Mayor Bass gives final approval to $2.62B LA Convention Center expansion plan ahead of 2028 Olympics

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Mayor Karen Bass on Wednesday gave final approval to the Los Angeles Convention Center Expansion Project and announced new efforts that she said will support the downtown area's ongoing revitalization in the immediate term during construction.

During a news conference inside the Convention Center's West Hall, Bass said the $2.62 billion expansion is more than just another project, describing it as an investment for the city and the local economy.

The expansion aims to bring more jobs to the downtown area and prepare the facility for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"It is our responsibility to do this in a way that first and foremost protects our fiscal level, and we'll work in partnership with the City Council to implement cost-saving measures, efficiency, improvements and streamline our projects, which is most important to ensure our timing while we do everything to fast track this project in a responsible way," Bass said.

With construction expected to begin in October, the mayor detailed some new actions that will be implemented while the project is underway:

-- The Los Angeles Police Department will deploy foot patrols and trained bike officers in downtown neighborhoods to prevent crime.

-- Trained mental health teams will be deployed to priority areas such as the Historic Core.

-- City officials will advance plans and fast-track key permits for downtown developments.

-- Los Angeles will implement a coordinated effort to remove graffiti, clear trash, and beautify major streets and public spaces.

"Conventions and trade shows annually generate nearly $8 billion in sales for our local business community," said Adam Burke, president and chief executive of the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board.

Burke said groups are now lining up to bring their events to the Convention Center. That's where the money will come from to pay for the project.

"We've already collaborated and identified at least 100 major citywide conventions who are now ready to bring their business to our City of Angels because of this expansion," Burke said.

The vote to move forward with this came with some opposition as the city controller and two members of the Los Angeles City Council voiced their concerns of funding city services...

According to the city, the public infrastructure investment will create more than 15,000 jobs, add $652 million in general fund tax revenue over 30 years and draw in over $150 million in additional visitor spending each year.

"This is a very very serious investment," Bass said. "None of us take this lightly. I think it's a difficult challenge on the city council for all of us to come to grips with the commitment that we are making. But understanding that it is the type of risk that one has to take in order to make a qualitative leap forward."

The renovation is expected to be mostly done by March 2028. In June of that year, the the Convention Center will be handed over to the International Olympic Committee for its use.

City News Service contributed to this report.