Co-founder of the California Public Banking Alliance (CPBA), Public Bank LA (PBLA), & Divest LA, IFTF Equitable Enterprise Initiative Fellow
Trinity Tran is the co-founder and lead organizer of the California Public Banking Alliance (CPBA), Public Bank LA (PBLA), and Divest LA. Trinity created Divest LA and successfully mobilized activists behind the campaign to move the City of Los Angeles’ public funds from Wells Fargo. She co-founded Public Bank LA in 2017, which led the Measure B ballot initiative to create a city-owned bank in Los Angeles. In 2018, she became a founding member of the California Public Banking Alliance and lead organizer for the statewide coalition of grassroots groups which conceived of and sponsored historic State Legislative bill AB 857 to create local public banks in California. The Public Banking Act was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2019.
Trinity led the efforts to pass AB 1177, the CA Public Banking Option Act, with co-sponsor SEIU California, in the 2021 legislative session. AB 1177 (CalAccount) was signed into law by Governor Newsom in October 2021 and starts the process to provide free bank accounts to all Californians. She simultaneously helmed the Los Angeles grassroots campaign leading to LA City Council’s unanimous vote approving a motion to move forward with the Los Angeles public bank.
Trinity is the Executive Director of Urban Partners Los Angeles (UPLA), overseeing one of the largest walk-up food banks in Southern California. UPLA has earned recognition from Congressional District 34 and Assembly District 53 for their non-profit work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trinity was awarded the 2021 Woman of the Year from the California State Assembly District 53 and the 2021 Progressive Champion Award from the California Progressive Alliance. She is devoted to helping underserved populations and transforming the financial system to advance social and economic justice.
