Garcetti Unveils Program Aiding Residents Without A Bank Account

LOS ANGELES —LA Mayor Eric Garcetti appeared at an event in Leimert Park Wednesday to announce the launch of Angeleno Connect debit card and mobile app, which 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, according to the mayor.

The program is the result of a partnership between the city and Mobility Capital Finance, Inc, known as MoCaFi, which will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the card and app. The card initially was launched in the summer of 2020, to help the city disburse Emergency Relief Funding to Angelenos impacted by the pandemic.

Now, together, the card and app, will have expanded capabilities, like giving users free transactions and providing a safe debit card for populations without bank accounts.

According to a release, through the Angeleno Connect website, users will be able to connect to more than 140 city online services - like adopting a pet, making a park reservation and obtaining a business license or permit. Meanwhile, through the mobile app, users will have access to financial literacy information, including credit building, small business displacement and predatory financial services.

In the future, the card and app can be used for city services like: accessing a Los Angeles Department of Water and Power account, filing a MYLA311 request and enrolling kids in youth sports, officials said.

"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."

LA councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas said the Angeleno Connect card and app are about equity, and they will provide a way to connect underserved communities to financial tools that can open the door to opportunities.

"As we move into the 21st Century digital economy, we need to be more connected, not less. This initiative represents the fulfillment of that promise - a promise to never leave an Angeleno behind," Ridley-Thomas said. "Shout out to Mayor Eric Garcetti and the community partners for their leadership in making this program a reality."

As a part of the program, users of the Angeleno Connect card also we be able to make free withdrawals at any Wells Fargo ATM. IGNITE Cities and Mastercard also are partners in the program.

Residents can learn more about the program, get an account, or sign up for services by visiting the Angeleno Connect page on the LACity website, or by calling 3-1-1.