The Summer Olympics will return to Los Angeles for the third time on July 21, 2028.
Some Angelenos are cheering this news, anticipating the spectacle, the potential economic development, and the opportunity to show off the region to the world. Some Angelenos, on the other hand, say the event itself will benefit few, while the decade-long polishing of the city’s image will harm many.
With this series of stories, Curbed is starting a dialogue about how past games have changed the city—for better and for worse—and how city leaders can use those lessons to put forth the best games for everyone.
This series looks at what made 1932 and 1984 so successful, from deploying budget-friendly design to virtually eliminating traffic. We look at the way LA is using 2028 as a deadline for fixing bigger problems related to transit and housing. And we take a deeper dive into pressing issues like displacement and policing, areas where the Olympics have traditionally failed LA’s most vulnerable communities.
The Olympics in LA have historically been about showcasing the city—its climate, its landmarks, its culture—and situating its ambitions in a global context. The decisions made in the next decade will prove if LA can make 2028 work for all Angelenos. — Alissa Walker and Alexandra Lange