News Summary
The Los Angeles City Council has approved a $2.6 billion expansion and modernization project for the L.A. Convention Center. This major initiative is poised to enhance the city’s convention capabilities and stimulate the local economy by creating over 15,000 jobs and attracting 500,000 additional visitors in its first decade. Despite some criticism regarding financial sustainability, supporters believe this expansion is essential for the local tourism industry, especially with the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics.
Los Angeles City Council Approves $2.6 Billion Convention Center Expansion and Modernization Project
The Los Angeles City Council has formally approved a comprehensive $2.6 billion expansion and modernization project for the L.A. Convention Center (LACC). The decisive vote, which passed by an 11-2 majority, marks a pivotal moment for the city’s efforts to enhance its convention facilities and bolster the local economy.
This ambitious project will add approximately 325,000 square feet of new space to the LACC, with plans to connect the existing South and West Exhibit Halls. Additionally, it incorporates 39,000 square feet of meeting room space and 95,000 square feet of multipurpose space designed to accommodate a variety of events.
With construction set to begin immediately, the expansion is expected to create over 15,000 jobs. This includes around 13,300 construction jobs and approximately 2,150 permanent jobs once the facility is operational. Once completed, the LACC is projected to generate $652 million in General Fund tax revenue for the city over the next 30 years.
Visitor and Economic Impact
The expansion aims to attract an additional 500,000 visitors in the first decade following its completion, significantly contributing to the local economy with an expected over $150 million in annual visitor spending. This influx is particularly strategic as Los Angeles gears up for the 2028 Summer Olympics, which will see the LACC hosting several key events, including wrestling and judo.
Support and Criticism
Mayor Karen Bass has underscored the project’s significance in revitalizing the local economy and enhancing Los Angeles’ competitive stance in attracting future conventions. However, some critics, including City Controller Kenneth Mejia and Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, have raised concerns regarding the project’s financial sustainability, particularly its operational costs, which are estimated to average $89 million annually for the next 30 years.
Supporters of the plan assert that the expansion will invigorate the tourism industry and benefit local businesses such as hotels and restaurants, which rely heavily on the events hosted at the LACC. This decision comes after over a decade of discussions about upgrading the convention facilities, a necessity highlighted by local businesses dependent on these events.
Next Steps
As construction commenced last month, demolition work is expected to start soon. The project’s successful execution is viewed as an opportunity for Los Angeles to attract larger and more renowned events that have been previously lost to cities with more modern facilities. The approved expansion reflects the city’s long-term vision for enhancing its ability to host significant gatherings, thereby promising a revitalized future for the LACC and the wider local economy.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- Wikipedia: Los Angeles Convention Center
- LAist
- Google Search: Los Angeles Convention Center expansion
- Business Wire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Los Angeles
- CBS News
- Google News: Los Angeles Convention Center expansion
- CityWatch LA
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LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
