Many regions today face challenges whose solutions are beyond the capability of local governments working alone. Since its establishment in 1980, SACOG, a voluntary association of city and county governments, has provided a forum for mutual problem solving and regional advancement. SACOG’s member jurisdictions have enjoyed a cooperative atmosphere that respects the jurisdictional authority of each member but that fosters collaboration to address important regional issues.

The agency’s mission is to “Provide leadership and a dynamic, collaborative public forum for achieving an efficient regional transportation system, innovative and integrated regional planning, and a high quality of life within the greater Sacramento region.” The agency has three strategic goals:

1. Sustain the agency’s emphasis on information-based decision making by providing state-of-the-art data and tools to members, partners, stakeholders and residents to help them shape the futures of their communities and the region.
2. Maximize strategic influence for the region through developing and implementing integrated regional transportation plans that produce unique and significant quality of life benefits for residents of the region.
3. Serve as a source of high quality information, convener, and/or advocate on a range of regional issues when the agency’s involvement would provide unique, added value to promoting a sustainable future for the region.
    

The majority of SACOG’s activities have been focused on transportation planning, funding and project delivery. In the last several years, SACOG has taken on a new role managing three regionally significant projects: Downtown Sacramento/Riverfront Streetcar, Connect Card Universal Transit Fare System, and a regional Bike Share Program. The agency has developed a wide-range of related programs of regional significance including rural-urban connections, air quality, land use, affordable housing, shared services, coordination and sometimes advocacy on a range of topics including flood control, water, and state and federal regulations.
 

PROGRAMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Each year the SACOG Board adopts an Overall Work Program (OWP) and budget to guide agency activities. Each major work activity is included as a separate work element:

Project Delivery and Programming – Assists local jurisdictions in meeting all state and federal requirements for funding projects, and identifying available state and federal funds.

Multi-modal Transportation Planning and Coordination – Develops Metropolitan Transportation Plan, balancing federal mandates with the needs and interests of member jurisdictions.

Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Planning, Analysis and Coordination – Implements requirements of the federal Clean Air Act and California Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act (SB 375) by ensuring that delivered projects do not impede the region’s air quality and greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.

Transit Planning and Coordination – Provides planning support and a forum for coordination opportunities for the region’s transit operators.

Housing and Land Use – Provides analysis and planning support for projects related to the housing and land use needs of the region consistent with the region’s Blueprint Growth Scenario with technical assistance tools for both urban and rural communities, including the Rural-Urban Connections Strategy supporting the rural economy and environment.

Regional Monitoring and Forecasting – Provides data and technical tools needed for high quality transportation and air quality analysis, and project development.

Geographic Information Systems – Provides technical support and facilitates the cooperative development of GIS programs for local agencies in the SACOG region.

Public Information, Outreach and Advocacy – Supports SACOG programs by providing information to and receiving input from the public and other interested parties; fosters public awareness of SACOG and its efforts; advocates for funding, legislation, and other favorable outcomes that will aid in delivery of regional priority projects.

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and Service Authority for Freeways and Expressways – Coordinates ITS planning and operations among jurisdictions and Caltrans, and operates a call boxes program in the SACOG region and two bordering counties.

Transportation Demand Management/Rideshare/511 Travel Information – Operates a rideshare and public education/marketing program encouraging multi-mode transportation options, and manages in coordination with Caltrans the regional 511 traveler information system.