News Release

The SANDAG Board of Directors voted today to adopt the 2021 Regional Plan, the blueprint for transportation in the San Diego region through 2050. The Plan will make it easier for everyone in the region to get where they need to go, whether you choose to walk, ride, drive, or bike. It was developed using a data-driven approach and combats climate change by making transit competitive in every major corridor throughout the region.  

“This is a monumental day for the San Diego region,” said SANDAG Chief Executive Officer Hasan Ikhrata. “The 2021 Regional Plan creates real transportation options that address today’s challenges and build a foundation for tomorrow, ensuring our region is ready for generations to come. We appreciate the community’s support and look forward to partnering with you to bring this transformational plan to life.”    

While the plan spans 30 years into the future, SANDAG will immediately start working to advance projects, including but not limited to:

•  Opening the new Otay Mesa East Port of Entry and Smart Border Management System
• Relocating the LOSSAN rail corridor off the bluffs
• Advancing the Central Mobility Hub to provide direct transit connections to the San Diego International Airport 
• Blue Line Express 
• Purple Line 
• Regional Vision Zero action plan and policy 
• Digital Equity Action Plan

SANDAG gathered years of community input and analyzed new data to develop the 2021 Regional Plan. Information about where people live and work, how they get around, how existing transportation infrastructure works well or needs improvement, and what is needed to support future growth were all considered and shared with the SANDAG Board or Directors and the public in a series of presentations since the Board provided direction to develop a bold new vision in early 2019.  

The 2021 Regional Plan incorporates the latest technologies, meets all state and federal requirements and air quality mandates, addresses traffic congestion and roadway safety, and improves social equity. 

SANDAG released the draft 2021 Regional Plan in May 2021 and conducted a public review and comment period from May 28 to August 6, 2021. As part of the development of the 2021 Regional Plan, SANDAG prepared a draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which was circulated for public review and comment from August 27 through October 11, 2021. In total, nearly 17,000 comments were received during development of the 2021 Regional Plan. 

For media inquiries, please contact Stacy Garcia at 619.699.1950 or PIO@sandag.org