The LA28 Windfall Isn’t Guaranteed. Local Preparation Starts Now
A new economic-impact study projects that the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games could generate between $20.5 billion and $40.6 billion in economic activity across Southern California, and support as many as 224,000 jobs.
Those are enormous numbers. But for businesses in Long Beach, Seal Beach and surrounding communities, the most important word is not billions.
It is could.
The study, conducted by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation and commissioned by LA28, looks at economic activity across LA, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties. It includes spending on transportation, security, infrastructure, Games operations and visitor activity, not simply money flowing into local restaurants, retailers and service businesses.
The report estimates that approximately two million visitors could come to the region, generating between $1.6 billion and $4.3 billion in direct visitor spending in LA County. LA28 has also stated that it intends to direct 75% of its addressable procurement spending to Greater Los Angeles businesses, with 25% targeted to local and small businesses.
What Paris Can Teach Us
The Paris 2024 Games were an operational success, but their economic benefits were not experienced evenly. Some businesses benefited from visitors and Olympic activity. Others faced declining foot traffic, restricted access, or customers avoiding crowded areas.
Paris also demonstrated what can happen when preparation is intentional. Early outreach, procurement assistance, and matchmaking programs helped more small and locally based businesses compete for Games-related work.
That is the lesson Southern California should carry forward. Hosting the Games creates potential. Preparation determines who participates.
What Does This Mean Locally?
Long Beach will host multiple Olympic and Paralympic events, placing it directly in the path of spectators, media, athletes, and volunteers. Neighboring Seal Beach could also benefit from increased demand for dining, shopping, lodging, and coastal experiences.
But proximity alone will not guarantee results. Businesses need time to understand procurement opportunities, improve accessibility, strengthen their digital presence, plan for staffing and anticipate changes in traffic and customer behavior. Cities, chambers, and tourism organizations must also help visitors discover communities and businesses beyond the venue gates.
Now is the time to ask:
How will local businesses learn about and qualify for LA28 contracts?
How will visitors be encouraged to explore Long Beach and nearby communities?
What transportation, accessibility and staffing challenges should businesses anticipate?
How can small businesses prepare without making expensive bets based on projections alone?
The projected LA28 windfall is exciting. It should also be a call to action.
The businesses and communities that benefit most will not necessarily be those closest to the Games. They will be the ones that begin preparing, and collaborating, before the crowds arrive.
Sources: Los Angeles Times, Reuters and the OECD review of the Paris 2024 legacy.
