Category: News Featured

By Matt Petersen, LACI President and CEO 

LACI brings people together to create an inclusive green economy in Greater Los Angeles and beyond. From our industry-leading startup incubation programs to our transformative public-private partnerships, we are empowering innovators and accelerating equitable climate action. 

However, how do we make sure everyone has the opportunity to participate in the growing green economy? How do we create opportunities for more individuals? As we see record federal investment from the Inflation Reduction Act make its way to our communities, how do we make sure our workforce is prepared to do the work required? How do we make sure everyone benefits from cleaner air, efficient homes and vehicles, and healthier communities? 

As many Angelenos are struggling to make ends meet to care for their families, we see an opportunity to create economic opportunity and advance inclusion through our workforce development program. And as our cleantech companies and partners grow to meet this historic moment of climate investment, they need trained people to do the work. 

When I joined LACI in 2017, our workforce development efforts were just an idea. Working with partner organizations like the LA Coalition for the Economy and Jobs, we piloted our first workforce development programs in 2018. The results showed that by utilizing our world-class prototyping facilities and labs to help train individuals, we proved we could help prepare the workforce for the growing green economy. 

Based on the pilot workforce programs, we requested funding from the California State Legislature to create our first full programs. With that support, we began to create a workforce training program that would help advance our unprecedented, public private Transportation Electrification Partnership: the EVSE maintenance training program, the first such program in the nation. We even launched a startup: Kameale Terry volunteered to help the training program, got the idea for a business to maintain and fix EV chargers, and hence the idea for ChargerHelp! was born.

Out of the program we graduated our first cohort, placing 15 of the 30 graduates in paid internships. This access to talent for our startups and partner organizations is critical as they grow. One of our first graduates interned for the City of LA’s Public Works Board, and later got hired as the City’s first food waste reduction coordinator.

Thanks to Estelle Reyes, Daniel Ferguson, Sharon Segado and our whole workforce team, we have grown LACI’s Green Jobs Workforce Development Program into a multi-tiered training pipeline that provides participants with the technical training, interpersonal skills, and industry-recognized certifications to jumpstart their careers.

The program recruits participants from a wide range of ages and backgrounds, and focuses on creating opportunities for underemployed/unemployed, low-to-moderate income individuals–particularly those from historically marginalized groups. Those just starting out in the green job sector typically enroll in the hands-on Green Jobs Fellowship, while those with some experience often apply to our faster paced Green Jobs Training Courses. Both options are completely free to attend and come with a host of benefits.  

Participants in the program gain practical knowledge in the areas of product development, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) maintenance, software development and IT support, and more. 

To date, LACI has trained more than 400 workforce participants, many of whom have gone on to launch successful careers in both the public and private sector, at places like Tesla, Evolectric, and the City of Los Angeles. Selected participants are matched with LACI startups and partners for internships and potential job opportunities. 

Recognizing that we cannot achieve our goals without a robust, qualified green workforce, the program serves as an investment in the individual participants and the green economy as a whole. 

The program is made possible by support from the California State Legislature through Workforce Development Board and GoBiz, J.P. Morgan Chase, Clean Power Alliance, US Bank and Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department (EWDD). Thanks to their support and the diligence of those who conduct the training, we are building a workforce that can immediately serve the needs of the growing green economy.  

As the workforce participants make their way from our classrooms to their promising careers, they will help us go further, faster as a region–ensuring the only thing left behind is harmful, life threatening air pollution. 

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FIRST E-BIKE LENDING LIBRARY PILOT IN SOUTH CENTRAL LOS ANGELES EXPANDS ACCESS TO CLEAN AND AFFORDABLE SHARED MOBILITY FOR ANGELENOS

Leaders from Community Groups, LACI, CARB, LADOT Tout Long-Term Rental Pilot Program as a Novel Solution to Increasing Access to Shared Electric Mobility and an Important Step in the Transition to Clean, Reliable Transportation for All

Los Angeles, April 16, 2024 – Today, the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), in partnership with community organizations, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), and funding from California Air Resources Board (CARB), officially launched the first E-bike “lending library” pilot in South Central Los Angeles to expand access to sustainable transportation. 

The lending library, entitled “South Central Power Up,” is deploying 250 e-bikes, available to rent for a month at a time at 7 different locations in the community, to help riders get around more easily, reliably and affordably. This program is a result of over a year of collaboration, outreach, and organizing from the community organizations that will serve as hubs to rent e-bikes and provide training to all participants, including People for Mobility Justice, Ride On! Bike Shop, RideWitUs, SCOPE, T.R.U.S.T South LA, Esperanza Community Housing, Mercado La Paloma, Labor Community Strategy Center, and Community Services Unlimited. 

“South Central Power Up was created by the people of and with the people of South Central in mind,” said the South Central Power Up community partners in a joint statement. “The brand new, custom e-bikes for this program are first-in-class zero emission transportation resources for our community.” 

Speaking today at the launch event at the Ride On! Bike Shop/Co-Op in Leimert Park, local officials and leaders of the partnership expounded on the merits of this new, affordable program. 

“To build a green economy that is truly inclusive, we need to ensure that all communities in Greater Los Angeles have access to affordable, clean transportation. Ultimately, we are looking to surface and share learnings from this new, long-term e-bike pilot rental program that will help us scale similar programs and clean transportation solutions across the region.” said Matt Petersen, LACI President and CEO. “We are very excited to launch this pilot, which will meet an essential need for the community, making checking out a clean, reliable e-bike as simple as getting a book at the library.” 

“E-bikes can support a wide range of personal transportation needs while reducing car trips, pollution, and overall congestion on streets,” said LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo. “The e-bike lending library will make this option affordable and accessible to residents of South LA. Thank you to LACI and our community partners who have made this program possible.”

The initial pilot will run for two years with funding from CARB through California Climate Investments, which puts billions of dollars of Cap-and-Trade auction proceeds to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, improving public health and the environment, and providing meaningful benefits to the most disadvantaged communities and low-income communities and households. It will be free for users for the first six months while LACI and the community partners develop a pricing structure that ensures the bikes remain available for free and below market rates for individuals with qualifying incomes.  

“Zero-emission options like e-bikes can be a fun way for people to discover environmentally friendly ways to get around,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “The new e-bike lending library in South Los Angeles is also expanding mobility options for residents who need and deserve opportunities to carry out daily obligations such as work, school, errands and medical appointments. CARB is proud to support innovative programs that help clean our air, address mobility inequities and increase options for zero-emissions transportation.”

For additional information about the South Central Power Up E-Bike Lending Library, please visit https://www.southcentralpowerup.com. 

ABOUT LACI:
The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is creating an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation through scaling cleantech startups, transforming markets through catalytic partnerships with policymakers, innovators, and market leaders in transportation, energy, and sustainable cities, like the Transportation Electrification Partnership, and enhancing communities through green jobs workforce training, pilots and other programs. Founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP) in 2011, LACI is recognized as one of the top 10 innovative business incubators in the world by UBI. LACI has helped 375 portfolio companies raise over $1 billion in funding, generated $335 million in revenue, and created 2,626 jobs throughout the Los Angeles region, with a long term economic impact of more than $587 million. 

ABOUT CARB:

CARB’s mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. CARB is the lead agency for climate change programs and oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health-based air quality standards.

ABOUT LADOT:

LADOT leads transportation planning, project delivery, and operations in the City of Los Angeles. We work together and collaborate to deliver a safe, livable, and well-run transportation system in the city and region. Our vision is for all people in Los Angeles to have access to safe and affordable transportation choices that treat everyone with dignity and support vibrant, inclusive communities.

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The Broad Foundation Two-Year Grant Marks LACI’s Single Largest Philanthropic Commitment To Date, and is Joined by Paul Jennings’ $1 Million Pledge Over 5 Years to Support LACI’s Mission to Build an Inclusive Green Economy in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, April 3, 2024 – The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is proud to announce a two-year, $2 million, two-year commitment from the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. The general operating support grant from The Broad Foundation is joined by a $1 million personal pledge over 5 years by Paul Jennings. Both gifts will empower LACI to advance our mission to create an inclusive green economy for Los Angeles, including training and growing the green workforce as well as advancing bold targets for transportation electrification and clean energy by the time the world arrives for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The $2 million grant from The Broad Foundation marks the single largest philanthropic commitment in LACI’s history. This support not only mirrors the foundation’s vision but also connects communities to emerging opportunities, advancing pathways for a more sustainable, equitable economy in Los Angeles. 

“Our support for LACI’s pioneering efforts in workforce development and clean technology is an investment in the future of Los Angeles,” said Gerun Riley, president of The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. “In keeping with our vision for LA, LACI’s programs, investments and advocacy are designed to create pathways to upwardly mobile jobs for historically marginalized Angelenos.” 

Thanks in part to previous support from The Broad Foundation in 2021, LACI emerged from the economic challenges of the pandemic as a stronger organization. We attracted new resources to help reduce air pollution by accelerating transportation electrification infrastructure and clean energy innovations, bringing underrepresented populations into the green economy through workforce training, startup incubation, and other key initiatives. 

In the past six months alone, LACI has launched a groundbreaking public-private partnership focused on accelerating the path to 100% clean energy by the time of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games; updated nation-leading targets to electrify transportation and goods movement by 2028; and secured $15.5M in new funding–and built political will–for the first public electric truck charging depot at the Port of LA plus two additional charging depots along the I-710–all while supporting diverse entrepreneurs. 

“We are tremendously grateful to The Broad Foundation for their confidence in and support of LACI–we share the Foundation’s unyielding commitment to creating economic opportunity for our communities and bringing resources to the region to create a sustainable future,” said Matt Petersen, LACI President and CEO. “Joined by our board member Paul Jennings’ personal pledge, the Broad grant will help LACI to accelerate equitable climate action in Los Angeles before the world arrives for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.”

“I have long been committed to expanding opportunities in education, investing in clean energy solutions like EV charging, and giving back to our community,” said Paul Jennings, Principal at PCS Energy. “That is why as a board member and donor I am so passionate about supporting LACI’s mission and programs, whether it is preparing the green workforce of the future, investing in underrepresented cleantech founders to grow our economy, or ensuring our region leads the way on transportation electrification.”

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ABOUT LACI:
The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is creating an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation through scaling cleantech startups, transforming markets through catalytic partnerships with policymakers, innovators, and market leaders in transportation, energy, and sustainable cities, like the Transportation Electrification Partnership, and enhancing communities through green jobs workforce training, pilots and other programs. Founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP) in 2011, LACI is recognized as one of the top 10 innovative business incubators in the world by UBI. LACI has helped 375 portfolio companies raise over $1 billion in funding, generated $335 million in revenue, and created 2,626 jobs throughout the Los Angeles region, with a long term economic impact of more than $587 million. 

ABOUT THE ELI AND EDYTHE BROAD FOUNDATION: 

The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation steadfastly stewards our groundbreaking institutions in education, science, and the arts, while elevating organizations, initiatives and leaders that boldly address the challenges of our time and expand opportunity for Los Angeles’ historically marginalized communities. We envision a world where everyone can shape and participate in a sustainable, equitable economy that serves the public good and builds a brighter future. We see our community as a place of opportunity where all Angelenos, inclusive of their backgrounds, have pathways and tools to grow and thrive. To learn more, visit: https://broadfoundation.org/los-angeles/

First of its Kind City Challenge is Designed to Help Cities Pilot and Scale Innovation to Reduce Congestion & Emissions from Exploding E-Commerce and Goods Movement

Los Angeles, January 9, 2024 – The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI)–in partnership with Climate Mayors and C40–announced the selected cities for the inaugural City Climate Innovation Challenge for Zero Emissions Delivery (ZED Challenge). Joining the anchor partners of Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, and Santa Monica are: Louisville, KY; Miami-Dade County, FL; New York City, NY; Oakland, CA; Portland, OR; and Washington D.C. The cities’ combined metropolitan populations represent 55 million people–one in every six Americans–representing a bold market signal for zero emissions delivery. Wells Fargo was announced as the first ZED Challenge corporate funder, providing support to launch the inaugural cohort nationwide.

LACI’s ZED Challenge aims to accelerate the move to zero emissions delivery to reduce emissions from predominantly dirty, diesel trucks moving goods for the first mile (e.g., class 8 drayage trucks) to last mile (e.g., medium duty delivery trucks) predominantly impacting low income, disadvantaged communities with disproportionate pollution and congestion. LACI will work with cities to identify startup and corporate solutions to be piloted in innovation “sandboxes” along with access to pilot funding for select startup solutions, technical support, data analysis, peer-to-peer learnings, & convenings with existing private sector delivery companies. Once successful solutions are identified, LACI will work with the cities to scale the policy and business model innovations while providing access to debt and venture funding for startups. The ZED Challenge will build on LACI’s unique model for piloting and scaling solutions with cities, including zero emissions delivery, EV car share for low income communities, and other innovations.

“We are confident the LACI model can help cities better invite innovation, and in turn scale what works to reduce congestion and improve air quality through zero emissions delivery,” said Matt Petersen, LACI President and CEO. “That is why we launched this national Challenge: to help cities accelerate equitable climate action & address local needs.”

“Los Angeles will continue to take urgent action to protect our environment. The Zero Emissions Delivery City Challenge presents an opportunity for cities to engage deeply with experts and city leaders from across the country while developing innovative solutions on the road to zero-emissions goods movement,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “As a leading hub for cleantech innovation we are very excited to collaborate with LACI and the cohort participants while continuing our work to build more equitable, sustainable communities here in Los Angeles.”

“Cities are leading the nation in cutting emissions and adapting to a green future, and we’re proud to be a part of this new cohort of cities driving towards a zero-emissions delivery future,” said Rohit T Aggarwala, New York City Chief Climate Officer. “We’ll work together to accelerate our transition away from fossil fuels, to promote cargo bikes, electric delivery vehicles, and new technologies to manage delivery systems better. I’m grateful to our peer cities, as well as to LACI, C40, and Climate Mayors, for our shared commitment to combat climate change.”

“I am thrilled that Oakland has been selected by the LA Cleantech Incubator to work with other cities leading the fight against climate change to pilot innovative zero emission delivery solutions,” said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. “Working together with LACI’s cohort, we will strive to find solutions that improve air quality and reduce emissions and traffic congestion brought on by the explosion in last mile deliveries. This collaboration will help us not only to meet Oakland’s own Equitable Climate Action Plan goals, but to develop innovative strategies to address this same challenge faced by cities around the world.”

“DDOT is honored to join the LACI challenge. With the support of this cohort, we plan to create a delivery microhub to support more sustainable last-mile delivery modes, such as e-cargo bikes,” said Sharon Kershbaum, Interim Director, District Department of Transportation (Washington, D.C.). “Not only will this mode-shift opportunity help the city meet its emission reduction goals, it will also encourage better curbside usage and traffic safety.”

“I am thrilled to see such an amazing group of leading Climate Mayors cities join the National Zero Emissions Delivery City Climate Innovation Cohort, each bringing its own unique expertise, ambitions, and solutions,” said Kate Wright, Executive Director at Climate Mayors. “We at Climate Mayors look forward to supporting the cohort in its plans to deliver zero-emissions innovations at scale – a necessary step in securing more sustainable and healthier communities across the country.”

“Cities are leaders and innovators on climate, including creating better ways to manage local deliveries that cut fossil fuel use and reduce emissions,” said Laura Jay, Regional Director for North America at C40 Cities. “Changing the way goods are moved and delivered will yield meaningful benefits for urban residents, from improved air quality to safer streets, as well as contribute to the green economy. The Zero Emission Delivery City Challenge is an exciting new initiative to help American cities tackle the thorny problem of reducing pollution from urban logistics. C40 is delighted to support this effort, which will bring different perspectives together to help build healthier, more efficient cities.”

“Cities across the nation are leading the way in developing solutions that will advance resilient, equitable, and cleaner futures,” said Robyn Luhning, Chief Sustainability Officer for Wells Fargo. “Wells Fargo is proud to support LACI’s push for innovation to advance clean transportation while delivering long-term benefit for communities.”

Prior to launching the Challenge, LACI created the nation’s first Zero Emissions Delivery Zone with the City of Santa Monica within a one square mile innovation zone or ‘sandbox’, dedicating curb space for zero emissions vehicles only with signage, painting of curbs, and access to light poles for camera and software technology from the startup Automotus, which was selected through a technology RFI. LACI then subsequently partnered with the Cities of Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh to secure a $3.7 million engagement grant through the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office to expand curb access initiatives.

The City Climate Innovation Challenge also builds on research jointly conducted by LACI, C40 and PwC entitled Cleantech Cities: Accelerating Climate Action Through Startups and Corporate Innovation. Originally unveiled at the 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Madrid, the research estimated the potential of new technologies and disruptive innovation in cities by 2030 could surpass 1.3 GtCO2e in greenhouse gas reductions from buildings, transport and waste each year. Urban climate innovation is estimated to create just over $5 trillion in new global investment opportunities by 2030, plus inclusive opportunities for job growth, public health improvements, and other co-benefits. The ZED City Challenge represents a manifestation of initiatives called for by the report.

In September 2022 at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York City, LACI announced its Commitment to Action to expand the Zero Emission Delivery work that LACI developed in the cities of Santa Monica and Los Angeles—with funding and support from C40 and Ingka—to an additional five to seven U.S. metropolitan areas by 2025.

About LACI:
Established in 2011 as an economic development initiative of the City of Los Angeles and LA Department of Water and Power (LADWP), LACI is creating an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation through startup incubation, transforming markets through catalytic partnerships, pilots and policies, and enhancing communities through green job training.  Solutions are focused on zero emissions transportation, clean energy, and sustainable cities. LACI’s startup incubation programs provide curriculum, coaching, pilot funding, access to venture and debt funds, additional resources for underrepresented founders, paid interns, and other resources to scale emerging cleantech companies.

About Climate Mayors:
Founded in 2014, Climate Mayors is a bipartisan, peer-to-peer network that has mobilized more than 750 U.S. mayors who demonstrate climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities. Representing 48 states and nearly 60 million Americans, the Climate Mayors coalition reflects U.S. cities’ commitment to climate progress.

About C40:
C40 is a global network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities that are united in action to confront the climate crisis. Mayors of C40 cities are committed to using an inclusive, science-based and collaborative approach to cut their fair share of emissions in half by 2030, help the world limit global heating to 1.5°C, and build healthy, equitable and resilient communities.

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