![scag_article.png](/sites/g/files/omnuum10826/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/datasmart/files/scag_article.png?itok=cem71l08) # How the Southern California Association of Government is Improving Quality of Life in SoCal Episode One February 23, 2021 [ Betsy Gardner ](/betsy-gardner) - February 23, 2021 - [Data Visualization](/data-visualization) ## Want to learn more? [Check out this Data-Smart City Solutions article about SCAG's work](https://am-data-smart.pantheonsite.io/node/1908) creating a more prosperous and equitable future for Southern California residents. Data-Smart City Solutions is proud to share the very first episode of the Data-Smart City Pod! In this episode Professor Steve Goldsmith interviews Rex Richardson, the president of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), and Darin Chidsey, SCAG's chief operating officer. One of Richardson and Chidsey's biggest projects is the creation of a [Regional Data Platform](https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/42984065691d4006852e4b02e5475452) that will serve as a data sharing and visualization platform for all of SCAG’s member cities. Listen below, or wherever you get your podcasts, to hear them discuss the value of regional, data-driven planning organizations and how such cooperative efforts can increase equity, expand housing options, and improve transportation access. [Transcript available here](https://ashcast.simplecast.com/episodes/data-smart-city-pod-episode-one/transcript). Embed ## About the Author ### Betsy Gardner ![Headshot of Betsy Gardner](/sites/g/files/omnuum10826/files/styles/hwp_1_1__100x100_scale/public/2025-05/Betsy%20Headshot%20resize.jpg?itok=k2OsSp1g) Betsy Gardner is the editor of Data-Smart City Solutions and the producer of the Data-Smart City Pod. Prior to this, Betsy worked in a variety of roles in higher education, focusing on deconstructing racial and gender inequality through research, writing, and facilitation. She also researched government spending and transparency at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. Betsy holds a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Policy from Northeastern University, a bachelor’s degree in Art History from Boston University, and a graduate certificate in Digital Storytelling from the Harvard Extension School. See also:- [ Data Visualization ](/topics/data-visualization) - [ Equity ](/topics/equity) - [ Health & Human Services ](/topics/health-human-services) - [ Infrastructure ](/topics/infrastructure) - [ Open Data ](/topics/open-data) Share on:- [ Facebook ](#) - [ Twitter ](#) - [ Linkedin ](#)