.gov/Pages/default.aspx>.
As part of the Joint Work Program and efforts to better align and leverage regional and local funding, Metro and its counterparts in the other five counties in Southern California collaborated with SCAG to develop a funding strategy for the Call for Proposals that includes a commitment of five percent of the region’s share of the 2017 California Active Transportation Program. Metro also supported SCAG’s successful application to the Mobile Source Reduction Committee, adding an additional $2.5 million to the program for active transportation proposals. The guidelines for the Sustainability Call for Proposals establish funding minimums for each county to ensure geographical equity.
Highlighted Project: Arizona State University Study on GHG Impacts Associated with First/Last Mile strategies
Also included in the Joint Work Program is a recently completed study prepared by Arizona State University. The lead researcher, Mikhail Chester, will present on the findings of the study at the November 16, 2016 meeting of the committee.
Updates
• SCAG developed a screening tool for localities considering implementing tax increment financing, including Enhanced Infrastructure Finance Districts and Community Revitalization Investment Authorities. Metro and SCAG will co-host a workshop on use of these financing tools, and Metro staff anticipates including funding for consideration of these tools in the next round of TOD Planning Grants. Any recommended updates to the TOD Grant program will be brought to the Board for consideration.
• First/Last Mile: SCAG and Metro are collaborating on a First/Last Mile Training program for local staff and officials. A consultant is currently under contract with Metro and developing curriculum. Trainings will be scheduled for early 2017.
• SCAG and Metro recently completed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the Bicycle Data Clearinghouse, including cost-sharing.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Staff will continue to provide periodic updates to the committee on activities associated with the Joint Work Program.
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Jacob Lieb, Sustainability Policy Manager, (213) 922-4132
Diego Cardoso, Executive Officer, (213) 922-3076
Calvin E. Hollis, Senior Executive Officer, (213) 922-7319
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Therese McMillan, Chief Planning Officer, (213) 922-7077
