LA Metro Announces $10M for Open Streets During World Cup, Olympics

UPDATE: LA Metro has just announced a groundbreaking initiative to fund $10 million for “open streets” events during the upcoming FIFA World Cup in July 2026 and the Olympic Games in July 2028. This decision will significantly impact Los Angeles County, as it limits open street events to just two months over the next three years, raising concerns among local advocates about the future of these popular community activities.

The plan includes a total of 29 open street events coinciding with these major international sporting events. However, critics warn that this unprecedented scheduling could mean zero open street events in L.A. County for a staggering 34 of the next 36 months. Wesley Reutimann, co-founder of Active SGV, expressed his concerns:

“Should it come at the expense of open streets programs for three years?”

CicLAvias, which transform city streets into car-free zones for pedestrians and cyclists, have been a staple in Los Angeles since their inception in 2010. Events like the upcoming Arroyofest II, which drew over 50,000 participants in October 2023, highlight the community’s demand for regular open street access.

LA Metro’s funding aims to enhance the experience of sports fans during the World Cup and Olympics by providing designated open streets for celebrations and viewing parties. Planned events include festivities in El Pueblo de Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Long Beach, among others. Funding for these events ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 depending on the city.

Despite the excitement surrounding the World Cup and Olympics, Reutimann cautions that limiting open streets programming to these two months will undermine the momentum these events have built over the past decade. “This program has been incredibly successful, encouraging people to try out public transit,” he stated.

LA Metro has invested nearly $26 million into open streets programs since 2014, but with the focus shifting to fanfests and major sporting events, smaller communities may find it increasingly challenging to secure funding for their own local open street events.

The first discussion surrounding the proposed open streets and fanfest events will take place at LA Metro’s Planning and Programming Committee on November 19. Metro is currently working with local jurisdictions to identify additional funding sources, but Reutimann argues that the current approach risks sidelining smaller cities that are eager to host open streets events.

As Los Angeles gears up for these international spectacles, the impact of this funding allocation will be felt by thousands of community members who cherish these car-free experiences. The urgency to advocate for year-round open street access is more critical than ever.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and consider joining the conversation about the importance of maintaining open street events in Los Angeles County.