# LA's 2028 Olympics could boom if it copies 1984's playbook

> A new study projects massive economic gains, but the city must learn from its own profitable past to avoid the pitfalls that sank other hosts.
- Title: LA's 2028 Olympics could boom if it copies 1984's playbook
- Summary: A new study projects massive economic gains, but the city must learn from its own profitable past to avoid the pitfalls that sank other hosts. LA's 1984…
- Keywords: los angeles, 2028 olympics, 1984 olympics, la28, laedc, economic impact, wayne avrashow, zev yaroslavsky, carl lewis, olympic games, southern california, news
- Source: California Post — https://nypost.com/2026/09/15/opinion/la-can-reap-benefits-from-olympic-boom-if-it-learns-from-1984-success
- Published: 2026-09-16T00:21:31+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: los angeles, 2028 olympics, 1984 olympics, la28, laedc, economic impact, wayne avrashow, zev yaroslavsky, carl lewis, olympic games, southern california, news
## LA projects huge Olympic windfall
A new study estimates the 2028 Games could generate $20-40 billion in economic output and create over 200,000 jobs across Southern California.
## 1984 Games set the gold standard
LA's 1984 Olympics generated a $230 million profit that funded youth sports, venues, and arts programs that continue today.
## Billions in spending across sectors
The $7.15 billion budget will boost construction, hospitality, transportation, and security. Another $8 billion will upgrade venues, transit, and LAX.
## Tourism could bring $5 billion boost
Over 1 million visitors are expected to spend more than $1 billion, generating $5 billion in economic activity across five Southern California counties.
## Other cities went massively over budget
Paris 2024 exceeded budget by 115%, Rio 2016 by 350%, and London 2012 by 76%. Montreal's 1976 deficit took 30 years to pay off.

> The Olympics can no more have a deficit than a man can have a baby.
## A charter amendment protected taxpayers
In 1976, 74% of LA voters approved a city charter amendment guaranteeing the city would avoid financial liability for the 1984 Games.
## Tough compromises lie ahead
City leaders want more contracts for LA businesses, while LA28 wants the best operators at lowest cost. A temporary infrastructure moratorium is also planned.
## Leaders must monitor and protect
The city must watch spending to avoid liability and ensure money boosts the local economy so LA captures the benefits, not just the costs.
## Key takeaway

LA's 1984 Olympics turned a profit by protecting taxpayers through a city charter amendment and careful spending oversight.