Full Breakdown
LA28 Economic Impact Study Projects Up to $40.6 Billion Output and 224,000 Jobs
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Projected Economic Output and Visitor Spending
A study commissioned by the LA28 Organizing Committee and conducted by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) estimates that the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games could generate between $20.5 billion and $40.6 billion in economic activity for the Greater Los Angeles region. The analysis forecasts 2 million non-resident visitors, whose direct spending is projected at $1.6 billion to $4.3 billion, and anticipates combined federal, state, and local tax revenues of $5.1 billion to $5.9 billion.
Infrastructure Investment and “No-Build” Strategy
The report highlights an accelerated $8.35 billion in transportation, airport, mobility, and venue upgrades as the largest source of impact. LA28’s “no-build” approach relies on existing stadiums and temporary facilities, directing new capital toward projects such as Metro’s “28 by 28” initiative, Los Angeles World Airports’ improvements, Long Beach’s Elevate28 program, and upgrades to transit centers, fiber networks, and the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Job Creation and Procurement Targets
Projected employment ranges from 126,000 to 224,000 jobs, with a later section of the report specifying about 124,430 positions concentrated in construction, transportation, hospitality, and administrative services. Nearly 80 % of these jobs require a high-school diploma or less. LA28 aims to allocate 75 % of addressable procurement spending to Greater Los Angeles businesses and 25 % to local small businesses, with many categories sourcing more than 80 % of demand locally.
Official Statements & Quotes
Stephen Cheung, President & CEO of LAEDC, emphasized the breadth of the projected impact:
- “The scale and breadth of the economic activity associated with the 2028 Games is significant, even when viewed through a conservative lens,” — Stephen Cheung, President & CEO of LAEDC
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The study presents two different job estimates: an upper range of 224,000 jobs and a later figure of about 124,430 jobs. The source does not explain the basis for the discrepancy, leaving the precise employment impact uncertain.