LOS ANGELES, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Friday that he had signed an executive order creating a state coordination team to oversee preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
The governor appointed Jamie Callahan, his deputy chief of staff and senior counselor on infrastructure, to serve as executive director of the Games' delivery and coordination "strike team."
The team will bring together more than a dozen state agencies and departments to strengthen statewide planning and readiness ahead of the Games, the governor's office said in a statement. The team will also support regional efforts to expand workforce and economic opportunities, it added.
"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 Games are projected to cost 7.2 billion U.S. dollars, the Los Angeles Times reported, adding that the city is responsible for upgrading its transportation infrastructure to accommodate the influx of visitors.
According to the governor's office, California has already taken steps to support Los Angeles in preparing to host the world, including infrastructure investments to strengthen the region's transportation networks and modernize major venues.
State officials described the projects as investments intended to continue to benefit residents after the competitions end, not solely to accommodate visitors during the Games.
Security planning also involves multiple levels of government. The California Office of Emergency Services will help coordinate police assistance from across California and the western United States, while the U.S. Secret Service has ultimate security authority, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The announcement follows legislation Newsom signed in September to strengthen public safety coordination and address operational needs of the Games.
The Los Angeles Olympics are scheduled for July 14-30, 2028, followed by the Paralympics on Aug. 15-27, according to the Olympics' official website. Los Angeles previously hosted the Olympics twice, in 1932 and 1984. ■