Long Beach Olympic Events
The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, hosted by Los Angeles, will showcase Long Beach as a major venue city, playing a pivotal role in the global event. With seven sporting events planned across five city-wide venues, Long Beach is poised to make a significant impact both locally and internationally. The city’s commitment to legacy, equity, and public safety is highlighted through its Strategic Roadmap. This outlines plans to uplift small businesses, enhance youth engagement, and create lasting cultural and economic benefits. As Long Beach prepares for the Games, substantial investments in infrastructure and community involvement will ensure that the event leaves a positive and enduring mark on the city.
Strategic Roadmap for Long Beach Olympics
Infrastructure Investments
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 the 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. Operational plans will include an equity lens and specific measurable goals to track and address potential barriers to access and engagement where they exist.
Public Safety
The safety and well-being 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.
Community Impact
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 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, Small Businesses, Workforce and Economic Inclusion, and Youth Sports.
Impact on Multifamily
Increased Demand for Housing
Temporary Demand: A surge of visitors, athletes, and staff will create a temporary need for short-term rentals, driving up rental prices.
Long-Term Demand: Improved infrastructure and global exposure can attract new residents and investors, increasing demand for housing.
Infrastructure Improvements
Transportation: Enhancements to public transit, roads, and connectivity to Los Angeles can make Long Beach more desirable.
Amenities: Upgraded parks, facilities, and waterfront areas can boost neighborhood appeal and property values.
Increased Investment
Commercial Developments: Retail, hotels, and restaurants to accommodate tourists can elevate nearby property values.
Residential Developments: Developers may accelerate projects to capitalize on heightened interest.
Rising Land Values
Speculation: Investors buying properties in anticipation of higher post-Olympic values can drive up prices.
Zoning Changes: Potential rezoning for higher density could increase land and property values.
Tourism and Economic Growth
Ongoing Attraction: Long Beach’s exposure can enhance tourism, maintaining higher demand for short-term and long-term rentals.
Job Creation: Construction and service jobs can boost local incomes, supporting higher housing costs.
Neighborhood Revitalization
Gentrification: Enhanced infrastructure and amenities could attract higher-income residents, pushing housing costs up.
Safety Improvements: Increased security measures can make neighborhoods more appealing, raising property values.
The combination of heightened demand, improved infrastructure, and increased investment is likely to drive up both housing prices and rental costs in Long Beach leading up to and following the 2028 Olympics.
The 2028 Olympics represent a historic opportunity for Long Beach to shine, while fostering long-term benefits for the community. From infrastructure enhancements to strategic community involvement, the city’s proactive approach will position it as a vibrant and inclusive destination. As the Games draw near, Long Beach’s dedication to legacy and equity will ensure that the Olympic experience is not only memorable but transformative for generations to come.
