#United States #Los Angeles #Rockefeller Foundation #Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator #Zero-Emissions Delivery

LACI Secures Funding to Propel Zero-Emissions Delivery Initiatives Across U.S. Cities

The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) made headlines when it announced on February 20, 2025, that it has received a substantial grant of $500,000 from The Rockefeller Foundation. This funding will specifically support LACI's City Climate Innovation Challenge aimed at Zero-Emissions Delivery (ZED Challenge), a groundbreaking initiative focused on helping cities adopt novel solutions that not only enhance efficiency but significantly cut emissions related to delivery services.

Objectives of the ZED Challenge

Launched in January 2024, the ZED Challenge has set ambitious goals, chiefly to combat the growing congestion and pollution in urban areas stemming from the rise of e-commerce and the logistics of goods movement. Participating municipalities include Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Santa Monica, Louisville, Miami-Dade, New York City, Oakland, Portland, and Washington D.C. Collectively, these cities are home to approximately 55 million people, representing around one-sixth of the U.S. population, which serves as a strong endorsement for promoting zero-emissions delivery solutions.

“Thanks to The Rockefeller Foundation, LACI will help U.S. cities reduce emissions and grow the local economy by tapping into the best of American climate entrepreneurship,” stated Matt Petersen, President and CEO of LACI. This grant comes at a crucial juncture, enabling local governments to explore innovative avenues to enhance economic activities while protecting community health and the environment.

Addressing Urban Congestion

Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. have some of the highest traffic congestion rates globally. This reality leads to a rise in vehicle emissions that adversely affect air quality and public health, especially in vulnerable communities. A 2019 study by LACI, C40, and PwC suggested that significant city-level actions across sectors like transportation, buildings, and waste management could potentially lead to a reduction of 3.7 gigatons of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Furthermore, advancements in innovative technologies could yield an additional 1.3 gigatons of emission reductions.

Pilot Projects Supported by the Grant

With the funding from The Rockefeller Foundation, LACI plans to scale the ZED Challenge through various pilot projects that focus on:

• - Innovating Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure: Supporting the deployment of effective EV charging solutions that cater to medium and heavy-duty delivery vehicles.
• - Last-Mile Delivery Innovations: Exploring solutions such as e-cargo bikes, curb management strategies, and parcel lockers to enhance final delivery efficiency.
• - Development of Policy for Indirect Source Rules (ISR): Aiming to curtail emissions from warehouses and truck operations.

Maria Kozloski, Senior Vice President at The Rockefeller Foundation, highlighted LACI's exceptional track record in empowering local governments and supporting startups to bring decarbonization technologies to communities. “We are proud to support the City Climate Innovation Challenge, which is sparking opportunities to reduce emissions and create new jobs, thus benefiting millions of Americans,” she emphasized.

Community Leaders Weigh In

Local leaders recognize the necessity of innovative clean initiatives. Meera Joshi, New York City's Deputy Mayor for Operations, stated, “We must put major polluters in the driver's seat to clean the air and reduce asthma rates in neighborhoods.” She commended the partnership with LACI and the ZED Challenge for making a significant impact on air quality and public health in the city.
Shayna Hirshfield-Gold, Oakland's Climate Program Manager, expressed aspirations to make the city a global climate business hub by 2035, emphasizing how the collaboration with LACI and The Rockefeller Foundation supports sustainable job creation and an improved urban environment.

Future Implications

As the ZED Challenge continues to evolve, it distinctly symbolizes the potential of cities taking the lead in climate action while simultaneously boosting the local economy. LACI aims to replicate the success of the initiative in future challenges, paving the way for innovation and sustainability. With funding and support from impactful organizations like The Rockefeller Foundation, cities can effectively transition to cleaner practices that prioritize both economic growth and environmental responsibility.

About LACI

Founded in 2011 as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles, LACI is recognized as one of the world's leading business incubators dedicated to creating an inclusive green economy. With a focus on accelerating cleantech startups and leveraging partnerships with policymakers and innovators, LACI aims to transform urban environments and foster sustainable communities.

About The Rockefeller Foundation

The Rockefeller Foundation champions collaborative partnerships and transformative systems destined to advance human opportunity and reverse the climate crisis. With a firm commitment to creating a world where everyone can thrive, the foundation invests in vital sectors such as health, food, energy, and finance.

Drawn by the urgency of climate change and urban challenges, the support extended through the ZED Challenge aligns reason and responsibility to embrace a sustainable future for urban America.