Community Impact
Community Advisory Groups
In the coming months, the City Manager will establish community advisory groups focused on advancing legacy impacts on youth sports, arts and culture, and business development. The groups will help to ensure the diverse perspectives of the Long Beach community shape the long-term legacy of the Games. Furthermore, community members can play a vital role in shaping the Strategic Roadmap's implementation by participating in community meetings and City Council discussions.
The four Community Advisory Groups and their honorary co-chairs, consisting of 17 local leaders and stakeholders, who will work alongside City staff to co-lead these groups include:
- Arts and Culture: Sharon Diggs-Jackson, Julia Huang, Ron Nelson, Griselda Suarez
- Small Businesses: Blair Cohn, John Morris, Luis Navarro, Vivian Shimoyama
- Workforce and Economic Inclusion: Jill Baker, Mike Munoz, Susana Sngiem, Yvonne Wheeler
- Youth Sports: Tony Azevedo, Mike Fillipow, Mike Guardabascio, LaTonya Sheffield, Bobby Smitheran
Investments in Infrastructure
The City’s $933 million Elevate 28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, led by the Department of Public Works, includes over 180 projects across eight categories, including 19 Olympic Legacy projects. Over $210 million has been dedicated to these projects for the 2028 Games to create and enhance public spaces for recreation, arts and culture while fostering environments that promote sports, health and wellness.
With this multifaceted approach, the City's goal is to support equitable access to legacy benefits across all Long Beach communities and align with the 2030 Strategic Vision commitment of improving the quality of life for all residents. These projects will prepare Long Beach for its role in 2028 Games and benefit the local communities for generations to come.
Equity and Inclusion
The City seeks to ensure that all communities within Long Beach have an opportunity to engage, participate and benefit from the City’s role as a Venue City. While not every member of the Long Beach community may be able to attend official events during the Games period, all communities can access vital information, supplemental programming and localized event planning. The City is committed to ensuring equity of access to programming, volunteer opportunities and resources in communities throughout Long Beach. Operational plans will include an equity lens and specific measurable goals to track and address potential barriers to access and engagement where they exist. Through these commitments, the City is focused on creating a Games experience that is inclusive, equitable and reflective of the diverse communities it serves, ensuring that the benefits of this global event are shared by all.
Public Safety
The safety and wellbeing of the Long Beach community is of the utmost importance, and ensuring a safe environment for all will remain a critical priority leading up to and during the Games. Additional safety measures will be addressed and a comprehensive public safety plan will be developed in collaboration with City staff, LA28 and various partners.
