Description: For Connect SoCal 2050, SCAG developed three categories of Priority Areas, which are High Priority, Medium Priority, and Low Priority. In order to determine what areas in the region fall within those categories, SCAG used eight components, or ingredients, which are measured at the Scenario Planning Zone (SPZ) geography. Data from PDA components can be used individually or combined in order to identify areas with a suitable set of travel and location characteristics. The eight components include: Walkable destinations – everyday destinations within 15 minutes of walking Intersection density – reflects improved walkability that may not be captured by a time threshold Bikeable destinations – everyday destinations within 15 minutes on bike Transit access – Regional jobs within 45 minutes during AM peak (2019 base year and 2050 plan year) Transit Priority Areas – Major transit stops + ½-mi buffer Mobility Hubs – at least two transportation modes that connect and interact with one another Bike Network – Regional existing and planned bike network (excluding Class III) Dedicated Transit Lanes – Regional dedicated transit lanes network For Connect SoCal 2050 growth visioning, all eight PDA components are mathematically combined with the objective of minimizing the per-capita Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) of residents in a PDA. Using a regression analysis, an ArcGIS suitability surface, and applied weights, each SPZ in the region receives a suitability score of 1-10 to reflect, in general, the degree to which residents in a PDA might be expected to have lower per-capita VMT. The higher the suitability score, the greater the impact of reducing VMT per-capita. Since the suitability score is a continuous measure based on regional data, it is well-suited for some planning applications such as preliminary regional growth visioning and VMT-based planning. However, other applications may need a specific, discrete area. Local jurisdictions are encouraged to use their own combination of eight PDA components, or a suitability score cutoff (e.g., the top 25 percent of SPZs in a jurisdiction) for their own strategies or programs. As a starting point, SCAG has also produced thresholds categorizing the SPZs based on their suitability scores. These thresholds categorize the data in to High Priority, Medium Priority, and Low Priority areas. Areas outside these thresholds are not considered PDAs.