Mayor Bass establishes strategic partnership office to boost philanthropy in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is taking significant steps to ensure that the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games benefit not just the city but the entire region, as highlighted in a recent meeting of the Senate Special Committee on International Sporting Events. Mayor Karen Bass has initiated a new Office of Strategic Partnership aimed at leveraging philanthropic support for the Games, which is expected to enhance community engagement and participation.

A key feature of the planning includes a volunteer program inspired by the successful model used in Paris, where volunteers received tickets to events as a token of appreciation for their service. This initiative aims to foster a sense of community involvement and recognition among volunteers from diverse backgrounds.

In addition to engaging volunteers, the city is actively collaborating with all 88 municipalities in Los Angeles County to discuss the needs and opportunities that will arise from hosting the Games. This dialogue is crucial as the benefits and challenges of the Olympics will extend beyond Los Angeles itself, impacting the entire region.

Procurement is another focal point of the planning process. The city has established Grama LA, a centralized marketplace for procurement, allowing businesses of all sizes to register and access Requests for Proposals (RFPs) related to the Games. This initiative is designed to ensure broad participation from local businesses, thereby maximizing economic benefits for the community.

Furthermore, the LA Chamber of Commerce has launched "Get In The Game," a program that provides small businesses with mentorship and education on certification and financing, helping them become contract-ready. Building on the success of the London Olympics, Los Angeles has also created "Compete for LA," a platform that connects local businesses with prime contractors, ensuring that local firms can compete for contracts and keep expenditures within the community.

These initiatives reflect a commitment to inclusivity and local economic growth as Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Olympics, setting a precedent for future international sporting events. The ongoing discussions and strategic planning underscore the importance of community involvement and the potential for lasting benefits that extend well beyond the Games themselves.