Earlier this year, we announced Lyft City Works a major commitment to invest $50 million or 1% of profits — whichever is larger — to support locally communities by solving transportation challenges. At Lyft, we know that working together, we can do more to make cities people-focused and instead of built around cars. And in Chicago, there are civic leaders of transportation, philanthropy, activists business, education and the arts and who are making city life better, more inclusive, more equitable and more sustainable. We want to lift up this heroic work.
Starting today in Chicago, we’re forming a local advisory council made up of Chicago’s top community leaders. We’re excited to welcome the following leaders who make up the first-ever Lyft City Works Chicago advisory council.
Andee Harris, Founder & CEO, Franklin Heritage
Betsy Ziegler, CEO, 1871
Britt Julious, Writer, Editor, Essayist & Storyteller
Eric Williams, Founder & Creative Director, The Silver Room
Essence Smith, Co-Founder and Director of Operations & Communications, SocialWorks
Hebru Brantley, Artist
Jessica Malkin, CEO, Chicago Ideas
Justin Cunningham, Executive Director, SocialWorks
Lamell McMorris, Founding Principal, Greenlining Realty USA
Mike Strautmanis, Chief Engagement Officer, The Obama Foundation
Omowale Casselle, Co-Founder & CEO, Digital Adventures
Paul Kahan, Executive Chef, Partner, One Off Hospitality Group
Rodney Washington (“DJ HotRod”), Local Celebrity DJ; Founder, PepRallyTakeOver
Ryan Mundy, Managing Director, Techlete Ventures
Sammy Patel, CEO, Midway Partnership, Vantage Airport Group (Chicago)
Simeon Dill, Co-Founder, Premier Detail Specialist, O.A.S.I.S. Barbershop
Sky Cubacub, Founder, Rebirth Garments
Suzette Wright, Lyft Driver, Gender Equality Activist
These Chicago civic leaders will help bring our efforts towards improving transportation access and equity to fruition and help supercharge our collective efforts in the city. As a council member, they will be responsible for identifying the key areas and issues for City Works resources to pursue and support, mapping back to reflect the three key priorities of Lyft City Works:
Providing transportation
Developing transportation infrastructure
Creating a clean energy future
Starting immediately, the council is seeking Chicago-based nonprofits and grassroots organizations to apply for transportation grants. The awards will be distributed through Wheels for All, a program designed to support communities through transportation. To learn more about applying, people can visit www.lyftwheelsforall.com.
We believe that by working together, we can achieve the greatest possible impact, and we look forward to supercharging the growing civic movement in Chicago.