2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games

FAQs

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Olympic and Paralympic Games Structure

• Who governs the Olympic and Paralympic Games?

  The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) are the governing bodies that lead the worldwide movement for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. They oversee all aspects of the Games and ensure they adhere to the Olympic Charter. 

• What are National Olympic Committees (NOCs)?

  Each country that belongs to the IOC has its own National Olympic Committee. NOCs promote the development of national athletes and select which athletes will attend the Olympic Games. They also nominate host cities for the Games. 

• What is an Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (OCOG)?

  The IOC entrusts the organization of the Olympic Games to the NOC of the host country. The local NOC forms an OCOG to organize the Games for a specific year, complying with the Olympic Charter, the contract with the IOC, and instructions from the IOC Executive Board. For the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games (2028 Games), the OCOG is known as LA28.

• What is Long Beach’s role in the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games?

  Long Beach is a Venue City for the 2028 Games, meaning LA28 will host specific events in Long Beach, and the City will provide necessary public services to support these events.

• How is Long Beach different from the Host City, Los Angeles?

  The City of Los Angeles is the Host City and financial guarantor for the 2028 Games, hosting the greatest number of events and the athletes' village. As a Venue City, Long Beach will support the delivery of events during the 2028 Games, and LA28 will host several sporting events throughout the city. LA28 is responsible for the overall organization of the Games.

Progress and Planning

• What progress has the City made on Games planning so far?

  The City has been actively preparing for its role as a Venue City for the LA28 Games through a series of key milestones:

  • Foundational Actions (2016 -2017)
    • On September 20, 2016, the City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the LA 2024 Exploratory Committee, paving the way for potential participation in the 2024 Games. On February 21, 2017, the Council took further steps by approving additional agreements related to the 2024 Olympic bid. Since the last Council action, LA 2024 reorganized into LA28.
  • Formalizing the City’s Role (May – June 2024)
    • On May 14, 2024, the City Council approved the Games Agreement with LA28. This agreement outlines guiding principles, responsibilities, and a collaborative framework that will govern how Long Beach and LA28 coordinate public services and reimburse City expenses. On June 11, 2024, the Long Beach City Council approved the Venue Use Guarantee with LA28, which designates specific geographic areas within Long Beach to support the 2028 Games Plan. In the coming months, LA28 will announce final decisions for what venues and sports will be held in Long Beach.
  • Legacy Planning and Community Engagement
    • Beyond the immediate excitement of the 2028 Games, the City is committed to creating a lasting legacy. Over the past year, staff partnered with KPMG to develop a strategic roadmap focused on long-term benefits for arts, culture, tourism, small businesses, and youth. This roadmap, available on our 2028 Games website, recommends opportunities for community input, ensuring that residents help shape the Games’ enduring impact.
  • Infrastructure Investments
    • Through the City's Elevate '28 Infrastructure Investment Plan - totaling $933 million, including over $210 million dedicated to Olympic Legacy projects – Long Beach is enhancing recreational spaces, promoting arts and culture, and improving conditions for sports, health, and wellness. These investments align with the City’s 2030 Strategic Vision goals, ensuring equitable access to the benefits of the 2028 Games for all communities. 

  As the planning continues, we encourage the community to stay engaged, visit the 2028 Games website for updates, and take advantage of opportunities to shape the City’s role in this historic global event. 

• What are Venue Use Agreements (VUAs)?

  Venue Use Agreements are contracts between LA28 and the City of Long Beach. They will outline the terms and conditions for using our venues during the Games, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. The VUAs are expected to be negotiated and executed by October 1, 2027, and the City intends to seek full cost recovery. 

• How much will it cost the City of Long Beach to host the 2028 Games?

  During the 2028 Games, the City will continue to provide its usual public services within the event areas at the City's expense. By October 1, 2025, the City and LA28 will agree on the exact scope of these services based on historical data from 2022-2024. Additionally, the City will provide extra services specifically for the 2028 Games, known as "Enhanced City Resources," for which LA28 will reimburse the City. By October 1, 2026, both parties will finalize an agreement detailing these additional services, including their levels, costs, and other considerations. The City intends to receive full cost recovery for enhanced resources provided above normal and customary services.

  For each identified venue, the City and LA28 will also negotiate Venue Services Agreements by October 1, 2027, to specify the enhanced services, costs, and access rights. These agreements will ensure that LA28 funds the additional services required at these venues​​​​.

  Staff is committed to pursuing full cost recovery in all ongoing and future negotiations with LA28.

• When will the final list of events and venue information be available?

  LA28 is expected to finalize the 2028 Games schedule with the International Olympic Committee and the City of Los Angeles in the coming months. Specific phasing and use of venue areas are subject to change through California Coastal Commission review.

Community Engagement

• Will there be community meetings as we get closer to the Games?

  Yes, community meetings will be scheduled in the coming months. These meetings will provide updates, gather community input, and address residents' concerns. The City aims to ensure regular communication with the community through these meetings and other outreach efforts. 

• How can I get involved with the Games? Will there be opportunities to volunteer?

  As we approach the Games, numerous volunteer opportunities will likely become available. As planning progresses, more details will be provided under the Get Involved tab.

• How will the City keep residents informed about the planning process?

  The City will inform residents through community meetings, official communications, dedicated websites, and other outreach efforts. These channels will provide updates on planning progress, upcoming events, and opportunities for community involvement.

Transportation and Mobility

• When will residents and businesses receive exact timelines for road closures and parking restrictions?

  Detailed timelines regarding closures and parking impacts will be provided in the months leading up to the 2028 Games. We are working closely with LA28 on transportation and mobility planning to ensure the community is well-informed about efforts to mitigate adverse impacts and ensure the Games is a positive experience for all. This information will be disseminated through community outreach efforts, official communications, and dedicated websites to help residents and businesses plan accordingly.

• Will beach parking be accessible during the setup periods for the 2028 Games?

  Beach parking availability during set-up periods will depend on the specific requirements of the event infrastructure and security measures. Efforts will be made to minimize disruptions, and alternative parking arrangements will be communicated well in advance to residents and visitors. Specific plans for parking access and alternative arrangements are subject to change through discussions with the California Coastal Commission.

• Will beach bike paths remain open to the public during the 2028 Games? When will residents be informed about alternative routes if they need to be closed?

  The status of bike paths will be determined based on safety and logistical considerations. If closures are necessary, reroutes and alternative paths will be provided, with the information provided in the months leading up to the 2028 Games. Updates will be available through the City's communication channels.

Security and Access

• What security measures will be in place to ensure the safety of residents and visitors?

  Consistent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s commitment to designate the Games a National Special Security Event, the City will work with the California Olympic and Paralympic Public Safety Command, the International Olympic Committee, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and LA28 to ensure a safe and peaceful 2028 Games.

• If I’m a resident within a venue area, can I get in and out during events?

  Yes, residents can access their properties during events. However, access times during event hours may be restricted for security and logistical reasons. We are committed to minimizing impacts through careful planning and clear communication, and we will provide further information and guidance as we approach the 2028 Games.

• How will residents and boat owners access their properties if located within the restricted security areas for the Games? Will there be a screening process?

  We are actively considering how to manage access for residents and boat owners within restricted security areas. While we don't have specific details to share yet, ensuring efficient and secure access is a priority. More information will be provided as planning progresses.

Ticketing and Attendance

• How can I purchase tickets for events taking place in Long Beach?

  Ticketing details, including sales timelines, pricing, and authorized ticket vendors, will be announced by LA28. We will look to share information on our 2028 Games website once it becomes available.

Local Business and Vendor Opportunities

• How can local businesses become vendors or suppliers during the Games?

  We encourage local businesses interested in providing goods and services for the 2028 Games to regularly check the City’s 2028 Games website and LA28 communications. As planning progresses, these channels will share information about Requests for Proposals (RFPs), vendor registration opportunities, and guidance on preparing for changes in customer needs and visitor traffic.

• Will there be initiatives to support local small businesses before, during, and after the Games?

  Yes. The City’s 2028 Games Strategic Roadmap contemplates strategies to help small businesses thrive as the region welcomes new visitors. Possible resources include promotional programs, multilingual materials, skill-building workshops, and organization partnerships. More details about these initiatives will be announced through our official communication platforms as the Games approach. 

Housing and Short-Term Rentals

• Will short-term rentals be affected by the Games?

  The City will continue to enforce existing regulations on short-term rentals. We’ll monitor the impacts on housing availability and consider additional measures if needed. Updates will be provided if any policy changes occur.

Environmental and Sustainability Considerations

• How will the City ensure the 2028 Games are environmentally sustainable?

  The City is committed to collaborating with LA28 (the Organizing Committee of the Games) to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, reduce waste, conserve resources, increase energy efficiency, and limit pollution throughout the 2028 Games. This initiative will be informed by the City’s Climate Action Plan and LA28’s Impact & Sustainability Policy and Plan, which is anticipated to be released in 2025.

  The City will encourage LA28 to prioritize the use of sustainable materials and locally sourced food and beverage options while reducing single-use plastics and minimizing transportation-related emissions. While LA28 will have primary responsibility for measuring and reporting the Games’ comprehensive environmental impact, the City will share relevant local data to support transparent, regional analysis. More specifics and updates on sustainability initiatives will be shared as planning continues.

• Will there be any lasting environmental improvements or green infrastructure projects associated with the Games?

  The City’s Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan includes projects that promote environmental sustainability. These may include enhanced green spaces, improved coastal protections, and upgrades that support sustainable transportation.