Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the launch of the Angeleno Connect debit card and mobile app.  The program can be used by the city to disburse financial assistance directly to residents, connect people to city services and offer free financial services to Angelenos without a bank account.

“COVID-19 laid bare the systemic inequities too often found at the heart of our communities, and as we continue to emerge from this crisis, we must rebuild an economy that truly includes everyone,” Garcetti said. “At a time when countless Angelenos are in need of financial assistance and guidance, Angeleno Connect will bring them the benefits of a free debit card, financial support and resources, and direct access to critical city services.”

The program is a result of a partnership with Mobility Capital Finance, Inc., which is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the card and app. The card, which has already been in use to disburse the city’s allocated emergency relief funding to Angelenos, will give users free transactions.

Through the Angeleno Connect website, lacity.org/angeloconnect, users can access more than 140 of the city’s online services, such as adopting a pet, making a park reservation or obtaining a business license or permit. Through the mobile app, Angelenos can also access additional materials on crucial financial literacy information, including credit building, small business displacement and predatory financial services.

In the future, Angelenos will be able to use a single sign-on account for additional city services, including accessing their Los Angeles Department of Water and Power account, filing a MyLA311 request and enrolling their children in youth sports.

“Our collaboration with the city of Los Angeles is a groundbreaking financial services model that cities across the nation that are facing challenges when trying to connect with hard-to-reach constituencies may emulate,” said Wole Coaxum, founder and CEO of MoCaFi. “The Angeleno Connect platform embraces Mayor Garcetti’s vision of high-quality, safe and secure financial products and financial literacy services while offering tools to address the wealth gap in the city of Los Angeles.”