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Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics

Executive Summary:

The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles (LA28) are set to be a significant international event, marked by both excitement and challenges. The Games, scheduled for July 14-30, 2028, are a testament to Los Angeles's resilience and ambition. However, the city is also grappling with severe wildfires, raising questions about its preparedness and the prioritization of resources. The Games are intended to be privately funded, with public backstops in place. They will showcase Los Angeles’s existing infrastructure and commitment to sustainability, while also introducing new sports and innovative formats. The political backdrop, including a second term for Donald Trump, adds another layer of complexity.

Key Themes & Ideas:

1. A City of Dreams & Reinvention:

• Los Angeles is positioning itself as a city that can not only host a successful Olympics but use the Games as a catalyst for urban renewal and community development.
• The Olympics are envisioned as a celebration of the city's diverse culture, innovation, and spirit. As a source states, "The strength of our communities and our unity in tough times make this city extraordinary, and when Los Angeles welcomes the world in 2028, our spirit will shine brighter than ever before."
• The aim is to go beyond a mere sporting event and create a cultural phenomenon. The games are seen as "a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the enduring spirit of the Olympic ideal."

1. Unique Bidding Process and City Selection:

• Los Angeles initially bid for the 2024 Olympics but agreed to host in 2028 after the IOC decided to concurrently award the 2024 and 2028 games due to bid withdrawals from other cities.
• Paris was favored for the 2024 games to mark the centennial of their 1924 Olympics, leading LA to accept the 2028 bid. This allowed Los Angeles to secure $1.8 billion in additional funding from the IOC, in return for waiting an additional four years.
• The LA bid was praised for its innovative approach using existing and temporary facilities and reliance on corporate funding. As the article states: “The IOC praised the LA bid for using a record-breaking number of existing and temporary facilities and for relying entirely on corporate funding.”

1. Infrastructure Development and "Transit-First" Approach:

• A major focus is on improving public transportation through the "Twenty-eight by '28" initiative, aiming to complete 28 transit projects before the Games. The article specifically mentions the Metro E Line and D Line extensions.
• Los Angeles aims to be a "car-free" Olympics, encouraging the use of public transit, reducing congestion, and promoting remote work during the event. The article states that Mayor Bass has the goal of making the event "[public] transit-first".
• Funding is coming from Measure R and Measure M, local sales tax increases approved prior to the Games being awarded.

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