#USA #Los Angeles #LACI #Russell Westbrook #2028 Games

Russell Westbrook Teams Up with LACI for Clean Air Initiatives

The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) has announced an exciting partnership with NBA All-Star and Team USA Olympic gold medalist Russell Westbrook, who will serve as Co-Chair of LACI's ambitious Road to 2028 initiative. Westbrook, a native of Los Angeles, emphasizes the importance of clean air and community investment, particularly for vulnerable populations such as youth and seniors, who suffer the brunt of poor air quality and lack of investment.

The Mission Ahead

With the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games just over two years away, Westbrook expresses his enthusiasm for this partnership, stating, "I am so excited to partner with LACI as Co-Chair of the Road to 2028 to help accelerate clean energy, transportation, and clean air by the time the world arrives on July 14, 2028." This initiative aims to fast-track the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs), enhance accessibility to clean energy, and promote sustainable community solutions in the Los Angeles region.

Westbrook will collaborate closely with LACI President and CEO Matt Petersen to galvanize support from potential partners, advocating for commitments that benefit the Greater Los Angeles community. The partnership will showcase California's innovation and commitment to addressing climate change while reinforcing the state’s position as one of the world’s leading economies.

Road to 2028: A Framework for Change

LACI's Road to 2028 encompasses a comprehensive series of programs aimed at electrical transportation and clean energy. This includes its upcoming Summit Series, scheduled for July 14 and 15, 2026, at the Intuit Dome—the future home of Olympic basketball. This summit will gather industry leaders and influencers to facilitate discussions that aim to foster impactful decisions addressing climate solutions and community investments.

The initiative's groundwork builds on the longstanding Transportation Electrification Partnership (TEP) and Clean Energy Partnership (CEP), which have been pivotal in accelerating the transition to clean energy. LACI plans to pilot programs during the World Cup matches in Los Angeles to showcase its commitment to sustainable development.

Impact and Community Investment

Westbrook’s involvement is anticipated to propel initiatives aimed at improving local air quality and generating economic opportunities for small businesses, innovative cleantech startups, and green jobs within the community. "I am grateful for Russell joining me as Co-Chair of the Road to 2028 and partnering with LACI to make cleaner air, resiliency, and economic investment a legacy of the Games for all Angelenos," Petersen states.

In recent years, LACI has effectively mobilized support for cleaner air initiatives, raising over $125 million in local commitments during the inaugural Road to 2028 Summit held in December 2025. This endeavor aims to solidify Los Angeles’ status as a model for equitable climate action worldwide.

An Inclusive Approach to Climate Solutions

The Road to 2028 seeks to integrate cleaner air and investments into the fabric of Los Angeles’ legacy as host of the upcoming Olympic Games. The vision is clear: convert these opportunities into actionable commitments that promote sustainability, enhance community resilience, and foster economic investments in green initiatives.

As various high-profile leaders stand alongside Westbrook in endorsing LACI's Road to 2028 goals, including notable athletes and entertainment figures, the initiative finds strength in its community-supported approach to combating climate challenges. The trust and determination demonstrated by Westbrook will likely inspire others to contribute to this cause.

In conclusion, LACI and Russell Westbrook's partnership signifies a critical step toward reshaping Los Angeles’ ecological landscape, ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable city that prioritizes the health and economic well-being of its residents as it gears up for the global spotlight of the 2028 Olympics.