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On September 24 and 25, 2024, data professionals from across the region gathered virtually and in person at SACOG’s office in downtown Sacramento for the Data and Modeling User Conference. The conference is an opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning what’s “under the hood” of SACOG’s data and uncovering how models and data assumptions are used to help inform projects across the region.

SACOG’s data helps staff at cities, counties, agencies, and consultants who work with them understand how housing, transportation, and other infrastructure projects can impact the region. Modeling impact and indicators on things like jobs, congestion, and accessibility is an important step in the planning process that planners and policy makers take into consideration. Even if SACOG isn’t directly involved, the agency’s data is widely used to inform plans across the region.

In addition to presentations, attendees help brainstormed and provided valuable feedback that helps SACOG staff design better tools and resources for the communities who rely on SACOG’s data.

Conference Highlights

Presentations during the two-day event covered a broad overview of much of SACOG’s data, and zoomed in to allow a closer look at how models and data work together to help inform the region.

You can view day 1 and day 2 of the conference on SACOG’s YouTube channel. Highlights of the presentations include:

• Overview of the 2025 Blueprint: A broad look at the region’s long-range plan and how assumptions, transportation projects, and data inform it.
• Data inputs and an overview of the land use assumptions for the 2025 Blueprint: A look at how data at the parcel and plan level informs how the Sacramento region will grow.
• How SACOG is using big data to help inform some policies in the agency, and how partners can access this resource.
• A deep dive into SACSIM: Presentations include an introduction to the SACSIM model, a sensitivity analysis, and transit updates.
• SACOG’s Open Data Portal: How to access and explore data available in the portal.
• First look at the new SACOG Monitoring and Reporting Dashboard: Get the first look at how the dashboard provides up-to-date data and analysis for regional indicators.  
• An exploration of SACOG’s GitHUB: See data and tools available at SACOG’s GitHub.
• An overview of SACOG’s Project Performance Assessment (PPA) Tool: Learn how the PPA Tool analyzes transportation investments.
• TAZ Updates and DAYSIM Improvements: A deep dive into traffic analysis zones update, free-flow speed calibration and improvements to DAYSIM based on past user conference feedback.
• Population Synthesis and Forecasting: Unveiling of ReGEN, a new tool to help with the population synthesis process.  

You can use the links above to watch the presentations. Visit SACOG’s Data Resource Center to explore the data that is available.