In a recent City Hall newsletter, L.A. Councilmember Traci Park discussed the importance of volunteers in hosting the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Park highlighted Paris’ successful use of volunteers, where 300,000 people applied to volunteer but only 45,000 were selected. Training for volunteers will be crucial for the success of the program. Park also emphasized the need for intentional placement of volunteers to assist visitors during the event.
Comparisons were made to the 1984 L.A. Olympics, where 30,000 volunteers worked long hours without pay to make the event a success. The private entity organizing the 2028 Games, LA28, has not yet launched its volunteer program. Park, who chairs the city’s tourism committee, stressed the importance of preparing for the additional asks in terms of Olympics prep and delivery.
Criticism has already arisen regarding public spending on the Olympics, with some questioning the allocation of funds for removing artifacts to make way for an exhibit. Additionally, discussions have focused on infrastructure improvements like bike lanes between venues, with concerns about restrictive spending requirements under Healthy Streets Los Angeles.
Other updates in the newsletter include scandal fallout related to the city attorney’s office, issues in the Department of Animal Services, and pressure on L.A. County to find homes for foster youth. The Los Angeles County Probation Department has also faced criticism for not spending a significant portion of state funds allocated for youth rehabilitation programs. Additionally, the Department of Water and Power and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union have experienced leadership changes.
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