San Gabriel Valley COG president outlines regional projects, cites $362,000 Measure M award for San Gabriel bike and safety work
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Summary
Ed Reese, president of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, told the San Gabriel City Council the COG coordinates regional transportation, housing and sustainability projects and that the governing board awarded $362,000 in Measure M funding to San Gabriel for roadway safety and bike-lane work.
Ed Reese, president of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, told the San Gabriel City Council on Oct. 21 that the COG brings together 31 cities and regional agencies to plan transportation, housing and sustainability projects for nearly 2 million San Gabriel Valley residents.
The COG governing board has awarded $362,000 in Measure M funding to the City of San Gabriel for roadway safety improvements and bike-lane installation, Reese said. "The governing board awarded $362,000 in Measure M funding to the city's roadway safety improvements and bike lane installation project," Reese said.
The presentation emphasized the COG's role in larger capital projects and local compliance programs. Reese said the COG is the only council of governments in Los Angeles County with a construction authority and is delivering 19 major grade-separation projects that he described as each costing "approximately $100 to $200 million." He also cited three other program areas: SB 1383 implementation to reduce food waste, Measure M allocations, and housing and homelessness outreach.
On SB 1383, Reese said the COG has helped cities "triple their business compliance rates" and supplied refrigeration equipment to food banks and pantries; he noted the COG purchased six commercial refrigerators and freezers for the Asian Youth Center to support food-donation use. Reese also described Measure M allocations directed last year: "Last year, we directed $36,500,000 to 17 San Gabriel Valley agencies for projects that ... make it easier and safer for people to go where they need to go," he said.
Reese highlighted a local housing example in which the COG worked with the Regional Housing Trust and the city on the 405 South Del Mar site. San Gabriel City Manager said the Regional Housing Trust purchased the property as a "leftover property," and related parties are coordinating with the Related Companies to advance what city staff described as the city's first affordable housing project.
Reese also introduced an outreach initiative called iHeartSGV, intended to build regional pride and collaboration. He closed by inviting council members and staff to participate in COG committees and to contact him with local priorities.
Council members and city staff responded with thanks and noted the COG's direct assistance on compliance and funding. Council member Ding thanked Reese and described his own committee involvement on energy and transportation, saying he hopes the COG can help San Gabriel with "last-mile" connections to Metro.
The presentation did not require council action; it was provided for information and to document regional funding and partnership opportunities affecting San Gabriel.
