Los Angeles City Council approves 2028 Olympics cost reimbursement deal

The Los Angeles City Council has approved an amendment to the Enhanced City Resources Master Agreement with the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee. In a 10-4 vote, the council authorized terms intended to outline how the city will be reimbursed for services provided during the 2028 Games, such as sanitation, traffic control, and public safety.

The agreement includes a provision for the city to access a $270 million contingency fund established by LA28 to cover outstanding costs. Additionally, an amendment was approved to authorize an audit upon the completion of the Games, to be paid for by LA28, before any city funds are used to cover costs exceeding revenues.

Despite the approval, the decision faced opposition from several council members who expressed concerns regarding fiscal stability. Critics noted that if LA28 incurs significant losses, the city and state would absorb initial costs, but any remaining shortfall beyond those amounts would fall upon the city’s general fund. Some members warned that taxpayers could potentially face up to $1 billion in public safety and police costs.