![An aerial photo of the Lyft City Works Los Angeles Council sitting in a circle with the Lyft City Works logo in the middle](http://images.ctfassets.net/vz6nkkbc6q75/6IqostqGqL6UPCLLV8SOJg/489eb46abeb849fcdf2a489574ed2d2c/CW_blog_image.jpg?w=&q=60&fm=)
In March, we announced how we would be supporting local organizations in Los Angeles and other cities across the country with the goal of unlocking transportation access.
Today we’re excited to share that we’ve formed our first-ever LyftUp Council* in Los Angeles. Made up of 15 civic leaders—including Lyft drivers—this group of Angelenos who know and love the city and will help direct resources where they can have the greatest impact. This summer we started by conducting workshops with more than 100 civic leaders in South LA, DTLA and West LA to learn about the challenges the community faces and how transportation access can help.
Starting immediately, the council is seeking LA-based non profits and grassroots organizations to apply for transportation grants. The awards will be distributed through LyftUp, our comprehensive effort to expand transportation access to those who need it most.
Share news of this grant program and encourage your favorite nonprofits and grassroots organizations to apply! We not only want to offer transportation access but want to build relationships with like-minded groups who care about having a positive impact on their community.
“Our LyftUp Councils are established to reflect the aspirations, diversity and culture of the city they live in and serve,” said Allen Narcisse, Southern California Regional Director.
“From policy makers to a Grammy Award winning singer, educators to entrepreneurs, chefs to Lyft drivers, with this group of leaders, we’ll achieve great impact in communities across Los Angeles.”
LyftUp Council Los Angeles:
Natasha Case, Local entrepreneur & CEO of Coolhaus Ice Cream and a Board Member at UCLA Arts.
Reynaldo Chairez, LA Lyft Driver with a 5.0 star rating who drives to help put his niece through college.
Vinny Dotolo, James Beard award-winning chef and co-owner of Joint Ventures Restaurant Group.
Cecilia V. Estolano, Regent of the University of California and leading expert on contemporary urban planning issues.
Allison Holmes, Senior Director of Operations and Strategy at the Annenberg Foundation, where she oversees initiatives including AnnenbergTech and Annenberg Learner.
Jessica Lall, President and CEO of Central City Association (CCA), focused on enhancing the vibrancy of Downtown Los Angeles and increasing investment in the region.
Tiffany Moore, Founding School Leader of KIPP Scholar Academy who previously served as ESL Department Chair at Johnnie Cochran Middle School.
Carlos Peraza, LA Lyft Driver with a 5.0 star rating who has given more than 15,000 rides and moved his family to America in 2001 from El Savador.
Tarik Ross, President of the Snoop Youth Football League and born and raised in Pasadena.
Tara Roth, President of the Goldhirsh Foundation and previously the founding COO of GOOD.
Jon Shook, James Beard award-winning chef and co-owner of Joint Ventures Restaurant Group.
Benny Tran, SVP of Development and Strategy for the Los Angeles Football Club and Banc of California Stadium.
Lalah Hathaway, 5x Grammy Award-winning musician, Recording Academy Los Angeles Chapter Trustee
Spencer Paysinger, Former NFL Linebacker, Consulting Producer on the CW drama All American, and Co-Creator of Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen.
Ajay Relan, Founder of #HashtagLunchbag, Co-Creator of Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen We’ll be sharing more about the impact of the Council in the months to come.
*LyftUp Councils were previously known as Lyft City Works Councils. The roles of councils remain the same – helping guide our transportation resources locally for maximum impact.