West Hollywood officials are moving forward with plans to maximize the city’s participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with a focus on hosting Pride House, improving transportation, and exploring sports-related opportunities.
Discussions at Monday’s City Council meeting highlighted collaborations between city officials, local organizations, and international partners to prepare for the games and promote inclusivity and economic growth.
Michael Ferrera, representing Out Athlete Fund and Pride House, described plans for a 17-day Pride House activation during the Olympics. Ferrera, joined by Sid Ziegler and Alex Sarto, shared his personal connection to West Hollywood, emphasizing its history as a place of safety and celebration for LGBTQ+ individuals.
“This city has done so much to make people feel safe, included, and celebrated,” Ferrera said. He explained that Pride House would offer an inclusive space for athletes, fans, and visitors, allowing them to engage in the Olympics while feeling represented and celebrated.
Ferrera thanked Mayor John M. Erickson, City Manager David Wilson, and city staff for their support during planning efforts and their participation in the Paris 2024 handover ceremony. He noted that the activation aims to showcase West Hollywood as a global leader in diversity and equity.
Councilmember John Heilman suggested considering the Pacific Design Center as a venue for Pride House, citing its capacity for hosting significant events and the potential to reserve West Hollywood Park for exhibitions. Heilman also proposed creating a reusable venue that could serve the community for future events. “If we’re putting time and resources into this, let’s create something that can benefit the community long-term,” Heilman said.
Heilman raised the possibility of aligning Pride with the Olympics to attract more visitors and suggested that staff consider logistical feasibility. He also asked about the marathon route, noting its potential to bring visibility to West Hollywood, as the LA Marathon already passes through the city. He called for using the marathon as a test case to refine planning for the Olympics.
Economic Development Director Laura Biery outlined economic opportunities related to the Olympics, including the potential to host training sessions, practices, or exhibitions for athletes. She emphasized the importance of attracting visitors who would support local businesses by dining, shopping, and staying in West Hollywood. Biery explained that city staff are working with consultants to assess facility capacity and the feasibility of hosting such events.
Acting Director of Public Works Helen Collins added that consultants are evaluating whether city facilities can accommodate additional infrastructure, such as bleachers and stands, needed for exhibitions or community gatherings. Collins said the goal is to balance the needs of athletes, fans, and local businesses.
Councilmember Lauren Meister stressed the importance of public safety and emergency preparedness, noting that large-scale events like the Olympics require strategic planning to ensure visitor and resident safety. Meister referred to recommendations from Paris 2024, which advised testing safety protocols during smaller events to identify potential challenges in advance.
Councilmembers called for greater collaboration with local sports organizations, such as the WeHo Soccer Club, to engage the community and develop innovative programming. They pointed to the Sunset Strip as a potential site for fan zones, suggesting partnerships with businesses and billboard companies to activate the area for Olympic viewing and gatherings.
Vice Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers highlighted the city’s experience managing large events like Pride and Halloween, saying that such expertise would be valuable for Olympic preparations. Shyne encouraged staff to think creatively about West Hollywood’s contributions, suggesting that unique events like ballroom competitions could reflect the city’s cultural identity.
Transportation was another focus of the discussion, with councilmembers urging coordination with LA28, Metro, and other regional partners to address challenges related to transit and accessibility. Mayor Erickson announced plans to bring a transit-related item to the council in the near future.
Biery noted that staff are strengthening ties with LA Tourism and the LA Sports and Entertainment Commission to ensure West Hollywood’s inclusion in key planning discussions. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the city’s visibility as regional plans for the Olympics take shape.
Councilmembers expressed optimism about the city’s role in the Olympics while acknowledging the challenges ahead. They noted that while West Hollywood would not host official Olympic events, it could play a significant role in fan engagement, cultural programming, and hospitality. The council approved a motion to advance planning efforts, including collaboration with LA28 and assessments of city facilities.
Erickson thanked staff and partners for their work, saying the 2028 Olympics present an opportunity for West Hollywood to showcase its values and attract global attention. He highlighted the city’s legacy as a leader in inclusivity and cultural innovation, adding that preparations for the games would reflect these principles.
Organizing Pride alongside the Olympics seems like a significant public safety challenge.