California officials are urging Congress to approve $2 billion in federal funding to bolster Los Angeles' transportation infrastructure in preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games. LA Metro has stated the funds are critical to manage the millions of visitors expected during the event and prevent severe traffic congestion.
The proposed funding would be divided, with half earmarked for the temporary acquisition, operation, and storage of approximately 1,750 additional buses. The remaining $1 billion would support pedestrian enhancements, the creation of high-speed traffic lanes, and street design networks to connect Olympic venues.
While the House Appropriations Committee has advanced an initial $875 million, the full request requires approval from both chambers of Congress and the President. The federal fiscal year begins October 1, potentially impacting the timeline for securing these funds.
LA Metro's board and California's Democratic lawmakers have persistently sought this federal support, attempting to have it included in the administration's annual budget. Democratic representatives have voiced concerns that the lack of federal assistance could lead to increased traffic, reduced bus availability, and unreliable public transit during the Games. Representative Laura Friedman has warned that this outcome would be detrimental not only to Los Angeles but to the nation. Representative Judy Chu echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that hosting the Olympics is a national endeavor requiring strong federal partnership.
This push for transportation funding occurs amidst other financial scrutiny related to the Games. City Controller Kenneth Mejia has requested financial documents from LA2028, the private organization managing the Olympics, to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the city's financial relationship with the organization.
In parallel, the Trump administration's budget did allocate increased federal funding for Olympic security through agencies like the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and Secret Service. President Trump has previously expressed skepticism about Los Angeles' readiness to host the Games, having previously linked hosting to improvements in crime and homelessness conditions.