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LA Prepares for 2028 Olympics

Following the successful 2024 Olympics and Paralympics in Paris, the city of Los Angeles is preparing to host the next Summer Olympics in 2028. Key stakeholders are confident that the city will be ready to meet the high bar set by the Paris Games.

• Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her eagerness to ensure the city is adequately prepared for the Olympics, citing the need for significant improvements.
• Bass believes that just as in 1984, when Los Angeles last hosted the Olympics, the city will not only successfully host the Games but also benefit from them in the long term.

Transportation and Infrastructure

A key focus for the city is improving public transportation to ensure efficient movement during the Olympics. Mayor Bass envisions a scenario where attendees can reach venues without relying on cars, highlighting the need for investments in both bus and subway infrastructure. Collaboration with other cities to borrow buses is also being considered.

Addressing Homelessness

Los Angeles is also taking steps to address homelessness in the city, recognizing its impact on the Olympics. The city is committed to building over 18,000 new units for the unhoused population.

Traffic Management and Work Schedules

The city is exploring strategies to mitigate traffic congestion during the 2028 Olympics. Discussions are underway with businesses to encourage remote work during peak traffic periods and shift truck deliveries to nighttime hours, mirroring practices implemented during the 1984 Olympics.

Paris Olympics as Inspiration

LA 2028 President Casey Wasserman witnessed the Paris Games firsthand, calling them a reminder of the Olympics' captivating allure. He emphasized that organizers in Los Angeles will strive to build upon the success of the Paris Games.

Utilizing Los Angeles Landmarks

Unlike previous Olympics, no new permanent venues will be constructed for the 2028 Olympics. However, Los Angeles is seeking ways to leverage its iconic landmarks, drawing inspiration from Paris' use of prominent locations like the Eiffel Tower.

Hollywood Sign Transformation

The Olympic Torch handover ceremony in Paris, featuring Tom Cruise scaling the Hollywood Sign with the Olympic Rings replacing the "OO"'s, provided a glimpse of the potential for using the landmark during the 2028 Games. While acknowledging the complexity of such a project, Wasserman recognizes the potential for a spectacular visual experience.

Cultural Showcase

Actress Jessica Alba, a member of the Los Angeles 2028 board of directors, emphasizes that the Olympics will serve as a global platform to showcase various aspects of the city's culture, from Hollywood to fashion to food.