Cities of Lancaster and Palmdale Collaborate on New, Innovative Economic and Safety Initiatives

The Cities of Palmdale and Lancaster are joining forces on two collaborative efforts targeted to boost the local economy and improve safety on local public transit.

To assist Antelope Valley businesses impacted by the COVID-19 closures that began on March 15, 2020, the cities will launch “Operation Jump Start,” an economic stimulus program where purchasers of a new vehicle at the Lancaster and Palmdale Auto Malls as well as Antelope Valley Harley Davidson will receive a $500 gift card. Purchasers of a used vehicle will receive a $250 gift card. The program is tentatively scheduled to begin May 15, subject to Los Angeles County allowing the soft opening of businesses. Cards will be eligible for use at businesses valley wide.

Additionally, Lancaster and Palmdale are moving forward in a partnership with the Antelope Valley Transit Authority to provide extra public safety staffing and protection throughout the transit system.

Details on both programs will be announced at the cities’ respective City Council meetings over the next week.

“It’s no secret that COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on our nationwide economy,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “Now, the Antelope Valley is looking to recovery. We are happy to work hand-in-hand with the City of Palmdale to aid local residents and businesses. Through innovative solutions and partnerships such as these, the Antelope Valley will emerge from this crisis stronger than ever before.”

“Communities often come together during a crisis, and that’s exactly what you’re seeing here in the Antelope Valley,” said Palmdale Mayor Steve Hofbauer. “The City of Palmdale is committed to working with the City of Lancaster to make sure our affected businesses will recover from this unexpected shutdown while also improving our public safety transit now and for the future. There have been many collaborative efforts between the two cities and more to come as together we move forward through this crisis.”

“The Lancaster Auto Mall is excited to partner with the Cities of Lancaster and Palmdale, as well as the Palmdale Auto Mall, to launch this program,” said Tom Fuller, co-owner of Hunter Dodge Chrysler Jeep Fiat and RAM of the West. “This is a prime opportunity for car buyers to not only receive extra value with the purchase of their vehicle, but also to support local jobs and businesses as our economy begins the road to recovery from COVID-19.”

“The Palmdale Auto Mall is owned and operated by local families that care about our community,” said Gus Camacho, President/CEO of Camacho Auto Sales. “We're all in this together and we’ll rev up this economy together. We have witnessed first-hand the effect COVID-19 has had on all Antelope Valley businesses and their employees, and now we’re super excited to team up with both cities be part of this coalition.”

Dealerships participating in Operation Jump Start include:

· Antelope Valley Chevrolet

· Antelope Valley Ford

· Antelope Valley Harley Davidson

· Antelope Valley Mazda

· Antelope Valley Nissan

· Antelope Valley Volkswagen

· Camacho Auto Sales

· Camacho Mitsubishi

· Honda Lancaster

· Hunter Dodge Chrysler Jeep Fiat

· HW RAM of the West

· Rally GMC

· Rally Hyundai

· Rally Kia

· Robertson’s Palmdale Honda

· Subaru Antelope Valley

· Toyota of Lancaster

“The safety of our riders and our staff has always been and will continue to be our top priority, and that focus has never been more important than it is now as we work as a unified community to stay safe and healthy through the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Macy Neshati, Executive Director and CEO of AVTA. “In partnership with the Cities of Palmdale and Lancaster, we are proud to be participating with our local law enforcement to promote public awareness of safety measures we can all be observing to stay safe and healthy. We are grateful to our community leaders for their remarkable leadership and commitment to keeping us all safe and virus free.”