As the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics in Paris have set the bar high for the upcoming summer Games in Los Angeles in 2028, key stakeholders are emphasizing the importance of adequate preparation. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her concerns about the extensive work needed to be done in the city to ensure it is ready to host the Games. Reflecting on the 1984 Olympics hosted by Los Angeles, Bass firmly believes that the city will not only rise to the occasion but also reap the benefits post-Games.
One of the key priorities for Los Angeles in preparation for the 2028 Olympics is an enhanced focus on public transportation. Mayor Bass envisions a scenario where there will be “no cars to the venues,” encouraging viewers to utilize public transportation for commuting to the Games. This ambitious goal would necessitate substantial investments in bus and subway infrastructure, as well as collaboration with neighboring cities to borrow buses. Additionally, efforts are underway to address the issue of street homelessness by constructing over 18,000 new housing units for the unhoused population.
To mitigate traffic congestion during the Games, Mayor Bass highlighted the need for effective regional organization. Discussions are being held with companies in Los Angeles to explore options such as transitioning employees to remote work during peak traffic hours and shifting truck deliveries to nighttime. Drawing from the successful strategies employed during the 1984 Games, Bass expressed optimism about organizing the region in a manner that ensures manageable traffic conditions.
Unlike previous Olympics, the 2028 Games in Los Angeles will not involve the construction of new permanent venues. While leveraging the city’s existing landmarks presents a unique opportunity, challenges arise in replicating the iconic settings seen in Paris, such as hosting beach volleyball near the Eiffel Tower. LA 2028 President Casey Wasserman acknowledged the need for innovative solutions to showcase the city’s landmarks effectively, citing the Olympic Torch handover ceremony where the Hollywood Sign was creatively integrated with the Olympic Rings using CGI.
Actress Jessica Alba, a member of the Los Angeles 2028 board of directors, emphasized the Games as a global platform to celebrate the diverse cultural aspects of the city. From Hollywood to fashion and food, Alba views the Olympics as an opportunity to spotlight the essence of Los Angeles on an international stage. Describing the city as a “main character” during the Games, Alba envisions a vibrant representation of Los Angeles’s identity across various domains.
The preparations for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles are underway, with a strong emphasis on enhancing public transportation, addressing homelessness, optimizing regional organization for efficiency, and creatively utilizing the city’s landmarks. The city is poised to showcase its unique cultural tapestry to a global audience, presenting an opportunity to leave a lasting impact post-Games. As the countdown to 2028 begins, Los Angeles appears determined to rise to the challenge and deliver a memorable Olympic experience.
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