The Region : Future of Cities Discussed

Planners, politicians and administrators from cities stretching from Burbank to South Pasadena took a shot Monday at shaping the region’s future.

Officials from Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, La Canada and South Pasadena are gathering information on growth, economic development, transportation and housing in the area.

That information will be included in a regional plan by the Southern California Assn. of Governments, a planning group composed of government officials from across Southern California. The state and federal governments require such planning as a basis for funding freeway and other infrastructure improvements.

The five cities, which make up the Arroyo-Verdugo subregion, are just one of 13 Southern California subregions gathering background information for the regional plans.

Among the ideas under discussion Monday was joint funding of a program to attract international businesses to the Arroyo-Verdugo area.

“This is a base line from which to go forth together and tackle the region’s issues,” said Katie Nack, Pasadena’s representative.

The five city councils are expected to approve a draft background report on the comprehensive plan for the Arroyo-Verdugo subregion by the end of the month. Public hearings on a draft of the regional plan are expected throughout Southern California in November.