Business voices helped advance another major proposal this week. We're thrilled to report a BizFed-supported proposal to upgrade the Los Angeles Convention Center will move forward in time for the 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games. The Los Angeles City Council voted 13-1 yesterday to approve the $54-million plan to expand the venue's exhibit hall, meeting rooms, and multipurpose room space.
The council's timely vote will prepare us for the Olympics and position the convention center to be an economic engine for the region. The venue currently hosts about 200 events and 2 million visitors annually. Upgrading and expanding the facility will supercharge that capacity.
We thank BizFed leaders who joined us in amplifying facts and figures about the convention center's direct and indirect impacts on area businesses and the regional economy. We know many small businesses – particularly in downtown LA – are dependent on convention center spending.
We're especially grateful for the leadership of BizFed member Jenny Chavez (Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board) in advancing this advocacy campaign.
We'll keep you posted on next steps as city leaders work with AEG, Plenary, architects, general contractors, and other partners to finalize design plans and timelines. Construction is slated to start in spring 2025.
