As Paris Bids Farewell, Los Angeles Leaps into Action for 2028 Olympics

Gridlock L.A. traffic is a key concern for the 2028 Games, but organizers hope to get nearby companies to add more “work from home” policies during the Olympics.

PARIS, France — From the City of Love to the City of Angels, planning for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is well underway. Organizers are paying close attention to lessons from Paris and aiming to address potential challenges head-on.

The 2028 event marks the third time Los Angeles will host the Olympics, but the first time it will host the Paralympic Games.

Janet Evans, a former U.S. Olympic swimmer and now the chief athlete officer for LA2028, vividly recalls the 1984 Summer Olympics. “I remember watching those athletes march out behind their country’s flags during the opening ceremony,” Evans reminisced.

Evans went on to win four gold medals and set world records. Now, her focus is making sure athletes’ voices are heard. “Having lived in three Olympic Villages and competed in three Olympic Games, it’s crucial to understand the athletes’ experiences,” she emphasized.

Concerns about athlete accommodations have been prominent. Issues reported in recent weeks won’t be a problem in LA, where plans are to house athletes at UCLA. “We feed and house thousands of students daily. UCLA is tried, tested, and true,” Evans assured.

The looming issue for many Angelenos is the city’s infamous traffic. To mitigate this, organizers plan late-night deliveries, encourage work-from-home policies, and create “Olympic lanes” for athletes.

Evans is optimistic about the impact of the upcoming Olympics. “The official handoff to Los Angeles will take place during the closing ceremony in Paris. Our opening ceremony aims to inspire a new generation,” she said. “The Olympics change lives and bring people together.”