Robert L. Scott serves as Executive Director of the San Fernando Valley Council of Governments, a Joint Powers Agency that includes the cities of Burbank, Glendale, Los Angeles, San Fernando, Santa Clarita, and the County of Los Angeles. He is Director of the Mulholland Institute where he oversees Vision2020: San Fernando Valley, a long-range visioning project for the region. He is a 10-year veteran and former president of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission where he oversaw the adoption of the city’s General Plan. He was the founding chair of The Valley Economic Alliance, and has chaired the Valley Industry & Commerce Association (VICA), the United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley (UCC) and the Valley Economic Development Center (VEDC). He was a key architect in charter reform for the City of Los Angeles, having authored the original plan for a system of Neighborhood Councils and Area Planning Commissions.

Scott has been active in legislative redistricting and reform for nearly 40 years. He was the prime mover in creating a San Fernando Valley Statistical District, a Southern California Association of Governments Planning Subregion for the Valley, and the San Fernando Valley Council of Governments. He serves on SCAG’s Compass Blueprint, Global Land Use & Economy (GLUE), Vision LA and Subregional Coordinators committees. In 1993, he chaired the L.A. City Task Force for Permit Streamlining and has also been active in developing the James Irvine-sponsored California Center for Regional Leadership. K-12 school reform has been a special interest of his in chairing initiatives, advocating for education, and authoring special reports.

His consulting practice serves as a public policy and planning resource, assisting businesses, non-profits, cities and communities in strategic planning and structuring—with emphasis on actionable and effective strategies. In addition to developing special projects, research and reports, the team’s services include feasibility, impact, and needs assessments—providing solutions for business, community and economic development.

Scott has been a member of the California, federal and US Supreme Court bars, for over 30 years, and has served as judge pro tem for the Los Angeles Superior Court. In 1999, Scott was the recipient of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association’s highest honor—the Stanley Lintz Award for service to the community and to the legal profession. As a licensed real estate broker, he has also been recognized by the Southland Regional Association of Realtors. In 2002 the Valley Industry & Commerce Association honored him with the Harmon G. Ballin Award for community service. His proudest achievement was receiving the 44th Annual Fernando Award, given to one individual each year for lifetime achievement and regional volunteerism.

Scott is currently a member of the SurveyLA Historic Resources committee, previously served on the California Small Business Advisory Commission, and the board of California’s 51st Agricultural District. He is heavily involved in public policy issues, appearing frequently in the media and lecturing at various forums, classes and symposia.