SCAG Sustainability Awards
The SCAG Sustainability Awards recognize projects for outstanding contributions to the goals and policies of Connect SoCal, SCAG's Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, and for progressing toward a more mobile, sustainable, and prosperous region.
CONTACT
For questions regarding the SCAG Sustainability Awards, please contact:
Sebastian Shetty
shetty@scag.ca.gov
2026 Award Call For Nominations
For over 15 years, SCAG has highlighted excellence in sustainable planning and projects across Southern California through the annual Sustainability Awards. The SCAG Sustainability Awards recognize projects for outstanding contributions to the goals of Connect SoCal, SCAG’s Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, toward a more mobile, sustainable, and prosperous region.
To better reflect the region’s evolving priorities and the comprehensive vision of Connect SoCal, SCAG has revamped award categories to highlight a broader range of sustainability achievements. Each year, SCAG honors projects that exemplify the core principles of sustainability with awards presented at the Regional Conference & General Assembly.
SCAG presents Sustainability Awards in nine categories. Applicants may submit project nominations in only one category. Each year, SCAG selects a standout project among all the nominations to receive the Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability Award. The winners will be recognized at the 2026 Regional Council Conference and General Assembly at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Palm Desert on May 7.
Submissions for the 2026 Sustainability Awards Call for Nominations are due on Dec. 19, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. To submit your application, click the link below:
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS APPLICATION
For more information, please refer to the complete “2026 Sustainability Awards Call for Nominations Guidelines”.
Award Categories
SCAG accepts Sustainability Awards submissions in nine categories. Applicants can submit their nominations under only one category. Each year, the SCAG selects a standout project from all nominations to receive the Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability Award.
- Mobility
Active and Clean Mobility
Honors a project, program, plan, or policy that expands opportunities for biking, walking, rolling, and other clean or micro-mobility modes, including electric vehicles. Projects should illustrate how they improve safety, connectivity, and access while encouraging a shift toward active and zero-emission transportation for a more sustainable and connected region. This category recognizes efforts that reduce vehicle miles traveled, support first- and last-mile connections, and integrate active and clean mobility options into broader community and transportation networks. Projects may also demonstrate collaboration across agencies, jurisdictions, or sectors to advance multimodal mobility and equitable access to transportation choices.
Transportation Innovation
Honors a project, program, plan, or policy that applies creative or technology-driven solutions to enhance mobility, reduce emissions, and improve safety. Projects should demonstrate innovative approaches such as transportation demand management (TDM), systems integration, data-informed decision making, or new infrastructure and mobility strategies that advance a smarter and more efficient transportation network. This category highlights efforts that use innovation to optimize transportation systems, improve user experience, and deliver measurable sustainability benefits. Projects may also showcase collaboration across agencies, private partners, or technology providers to pilot new solutions, scale successful practices, or reimagine how people and goods move throughout the region.
- Communities
Great Places
Honors a project, program, plan, or policy that creates or supports vibrant, complete communities and sustainable public spaces. The award recognizes efforts that enhance the public realm, promote placemaking, and strengthen local identity through thoughtful design, community engagement, and equitable access. Projects should demonstrate how they improve livability, walkability, and connectivity while fostering social interaction and environmental stewardship. This category highlights transformative public spaces (e.g. plazas, corridors, parks, and mobility hubs) that integrate transportation, housing, and open space to create enduring and inclusive community destinations. Projects may also showcase innovative design, adaptive reuse, or collaborative partnerships that contribute to a more connected and resilient region.
Housing for Sustainability
Honors a project, program, plan, or policy that advances sustainable and equitable housing through increased production, affordability, or access. The award recognizes efforts that support transit-oriented development, streamlined approvals, enhanced housing resilience, inclusive growth in high-opportunity areas, and other related initiatives. Projects should demonstrate how housing strategies contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved access to jobs and other key destinations, and more complete, connected communities. This category highlights innovative approaches that integrate housing with transportation and land use planning, promote resource-efficient building practices, and foster long-term affordability and climate resilience. Projects may also showcase partnerships between jurisdictions, developers, and community organizations to deliver equitable, sustainable housing solutions across the region.
- Environment
Adaptation and Resilience
Honors a project, program, plan, or policy that strengthens community resilience and prepares the region for climate-related hazards such as drought, wildfire, flooding, sea level rise, or extreme heat. The award recognizes proactive approaches that reduce risk, protect lives and livelihoods, and safeguard critical infrastructure, natural resources, and ecosystems. Projects should demonstrate how adaptation strategies enhance long-term sustainability, equity, and public health while supporting regional coordination and community capacity-building. This category highlights innovative and collaborative solutions (e.g. resilient infrastructure, nature-based strategies, and community-driven planning) that help Southern California adapt to a changing climate and thrive amid future challenges.
Climate Leadership
Honors a project, program, plan, or policy that demonstrates exceptional leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions or sequestering carbon through clean energy, efficient buildings, low-carbon land use, green infrastructure, or zero-emission transportation. The award recognizes efforts that advance regional climate goals and contribute toward carbon neutrality while promoting community resilience and environmental stewardship. Projects should illustrate progress in emissions reduction, energy efficiency, or adaptation, and demonstrate collaboration across sectors to address the challenges of reducing emissions. This category highlights forward-thinking approaches that integrate innovation, equity, and sustainability to build a cleaner, healthier, and more climate resilience in Southern California
- Economy
Community Funding and Finance
Honors a project, program, plan, or policy that mobilizes funding or financing strategies to deliver community investments that support economic development and long-term sustainability. Investments may include transportation, housing, green infrastructure, utility systems, or natural and working lands. The award recognizes innovative financial tools, partnerships, and resource-alignment strategies that help communities implement transformative projects. Projects should demonstrate how funding approaches advance equitable growth, leverage diverse funding sources, and maximize the impact of public and private investment. This category highlights initiatives that strengthen local economic foundations while achieving lasting social, environmental, and fiscal benefits across the region.
Economic Resilience
Honors a project, program, plan, or policy that strengthens local and regional economies and promotes long-term prosperity. The award recognizes initiatives that diversify economic opportunities, build workforce capacity, support small businesses, and enhance the region’s ability to adapt and thrive amid economic and environmental change. Projects should demonstrate strategies that foster inclusive growth, create quality jobs, and align economic development with sustainability and equity goals. This category highlights efforts that leverage innovation, partnerships, and community investment to build a more resilient, competitive, and equitable regional economy.
- CARMEN RAMIREZ AWARD FOR EQUITY
Honors a project, program, plan, policy, or collaboration that advances equity and fosters the growth of healthy, livable, sustainable, and economically resilient communities. The award recognizes efforts that meaningfully improve outcomes for traditionally marginalized, vulnerable, or underrepresented populations. Projects should demonstrate how equity principles are embedded throughout planning, engagement, and implementation that ensure community voices help shape decisions and outcomes. This category highlights initiatives that remove systemic barriers, expand opportunity, and promote environmental and social justice through inclusive and collaborative approaches that strengthen the region’s shared prosperity and sustainability.