South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG)

Agency Type:

• Council of Governments

Responsibilities:

• Broadband Program
• Energy Program

Overview:

Founded in 1994, the South Bay Cities Council of Governments is a joint powers authority of 16 cities and the County of Los Angeles that share the goal of maximizing the quality of life and productivity of the South Bay region.  Our members are Carson, El Segundo, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Torrance, and the Harbor City/San Pedro/Wilmington communities of the City of Los Angeles, along with the unincorporated areas of the County of Los Angeles District 2 and 4.

While as cities we value what makes us unique and independent, often there are times when our combined endeavors are proven more productive.  The vision of what we can do for all our communities is what motivates our members and can best be described four ways: Partnership, Planning, Persuasion, and Performance.

Primary Funding Sources:

Grants, City dues

Total Members:

18

Population Represented:

1,000,000

Staff:

10

Program Highlights:

• South Bay Environmental Services Center (SBESC): The SBCCOG operates a multi-faceted environmental program that provides services to South Bay municipal governments, special districts, schools, residents, and businesses.  Public agencies benefit through comprehensive audits and utility use management which help identify energy and water savings projects.  The development of Energy Action Plans and Climate Action plans with and for cities cuts across all SBESC program efforts and is integral to creating a sustainable South Bay.  Residents can obtain information on saving energy and water in their homes, disposing of battery and cell phones, obtaining rain barrels, qualifying for rebate programs, receiving major subsidies for vanpooling to work, and using the 110 Freeway high occupancy toll lanes (ExpressLanes).  Businesses can participate in recognition programs such as the Green Building Challenge, water/gas/electricity kitchen audits, direct install opportunities, incentive programs, and special assistance with forming vanpools for their employees.  In addition, everyone can benefit by attending a range of training programs including Making Your Home More Energy and Water Efficient, California Friendly Landscape Training, Moving Toward Zero Waste, and special sessions for public agencies and contractors in building and code enforcement, permitting, and retro-fitting.
• Green Building Challenge: The South Bay Cities Green Building Challenge is a free online program for commercial buildings and businesses in the South Bay, designed to drive sustainable actions, while providing recognition opportunities.  Businesses can take advantage of current programs available through our utility partners and programs offered through the SBESC to earn points related to resource conservation.
• Green House Gas (GHG) Reduction & Climate Action Planning: Supporting the State’s goals for GHG reduction as established in Assembly Bill 32 and Senate Bill 32, the SBCCOG is working with South Bay cities to assist in the development of Climate Action Plans for each city and also one for the South Bay as a whole.  These plans will include GHG inventories and analysis of reduction strategies for energy efficiency, energy storage, urban greening, solid waste, transportation, and land use.
• Measure R South Bay Highway Program (SBHP): The goal of the Measure R South Bay Highway Program (SBHP) is to improve the operation and safety of the South Bay freeways and highways by reducing vehicular delays and improving the safety.  This 30-year program is partially funded with the Measure R sales tax approved by L. A. County voters in 2008.  The South Bay sub-region is expected to receive approximately $906 million (in 2008 dollars or an estimated $1.5 billion escalated to year of expenditure dollars) over the 30-year life of Measure R.  Measure R is expected to provide approximately half of the funding for South Bay improvements identified over the 30-year Measure R allocation period.
• Sustainable South Bay Strategy (SSBS): Based on the study of the land use and transportation patterns in the South Bay, the SSBS provides guidance for land use and transportation options for areas such as the South Bay, which are not transit rich and cannot rely on transit-oriented development.  It focuses on neighborhood-oriented development and alternative mobility options – both public and private. The SSBS was prepared by SBCCOG staff with grant funding and adopted by the SBCCOG Board to provide a guide to South Bay cities as they develop and re-develop their communities.
• South Bay Regional Broadband Fiber-Optic Master Plan: South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) is working with the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB) on a feasibility study to develop a regional broadband, fiber-optic master plan.  SBWIB’s fiber-optic master plan will play a pivotal role in the region’s future and determine how South Bay communities embrace the digital economy, smart city initiatives, integrated utilities and next-generation economic development.  As more business is transacted online, broadband has become an even more important component to equip local businesses with the services they need to compete and thrive in the digital economy.
• Special Initiatives: In order to keep up with current issues, the SBCCOG forms special working groups and task forces.  Currently, these include Homeless Services, Senior Services, Social Media, Coyote Management & Short Term Rental.
• Annual General Assembly: For the past 18 years, the SBCCOG has held its annual General Assembly conference.  The SBCCOG gathers experts in a particular field to discuss and address issues facing the South Bay.  This year’s General Assembly was titled: “Driving the South Bay’s Digital Future” and explored how cities can leverage innovative technologies to increase their competitiveness in attracting and retaining businesses.  Attendees learned about the Internet of Things (IoT), Smart Homes, 24-hours City Halls, Telemedicine, and more.  This FREE event was host to elected officials, city staff, city commissioners, community and business leaders, along with the general public and paid for through sponsorships.

Board Makeup:

The governance structure of SBCCOG is defined in the organization’s bylaws.

Each member city chooses one member from their City Council to serve as their delegate to the SBCCOG Board of Directors.  Cities also choose one or more Council Members to serve as an alternate to the SBCCOG Board of Directors should their delegate be unable to attend a meeting.  LA County Supervisors from Districts 2 and 4 are delegates and each Supervisor designates their chief of staff or a senior staff person from their office as the County’s Alternate Governing Board Representatives.

Every July, new officers are elected by the Board of Directors.  Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month.

Steering Committee: The Steering Committee serves as the Executive Committee of the SBCCOG.  Its members are the officers and committee chairs.  Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month.

Executive Director:

Jacki Bacharach

CALCOG Board Representative:

Britt Huff, Mayor, City of Rolling Hills Estates

Web Link:

http://www.southbaycities.org/