VX News is the editorial voice of the annual VerdeXchange Conference, featuring in-depth interviews with industry leaders and policymakers driving innovation in clean energy, water, transportation, and climate policy.
Autonomous Mobility: Billy Riggs on Perception, Cities, and Advice for LA28
Billy Riggs, a national voice on autonomous mobility and Professor (University of San Francisco), explains why perception autonomy—the vehicle’s ability to truly see and interpret the world—is the real engine behind AV progress. Riggs argues that autonomy won’t solve congestion without major shifts in curb policy, workforce planning, and data governance, challenging cities to stop chasing sci-fi and focus on “Monday-morning” solutions like micro-transit, dynamic curb management, and realistic public–private models.
LA Metro’s State of the Agency (2025): CEO Stephanie Wiggins & Incoming Chair, Fernando Dutra
VX News shares this excerpt from LA Metro’s 2025 State of the Agency, with CEO Stephanie Wiggins and incoming Board Chair, Whittier Councilmember, Fernando Dutra, who reflect on the agency's efforts to build a safer, more resilient, customer-centered, and inclusive regional transit provider. Highlighting a 53% increase in ridership and an 87% customer satisfaction rate, Wiggins emphasized safety gains, equity-driven initiatives, and system-wide service improvements as Metro prepares for the global stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games. Dutra, committing to on-time capital delivery and workforce development, affirmed Metro’s unified goal: to deliver world-class mobility worthy of every community it serves.
Climate Change and LA28 Olympics Prioritize LA County Public Works Director Pestrella’s Agenda
In this comprehensive interview with Mark Pestrella, Director of the Los Angeles County Public Works, Pestrella delves into the multifaceted responsibilities of overseeing the largest public works agency in the United States.
Thomas Small Insights on Regional Mobility & Move Culver City
To update readers on the status of Culver City’s recent mobility initiatives and to offer insights on the region’s progress toward multi-modal interconnection ahead of the 2028 Olympics, VX News checked in with Thomas Aujero Small, president and CEO of Culver City Forward and former mayor of Culver City. \
