The Los Angeles SkyRail Express (LASRE) is taking a major step forward in their commitment to diversity and opportunity in the transportation sector.

LASRE, a grouping of transportation, construction, engineering, finance, and technology companies, is partnering with 33 disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs). The firms will participate in pre-development work on a monorail transportation solution for the congested Sepulveda Pass/405 Corridor near Los Angeles Airport (LAX). 

Teresa Maxwell, LASRE's DBE Liason Manager expressed the dedication of LASRE to diversity in LA County. “DBEs are an integral part of the team and the LASRE Academy workshops and DBE mentoring plan demonstrate our commitment to including small minority and women-owned firms and supporting them throughout every phase of the project so they are successful,” said Maxwell. 

The program aims to assist in the inclusion of DBE participants, an expanding goal of city policymakers. Although they aim to make it a county wide inclusion, the LA Sky Rail Express is setting an example for other development projects. Involving small local businesses, including minority and women owned firms, will be at the top of their agenda.