LOS ANGELES-More than 1,000 city, business and transportation leaders urged the city to leverage local funds and invest in transportation measures during the 12^th annual Mobility 21 Southern California Transportation Summit, the largest day-long transportation conference in the state. Held at J.W. Marriott at L.A. LIVE, the conference brought a wealth of important leaders together, including California Governor Jerry Brown, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Diane DuBois, chair of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Dubois discussed the lack of funds the city has to deal with transportation infrastructure issues. Currentyly, funds are mainly generated through sales taxes. “We must convince Congress to update the gas tax and perhaps create an infrastructure bank that we can use to leverage the transportation taxes our voters have been generous and farsighted in supporting," she said, adding that taxpayers have “stepped up to the plate” and have voted to tax for mobility.

During the conference, Mobility 21 launched a transportation advocacy application that intends to make elected officials responsible for improving transportation services. This will make it easier for voters to voice problems, concerns and opinions about the transportation issues in Los Angeles and throughout California.