California Governor Gavin Newsom has established a dedicated strike force aimed at streamlining preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Los Angeles. The initiative, formalized through an executive order set to be signed on Friday, creates the role of executive director for the newly formed Olympic and Paralympic Games Delivery and Coordination Strike Team. Jamie Callahan, a senior advisor to Newsom, has been appointed to lead the effort.
The strike force’s primary objective is to improve coordination among more than a dozen state agencies and departments while facilitating collaboration with the city of Los Angeles, surrounding municipalities, and LA28—the private nonprofit organization responsible for managing the Olympics and Paralympics. The overall budget for the Games is projected at $7.2 billion.
“California knows how to deliver on the world stage,” Newsom said, noting that coordination efforts were already underway with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and LA28 Chief Executive Reynold Hoover. The strike force aims to ensure the state is well-positioned to host an event that meets global standards and showcases California’s strengths.
Several state agencies have been assigned key roles in the preparations. The California Office of Emergency Services is tasked with coordinating a substantial deployment of police officers from across California and other Western states to assist in securing the Games, which are expected to draw up to 2 million spectators. However, overall security authority will remain with the U.S. Secret Service.
Meanwhile, the California Department of Transportation has committed to improving highway and freeway infrastructure, as well as implementing a public relations campaign designed to encourage the use of alternative transportation options. This effort is intended to reduce traffic congestion and ensure timely arrival for athletes and officials.
State officials highlighted previously approved funding for the Games, including over $100 million allocated for upgrading Exposition Park and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Additionally, $257 million was earmarked last summer to develop and enhance “mobility hubs” connecting various modes of transportation such as walking, biking, buses, and trains.
Despite these allocations, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (L.A. Metro) has expressed disappointment over the level of state funding granted this year. The agency requested $379 million during the most recent legislative session but received only $20 million. Several key projects were notably left unfunded, including $138 million for a cloud-based regional transportation management system, $65 million for emergency tracks to address potential light rail service disruptions, and $23 million for upgrades to transit hubs with amenities like seating, shade, Wi-Fi, and restrooms. These improvements are viewed as critical given the expected doubling of passenger volumes during the Games.
The strike force’s responsibilities will also include streamlining permitting processes, enhancing interagency communication, and supporting efforts to expand workforce and economic opportunities connected to the Olympic and Paralympic events.
Newsom praised Callahan’s extensive experience, noting her 15-plus years advising California governors and her involvement in advancing major events such as the recent FIFA World Cup tournament hosted in the United States.