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LA28 Olympics Branded as No-Build and Transit First

LA28 Olympics Branded as No-Build and Transit First

Organizers Unveil Impact and Sustainability Plan

Organizers of the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games unveiled their Impact and Sustainability Plan on Monday, highlighting commitments to support local businesses, expand youth sports, and implement sustainable practices.

“LA28 represents more than a moment on the world stage. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to uplift our communities and lead by example,” said LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover.

The 2028 Games are branded as “no-build” and “transit first,” meaning existing venues will host events, while public transit and electric vehicles will play a major role in reducing the carbon footprint.

A Focus on Sustainability and Resilience

Mayor Karen Bass emphasized that the Games will benefit Los Angeles communities while promoting a greener future. She noted investments in small businesses, clean energy, and transportation as key components of creating a lasting Olympic legacy.

The plan introduces the Resilient by Nature initiative, which focuses on three areas: wildfire resilience and nature restoration, ocean protection, and cooling solutions. The program will include volunteer opportunities, educational campaigns, and a Community Resilience Fund to provide grants to local nonprofits protecting the environment.

Becky Dale, LA28 Vice President of Sustainability, also noted that fans will be encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, with free hydration stations available to reduce single-use plastics.

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Supporting Local Businesses and Workers

To ensure economic impact, LA28 launched a community business supplier program in partnership with the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County. The program connects small businesses to procurement opportunities tied to the Games.

“While the Games will be a tremendous opportunity, we want to ensure businesses are stronger and better moving forward,” said Erikk Aldridge, LA28 Vice President of Impact.

City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson said the plan reduces barriers, reinforces equitable procurement, and builds sustainable pathways for local businesses.

Maria Salinas, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, added that the plan ensures opportunities are delivered to people and neighborhoods across the city.

Expanding Youth Sports Through PlayLA

A major focus of the Impact and Sustainability Plan is youth sports. LA28 has committed up to $160 million to expand PlayLA and other youth programs, aiming to reach 2 million enrollments before 2028.

PlayLA offers more than 40 sports for kids ages 3-17, ensuring accessibility for children of all abilities.

“We look forward to continuing the PlayLA program and rolling out other initiatives that uplift youth through sports,” Aldridge said.

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Citywide Trash Rate Adjustment – Coming Soon

The City of Los Angeles is proposing an adjustment to trash service fees for the first time in more than 17 years. The updated rates will help support public health, safety, and critical services, including:

  • Weekly collections (refuse, organics, recycling)
  • Unlimited bulky item collection
  • Container repair and replacement
  • SAFE Centers / Household Hazardous Waste
  • Household appliances and mattress collection
  • Move-in/move-out services
  • Annual brush clearing
  • Christmas tree recycling
  • Dead animal collection
  • 24/7 call center
  • Outreach and education

Proposed Solid Resources Fee (per unit)

  • Single Family / Duplex: $55.95 (current rate: $36.32)
  • Small Multi-Family (3+ units): $55.95 (current rate: $24.33)

Proposed Multi-Family Bulky Item Fee (per unit)

  • Resident/Tenant (Separately Metered): $1.52 (current: $0.64)
  • Owner (Separately Metered): $1.52 (current: $0.64)
  • Owner (Master Metered): $3.04 (current: $1.11)

Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.

For details, visit lacitysan.org/rates or call 1-800-773-2489.

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What to do during tsunami advisory across California coast

The California coast is under a tsunami advisory following an 8.8-magnitude earthquake off the coast of eastern Russia, with a series of waves expected to impact coastal areas overnight.

Potential start times for tsunami activity are around 1:05 a.m. Wednesday in the Los Angeles Harbor area, 1:10 a.m. for Newport Beach and 1:15 a.m. for Oceanside and La Jolla, according to the National Tsunami Warning Center.

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service said people living in coastal areas should monitor local weather and safety alerts for updates.

Paul Steward, lead forecaster with the National Weather Service San Diego, said people need to stay out of open water and away from beaches, harbors and marinas while the tsunami advisory is in place.

For those who live on or right by the coast, he said it’s important to monitor weather updates to determine if they need to leave their home and head further inland.

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Charter Reform Meeting – July 19

The first charter reform meeting out of City Hall will be this Saturday, July 19th at 11am, at the USU Grand Salon at Cal State Northridge
At this meeting, EmpowerLA will be having presentations on the 1999 charter reform process and the current city charter. You can find the agenda and information about the meeting here or on their website. 
 
Parking at CSUN requires a permit and it can be purchased at any of the automated kiosks in the parking lots. An all-day parking pass is $10.45, and it does require you to have your license plate number available to purchase a permit. G3 is the closest parking structure to the Grand Salon, there is an open lot and structured lot that can be used. 
 
Metro lines 167 and 237 also serve the campus. 

L.A. City Youth Council

Apply for the L.A. City Youth Council

If you are between the ages of 16 and 25, and you live in the City of Los Angeles, you can apply to become a member of the Olivia E. Mitchell Youth Council, named for longtime City worker and exemplar of public service Olivia Mitchell.

Two youth representatives will be chosen from each Council District, to engage with City officials and help create the Youth Development Strategic Plan.

Define the future, gain professional development and earn compensation for your service. Click on the image above, or here, to learn more and apply for the program. (https://youthcouncil.lacity.gov/)

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Tim O’Connor Appointed as New Ratepayer Advocate

New Leadership at Office of Public Accountability

The Los Angeles City Council has confirmed Tim O’Connor as the new Executive Director and Ratepayer Advocate of the Office of Public Accountability (OPA). His five-year term was approved on Tuesday following his appointment by the Mayor.

OPA is an independent office created by the City Charter to oversee the Department of Water and Power (DWP). It serves as a watchdog for rate proposals and department operations. Although funded by the DWP, the office maintains financial independence.

Succeeding Longtime Advocate Fred Pickel

O’Connor replaces Dr. Fred Pickel, who served as Ratepayer Advocate for over ten years. Pickel earned respect for his ability to balance collaboration with DWP and City Hall while protecting the interests of ratepayers through honest and thorough analysis.

What O’Connor Brings to the Role

Tim O’Connor brings decades of public policy and environmental leadership experience. Those who have worked with him describe him as experienced, principled, and thoughtful. His appointment is expected to ensure that the OPA continues to promote transparency, accountability, and strong advocacy for residents.

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Provide Feedback on the Mayor’s Proposed Budget

If you would like to give in-person feedback on Mayor Karen Bass’s proposed budget, you can speak at the Budget and Finance Committee meeting on Monday, April 28.

  • This meeting is in-person only at City Hall in Downtown Los Angeles.

  • You can view the meeting agenda, including time and location details, here.

  • If you prefer, you can submit written comments here and reference Council File 25-0600.

Highlights from the State of the City Address

Mayor Bass delivered her State of the City address on April 21 and announced the release of the proposed Fiscal Year 2025–2026 City Budget.

Despite facing a nearly $1 billion deficit, the proposed budget is balanced and focuses on public safety, homelessness, and essential City services.

Key Takeaways from the Proposed Budget

  • Homelessness Reduction:
    Street homelessness dropped by 10%, and makeshift structures fell by 38%. Critical funding remains to prevent people from falling back into homelessness.

  • Public Safety Staffing:
    No layoffs of sworn LAPD officers or LAFD firefighters. LAPD retained 120 more officers this year.

  • LAFD Staffing:
    LAFD will add 227 new positions, including more paramedics and emergency responders.

  • 9-1-1 Response Improvements:
    Funding for nearly 700 emergency dispatchers to cut down response times.

  • City Services Maintained:
    Library and Recreation & Parks facility hours will stay the same.

  • Capital Projects Funded:
    Projects include the LA Convention Center, Sepulveda Basin improvements, and new recreation facilities in the Valley and South LA.

  • Department Consolidations:
    Proposed to streamline services and improve operational efficiency.

  • Layoffs:
    1,647 layoffs are proposed, but Mayor Bass is advocating for state assistance to reduce this number and protect City jobs.

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