LACI Adopts Transportation Technology Innovation Zone at the
Warner Center in the San Fernando Valley; Merger Also Adds to
LACI's National City Climate Innovation Challenge
LOS
ANGELES, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los
Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is pleased to announce that
Urban Movement Labs (UML) has merged into LACI. The merger will
strengthen LACI's capacity to accelerate progress toward the bold
transportation electrification targets set by the time the world
arrives for the 2028 Olympics in Los
Angeles. Given the legacy of UML's focus on mobility
innovation nationally, the merger bolsters LACI's national City
Climate Innovation Challenge whose first cohort includes NYC, DC,
Los Angeles, and six other local
governments across the US working on piloting zero emissions
delivery via local 'innovation sandboxes'.
As part of the merger, LACI will carry forward the
Transportation Technology Innovation Zone (TTIZ) at the Warner
Center in the San Fernando Valley. Through the TTIZ, LACI will
invite zero emissions mobility, charging, and other solutions into
a dedicated, permanent 'innovation sandbox' to better serve the
needs of over 14,000 Angelenos who call Warner Center their home as
well as the 45,000 people who work in the community. The TTIZ will
also tie to the work of LACI's public-private Transportation
Electrification Partnership. (TEP) launched in 2018 as well as the
related Clean Energy Partnership (CEP)'s transportation energy
nexus targets.
"We are excited to announce that the Urban Movement Labs is
merging into LACI, expanding our capacity to increase investment in
transportation electrification infrastructure, EV and mobility
startups, and green job creation in LA and beyond," said
Matt Petersen, LACI President and
CEO. "Whether it is the work UML did to create the TTIZ at the
Warner Center in LA or advancing mobility innovation nationally,
the merger strengthens LACI's capacity to scale startups, create
green jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."
"LACI is a world-class climate innovation organization, and I am
excited to continue working together on key policy measures to
accelerate progress on transportation electrification and clean
energy here in LA by the time the world arrives in 2028," said
Senator Henry Stern. "Through
the TTIZ here in the 27th district, we can test and explore
different emerging cleantech startup solutions to meet the needs of
Angelenos and beyond."
"Increasing access to zero-emissions transportation options is
critical to advancing climate action, reducing air pollution, and
improving public health," said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel. "Thanks to LACI's expertise
and leadership, we will explore clean and reliable transportation
electrification innovations at the Warner Center while laying the
groundwork for future zero emissions mobility solutions."
"LACI is leading the way to bring new, zero emissions
transportation and clean energy innovations to the San Fernando
Valley through its Transportation Technology Innovation Zone at the
Warner Center," said Lindsey P.
Horvath, Chair, Los Angeles
County Board of Supervisors. "LACI's unique model can
help the Warner Center reduce emissions, create green jobs, and
increase access to mobility solutions for the region—all critical
as we prepare for significant events including the 2028 Olympic and
Paralympic Games."
"I am excited to work with LACI to advance climate action and
sustainable mobility solutions here in the 3rd council district,"
said Councilmember Bob Blumenfeld. "The 'innovation sandbox'
that LACI is creating with the TTIZ will provide an opportunity to
pilot solutions and scale what works."
"Urban Movement Labs has proven itself as a groundbreaking
public-private partnership, exemplifying how an organization can
successfully facilitate innovation in collaboration with city
governments," said Francis
Pollara, Co-founder of UML. "Merging with the Los
Angeles Cleantech Incubator, we are proud to carry forward this
legacy and accelerate policies and innovation that aid Los Angeles and other cities in achieving
their goals. As a new LACI Advisory Council member, I look forward
to partnering with LACI to continue our impact."
"LADOT's partnership with the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator
has already advanced Zero-emission projects citywide," said
LADOT General Manager Laura
Rubio-Cornejo. "With LACI now leading development of the
Transportation Technology Innovation Zone, we look forward to
testing innovative models that will inform new efforts to scale up
zero emission mobility policies and technologies citywide."
With the support of state funding secured by Senator
Henry Stern and Assemblymember
Jesse Gabriel for the TTIZ, LACI
will work in collaboration with Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, Councilmember Bob Blumenfield,
the Warner Center Association, and LACI's TEP members to issue and
seek zero emission technology solutions that can be deployed in
service of the community's needs. The first priority will be an
electric on-demand micro-transit shuttle in a pilot to explore
meeting the needs of the Warner Center community. The partners will
also work to identify a broader set of solutions relating to
mobility, charging and delivery.
UML launched in 2019 as a public-private partnership to help LA
reduce its reliance on single-occupancy vehicles while finding new
zero emissions mobility options that can translate to other cities
around the world by fostering collaboration between communities,
local governments and mobility innovators. UML first launched the
TTIZ test bed at Warner Center in early 2021 in partnership with
the Warner Center Association and the Los Angeles Department of
Transportation (LADOT).
Contact:
Cameron Edinburgh
213.647.1441
377537@email4pr.com
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SOURCE Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator