On Friday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order establishing a state coordination team—called a "strike team"—to oversee preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games, officials said. The initiative is aimed at bringing together more than a dozen agencies to strengthen statewide planning and readiness ahead of the Games.
The newly formed team will be led by Governor Newsom’s deputy chief of staff and senior counselor on infrastructure, Jamie Callahan, who has been appointed executive director of the Games’ delivery and coordination effort. The conference will include agencies such as transportation, public safety, labor, and economic development departments.
"California knows how to deliver on the world stage," Newsom said. "With the Olympics and Paralympics coming to Los Angeles in 2028, we’re making sure our state is ready to meet the moment."
The governor’s office notes that the team’s responsibilities will encompass workforce and economic opportunities, as well as security and infrastructure upgrades necessary for the event. The Los Angeles Times reports the Games are projected to cost 7.2 billion U.S. dollars, with the city responsible for upgrading transportation infrastructure to accommodate the influx of visitors.
State officials highlighted that California has already taken steps to support Los Angeles, including infrastructure investments designed to strengthen transportation networks and modernize major venues. These projects are framed as investments intended to benefit residents long after the competitions conclude.
Security planning involves multiple governmental levels. The California Office of Emergency Services will coordinate police assistance from across California and the western United States, while the U.S. Secret Service holds ultimate security authority, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The announcement follows legislation signed in September that aims to strengthen public safety coordination and address the operational needs of the Games. The law grants the California Office of Emergency Services expanded authority over emergency planning for the event.
The 2028 Olympic Games are scheduled for July 14‑30, 2028, followed by the Paralympics on August 15‑27, as listed on the official Olympics website. Los Angeles previously hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984.
While the strike team’s creation marks a significant step toward coordinated preparation, details remain unclear. Questions linger regarding the specific agencies that will be engaged, the timelines for infrastructure projects, and the concrete mechanisms through which workforce and economic opportunities will be realized.
