Lyft, a San Francisco-based transportation network company, will invest $350,000 to establish a Mid-Atlantic regional headquarters operation in Arlington County. Governor McAuliffe met with Lyft officials at the corporate headquarters in San Francisco during his March 2016 Marketing Mission. Virginia successfully competed against Washington, D.C., for this project, which will create 32 new jobs.
The announcement “is another strong testament to Virginia’s competitiveness for an innovative and recognizable brand like Lyft to select the Commonwealth for its Mid-Atlantic regional headquarters,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Arlington County has become a hub for the thriving technology sector, and Lyft will be a strong addition to our corporate roster. Attracting companies that represent this kind of high-tech entrepreneurship is vital to our efforts to diversify and build a new Virginia economy, and today is a big win for the Commonwealth. ”
“Virginia is recognized now as a world-class center for the burgeoning technology industry, attracting high-caliber companies like Lyft,” said Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore. “With its acknowledged excellent technology workforce and high quality-of-life standards, Northern Virginia will be a perfect East Coast home for Lyft. We are excited to welcome the company to the Commonwealth and look forward to its continued growth.”
Lyft was launched in 2012 as an affordable ride-sharing service that helps commuters share rides with friends, classmates, and coworkers. Through the Lyft smartphone application, users are matched with local drivers at the tap of a button. Lyft is currently available in more than 200 U.S. cities, including many in Virginia. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Arlington County to secure the project for Virginia.
“Lyft is thrilled to open our new office in the emerging innovation center of Crystal City,” said Lyft General Manager Steve Taylor. “We’re extremely pleased by the warm welcome we have received from Governor McAuliffe, and state and county officials. Building a strong presence in the D.C. area is crucial to Lyft’s growth and we look forward to strengthening our ties to this area for years to come.”
“Lyft represents the kind of exciting, fast-growing technology company Arlington wants to attract,” said Libby Garvey, Arlington County Board Chair. “We are thrilled to welcome Lyft to Arlington and look forward to having them as an important part of our business community.”
“I am excited to welcome Lyft’s regional headquarters and its new employees to south Arlington,” said Senator Adam Ebbin (D – Alexandria). “We embrace emerging technologies–particularly leaders in the burgeoning sharing economy–locating in Crystal City, which is becoming an even more vibrant hub for quality, high-tech jobs.”
“Lyft’s decision to establish a regional headquarters operation in Arlington is further evidence that Governor McAuliffe is helping Arlington stay in the vanguard of the new Virginia economy,” said Delegate Rip Sullivan(D – Arlington). “Lyft is a great example of a forward-thinking company providing creative solutions to a complex issue like transportation in Northern Virginia. I look forward to welcoming Lyft and its 32 new employees to Arlington.”
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