Lyft launched a City Works DC Advisory Council

Lyft has launched a chapter of its advisory council in the District.

The council will bring together “civic leaders of transportation and philanthropy, activists in business, education, and the arts to help make D.C.’s city life better, more inclusive, more equitable, and more sustainable,” the ridesharing company said.

Lyft announced this after it made a commitment to help solve transportation challenges in major cities through an investment of $50 million or 1% of its profits, whichever is the larger amount, via its Lyft City Works program.

“Lyft City Works Councils are established to reflect the aspirations, diversity and culture of the city they live in and serve and to help community leaders from the area to come together with local nonprofits,” said Steve Taylor, Lyft regional director for the Mid-Atlantic region, in a statement. “No one knows the city better than those who inhabit it, so we’re honored to partner with D.C.’s finest to work towards achieving great impact in our communities through transportation.”

The first Lyft City Works councils were launched in Los Angeles earlier this year followed by Chicago in October, Lyft PR rep Kelly Hughes told Technical.ly. Each council features 15 to 20 members.

“Lyft’s goal was to select members that represent different interests, values, topics, etc. within the community,” said Hughes. “Their cross-sector and hyperlocal expertise will make the process more equitable and ensure a variety of issues and organizations are represented.”

Here are the community leaders who have been named members of the Lyft City Works DC Advisory Council:

• Andy Hooper, president of &pizza
• Ayris Scales, president of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women
• Erik Moses, president of DC Defenders
• Kate Goodall, cofounder and CEO of Halcyon
• Katherine Bradley, president of the Citybridge Foundation
• Kokayi, musical artist
• Maggie O’Neill, cofounder of SWATCHROOM
• Mari Rodela, chief community and culture officer of DC Brau
• Melissa Bradley, managing director of 1863 Ventures
• Morgan West, founder and director of A Creative DC
• Peter Chang, cofounder of No Kings Collective
• Shelly Bell, founder of Black Girl Ventures
• Stacey Price, founder of Shop Made in DC and People Make Place
• Staci Alexander, director of thought leadership, office of policy, research and internal affairs at AARP
• Timothy Chi, CEO of The Knot Worldwide