The Olympic Games have always been a mirror in which cities look at themselves and at the world. For Los Angeles, the 2028 event represents not only a global sporting spectacle but also a test of economic, social, and moral resilience. The city has promised to organize Games without repeating the history of debt and neglect that struck hosts like Rio de Janeiro or Athens, and within that commitment lies much more than a financial balance: what is at stake is its identity and the trust of its citizens.

However, reality strikes hard. With less than three years before its opening, Los Angeles faces a series of crises: devastating wildfires, immigration raids that have spread fear among millions of Latino residents, political tensions with the White House, and an economic landscape weakened by Hollywood’s instability. In this complex scenario, the question inevitably arises: can a city in crisis allocate colossal resources to a sporting event without sacrificing the most vulnerable?

The weight of history and the shadow of debt

The fear of repeating the fate of other Olympic cities is real. Brazil and Greece were scarred by Games that promised prosperity but left debts and empty stadiums. Los Angeles, on the other hand, seeks to revive the memory of 1984, when it achieved economic benefits and set a precedent for austerity and success. That collective memory now serves as a beacon of hope in the midst of a sea of doubts.

With a budget exceeding 7 billion dollars, the organization claims that sponsorship and ticket revenues will cover the costs. But if those projections fail, it will be taxpayers who bear the burden. In a context where the municipal deficit already approaches one billion dollars, the possibility of cost overruns generates fear. For many Angelenos, the promise of profitable Games feels more like an act of faith than a certainty.

A city determined to avoid past mistakes

One of the pillars of the plan is to avoid building new permanent venues. Los Angeles relies on its vast existing infrastructure: from SoFi Stadium to the USC Coliseum, as well as its beaches and universities. The idea is clear: to show that it is possible to organize a world-class event without succumbing to the temptation of monumental projects that later become ruins. This approach is not only financial but also ethical and environmental.

Still, concern persists over the social cost. Olympic history shows a pattern of displacement and poverty concealment. Los Angeles promises not to repeat these mistakes, but local activists warn that attempts to “clean up” the city for tourists have already been seen in recent events like the Super Bowl 2022. The most vulnerable communities fear that, once again, they will be sacrificed in the name of the “Olympic image.”

A challenge of mobility and sustainability in the city of traffic

Perhaps the most symbolic gamble of these Games is prioritizing public transportation in a city known for traffic jams. The promise of “car-free Games” has sparked skepticism, but also hope: the possibility of transforming the way Angelenos move through their city. New metro lines and the electrification of buses show progress, although financial challenges remain enormous.

Sustainability also takes a central place in the discourse. Reducing the carbon footprint by 10% compared to Paris 2024 is an ambitious goal, though difficult in an event that inevitably involves millions of international flights. Even so, there is hope that the Games will serve as a catalyst for lasting environmental projects, from expanding shade in vulnerable neighborhoods to rethinking urban mobility. For Los Angeles, achieving this would mean turning a sporting event into a true legacy for future generations.