Los Angeles Scrambles to Ready Itself for July 2028 Olympics

In just three years, Los Angeles will host the 2028 Summer Olympics, a global event expected to draw thousands of athletes, media crews, and visitors. While Southern California’s weather promises clear skies and warm days, the city’s readiness, both in infrastructure and appearance, is under growing scrutiny.

Hosting the Olympics is no small task, and LA’s approach is different from past hosts. Instead of spending billions on brand-new stadiums, officials are leaning on existing venues to help contain the projected $6.9 billion budget. But that budget doesn’t cover some of the city’s most pressing problems—ones that could shape how LA is perceived on the world stage.

A City Under Pressure

The Los Angeles Times caused a stir last year when it published a blunt critique: “LA is too ugly to host the Olympics. ” The article called for a citywide flower-planting effort. But critics say cosmetic fixes won’t be enough.

Homelessness is one of the most visible challenges. Across the city, large encampments line sidewalks, parks, and beaches. In many areas, residents and visitors witness open drug use, scattered trash, and behavior that raises public safety concerns. Any long-term solution would require far more than short-term cleanup.

Traffic congestion is another chronic issue. LA’s roadways are known for gridlock, and the arrival of thousands of Olympic guests is likely to make matters worse. In response, city officials are considering a no-drive policy for tourists, pushing them toward public transit. But confidence in that system is low. Crime on the Los Angeles Metro Transit Authority (MTA) rose 54.7 percent between 2020 and 2023. In the first three months of 2024 alone, reported crime on Metro property jumped another 65 percent, contributing to a steady decline in ridership.

Wildfire recovery is another challenge. In January 2025, a massive fire destroyed more than 6,800 homes in the Pacific Palisades. As of May 2025, only 68 building permits had been issued for new construction, suggesting that recovery will take years. While this may not directly affect Olympic events, it’s a powerful backdrop to any story told about the city in 2028.

Crime rates also remain a concern. Los Angeles experiences 29.7 percent more crime than the national average, with roughly 3,115 crimes per 100,000 residents. Although homicide rates have declined, other crimes—auto theft, shoplifting, and burglary—continue to rise. Visitors will likely be aware of these trends, and organizers will need to invest heavily in both perception and actual safety.

A Race Against Time

With the clock ticking, LA faces an uphill battle to reshape its image and get its infrastructure in order. Upgrades at LAX are underway and expected to be completed before the Games begin. Still, public confidence in the city’s ability to be ready is mixed.

The Olympics will bring global attention to Los Angeles, offering a chance to showcase the city’s creativity, energy, and resilience. But without meaningful improvements in safety, housing, and transportation, some fear that the Games could also spotlight problems the city has yet to solve.