In brief
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order creating a “strike team” to streamline state agency cooperation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The team, led by Jamie Callahan, will focus on workforce, economic opportunities, infrastructure upgrades, and security coordination. The initiative aims to leave lasting benefits for California residents and to support the Olympic schedule July 14‑30 and Paralympics Aug 15‑27, 2028.
In Los Angeles, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Friday that he had signed an executive order creating a state coordination team—dubbed a “strike team”—to oversee preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
The strike team will bring together more than a dozen state agencies and departments, according to the governor’s office. The goal is to strengthen statewide planning and readiness, expand workforce and economic opportunities, and coordinate security and infrastructure upgrades.
Governor Newsom appointed Jamie Callahan—his deputy chief of staff and senior counselor on infrastructure—to serve as executive director of the team.
“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.”
According to the Los Angeles Times, the Games are projected to cost 7.2 billion U.S. dollars. The city is responsible for upgrading its transportation infrastructure to accommodate an influx of visitors, while state officials say investments will also benefit residents after the competitions end.
Security planning involves multiple levels of government. The California Office of Emergency Services will coordinate police assistance from across California and the western United States, and the U.S. Secret Service holds ultimate security authority.
The announcement follows legislation signed by Newsom in September that strengthens public safety coordination and addresses operational needs for the Games.
Los Angeles is scheduled to host the Olympic Games from July 14‑30, 2028, followed by the Paralympics on Aug. 15‑27, 2028, according to the Olympics’ official website. The city previously hosted the Olympics in 1932 and 1984.
Through the strike team, California aims to streamline bureaucracy, improve coordination among agencies, local governments, and LA28, and ensure that the state’s investments in transportation, venues, and workforce development yield lasting benefits for residents beyond the Games.
