At this month’s Southern California Development Forum Discussion Panel, Gerald McCallum, Senior Project Manager of Wilson Meany, led an engaging discussion on the future development and planning in preparation for the LA 2028 Summer Olympics. The conversation highlighted the benefits and challenges of what’s to come in the future. 

To share insights, panelists Chris Torres, President of Agency Artifact; KevinRieger, Senior VP at AEG; Andrea Ambriz, General Manager of Exposition Park;Doane Liu, Executive Director of the Los Angeles City Tourism Department; Christopher E. Jackson, Sr, lead of the Development Services Department of the City of Inglewood, discussed how their establishments are planning for the upcoming LA Olympics. All panelists emphasized that the development is not just for the Olympics, but also the future of LA tourism. 

Key takeaways included: 

• History of the LA Olympics 

Liu provided a historical overview of the 1984 Olympics, emphasizing its profitability and the legacy of the LA 84 Foundation. Fortunately, the 2028 Olympics were plannedas a no-build event, leveraging existing venues and infrastructure. The City of Los Angeles and its department specifically acknowledged that it is a shame how past Olympic venues are currently underutilized, which reflects a waste of resources and unsustainable development.He, as well as the other panelists, stressed the importance of using the Olympics as a starting point for long-term development and investment in the city. 

• AEG’s role in Sports and Entertainment 

Reiger explained that AEG entertains over 100 million guests annually and owns sports teams like the LA Galaxy and LA Kings. AEG manages over 30 music festivals and has venues on four continents, including those used for the London Olympics and the World Cup in Brazil. Though theLA Olympics is honoring a “no-build” policy, Reiger explained that Angelinos should still expect some development. Rather than constructing new arenas, he explained that AEG is focusing on renovating existing venues such as the Crypto.com Arena, and expanding others including the LA Convention Center. These renovations will enhance the venues' competitive edge and make them more profitable for Los Angeles in the future. 

• Exposition Park and its Development 

Ambriz discussed the history of Exposition Park (Expo Park)and its current developments for the LA 2028 Olympics.The park is undergoing significant improvements, including the construction of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. She emphasized the importance of green infrastructure and community engagement in the Park’s development. Expo Park has plans to rip out asphalt-covered parking lots and replace them with a new green terrace, a minimum of six acres. In fact, Governor Newsom and the legislature offered an incredible investment of $366 million into this project, markingthe single, largest investment in the history of South LA’s infrastructure.  

“I can only imagine the opportunity that we’re going to have when cameras are facing Exposition Park, and we have aerial footage [of LA] from above, they’re not only going to see the stadiums holding the events, but they’re going to see green space. That’svery differentfrom what Exposition Park is, and frankly, what Los Angeles is.” 

These investments reflect Los Angeles’ values in sustainability and future tourism.She concludes these projects are not just for the Olympics but for the future of LA. 

 

• Agency Artifacts Festival Trail Project 

Torres introduced Agency Artifact's Festival Trail project, a 28-mile zero-emissions corridor connecting Olympic Venues. The project aims to create a community-driven, coalitional effort to shape Los Angeles’ future. The Festival Trail will connect venues from LAX to the Rose Bowl, emphasizing public transportation and pedestrian-friendly design. Similarly to the other panelists, Torres agrees that this initiative createsa legacy that reflects the values and aspirations of the city. 

 

• Inglewood’s Role in the Olympics 

The City of Inglewood is also making developments in preparation for the Olympics. Inglewood is home to significant venues like SoFi Stadium, the Intuit Dome, and Hollywood Park. Jackson explained the city is committed to creating a walkable, sustainable entertainment district that can accommodate a large number of visitors.  

 

• Engaging the Community and Addressing Equity 

One audience member asked how the LA Olympics will engage the community and address equity, a duality that most Olympic cities fail to touch upon.Many understand the city’s housing and homelessness issues, and the audience member asked how the city will address them.  

Torres recommends the need for ADA-accessible infrastructure and the potential for housing along the Festival Trail. The panelists all agreed on the importance of creating opportunities for local businesses and residents to benefit from the Olympics. They also agreed on the need for public advocacy to ensure the success of the Olympic projects. Fostering inclusivity, supporting local communities, and prioritizing long-term benefits for residents will be key to ensuring the success and lasting impact of the LA Olympics. 

 

While the event will showcase Los Angeles on the world stage, the real legacy lies in the long-term investments being made in the city’s venues, neighborhoods, and public spaces. From green parks at Expo Park to zero-emission corridors along the Festival Trail, the focus is not just on preparing for the Olympics, but on creating lasting benefits for residents and businesses. By prioritizing community engagement, equity, and sustainability, Los Angeles aims to set a new standard for how Olympic cities can leave a positive and enduring impact long after the games have concluded.