LA Metro Unveils $10M Plan for Open Streets During World Cup, Olympics

URGENT UPDATE: LA Metro has just announced a transformative plan to allocate $10 million for a series of “open streets” events coinciding with the FIFA World Cup in July 2026 and the Olympic Games in July 2028. This initiative aims to temporarily close streets to vehicles, allowing pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized transport in Los Angeles County.

The proposal includes 29 open street events during these two major international sporting events, sparking both excitement and concern among community organizers. Critics argue that this limited timeframe will result in a staggering 34 months without regular open street events in the area, depriving residents of popular, free community activities.

Wesley Reutimann, co-founder of Active SGV, expressed disappointment, stating, “We are not saying the goal of active transit during the Olympics is not a good thing. The question is, should it come at the expense of open streets programs for three years?”

Since its inception in 2010 with the first CicLAvia, LA Metro has supported these events to promote active transportation, and its funding has totaled nearly $26 million for 84 events since 2014. Events like Beach Streets in Long Beach and various CicLAvias have become staples in the community, drawing thousands of participants and encouraging public transit use.

The impact of losing these regular events may be significant. Reutimann highlighted the importance of accessibility, noting that many participants use public transit to reach these events. The most recent major event, Arroyofest II, attracted over 50,000 attendees, reinforcing the need for regular open streets programming.

Metro’s focus on the World Cup and Olympics includes fanfest events, which aim to create celebratory spaces but do not fully eliminate vehicle traffic. Proposed open streets during the World Cup include locations like El Pueblo de Los Angeles and Long Beach, while Olympic events will take place in various neighborhoods, including Figueroa in LA and Santa Clarita’s Olympic Block Party.

Funding for each event will range from $100,000 to $500,000, based on the scale and location. However, this concentrated schedule has raised concerns about the sustainability of open streets programming in the long run.

The first discussion regarding these open streets and fanfest events is set to occur at LA Metro’s Planning and Programming Committee on November 19, where community members will voice their opinions. Reutimann plans to advocate for additional funding for smaller cities, which often struggle to secure resources for such initiatives.

“This program has been incredibly successful over the past decade, encouraging people to try out public transit,” Reutimann said. He emphasized the need for continuous engagement with the community to ensure that open streets events remain a vibrant part of Los Angeles culture.

As LA Metro prepares for this ambitious plan, stakeholders are watching closely. The outcome of the upcoming committee meeting could significantly impact the future of open streets in the region, making it essential for community members to stay informed and involved.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and consider sharing this vital information with your network. The future of open streets programming in Los Angeles hangs in the balance.