Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) As the nation’s largest MPO, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has shown how small-scale creative projects can spark big change. From artistic crosswalks to inclusive partnerships, SCAG has demonstrated that arts and culture aren’t “extras” in planning—they’re tools that improve safety, build belonging, and influence policy. Through the Culture and Community Network, SCAG is embedding these practices into its DNA and shaping what’s possible for regions nationwide. Read the case study | Turning streets into stories and art into civic power Plan RVA In Richmond, PlanRVA is at the early stages of weaving arts and culture into regional planning—but its approach is already breaking new ground. Drawing on staff with backgrounds in grassroots organizing, quilting, education, and storytelling, PlanRVA is testing creative ways to make planning more inclusive and culturally sensitive. With support from the Culture and Community Network, the agency is building a foundation for authentic engagement that connects infrastructure decisions to the lived experiences of the community. Read the case study | How Plan RVA is building a foundation for arts and culture work R1 Planning and Grand Valley Metropolitan Councils In Rockford, IL and Grand Rapids, MI, two smaller MPOs are proving that you don’t need deep resources to make meaningful change. R1 Planning Council is developing a “living toolkit” to connect communities with public art, while Grand Valley Metropolitan Council is partnering with youth and artists to link climate action with creative expression. With support from the Culture and Community Network, both are showing how small steps can spark lasting shifts in how planning engages communities. Read the case study | How smaller MPOs are using arts and culture to spark change