Wave Staff Report
EXPOSITION PARK — As the region prepares to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, state Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, D-Los Angeles, held a workforce and procurement symposium to bring together LA28 leadership with South L.A. workforce and business leaders to provide equitable access to jobs, contracts and long-term economic impact generated by the 2028 Games.
“We partnered with LA28 to host this event to ensure South L.A. working families and businesses get a fair shot at the jobs and contracts created by the Games,” Smallwood-Cuevas said. “This event shows what’s possible when our community is included early and treated as a valuable partner.”
The symposium connected more than 100 South L.A. workforce administrators and business owners with employment and procurement experts representing LA28 and the mayor’s office to focus on one shared goal: Opening doors to economic opportunities for underserved communities that have been historically overlooked by major global events.
Workforce representatives learned how to prepare their workers for pathways into good-paying jobs and career pipelines tied to LA28 projects. Small, minority-owned and women-owned businesses received guidance on how to compete for upcoming contracts as well as resources designed to support their growth.
Reynold Hoover, LA28 chief executive officer, participated in the event to greet attendees and lead his team in facilitating panel discussions and presentations about their hiring and procurement processes.
“LA28 represents more than a moment on the world stage. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to uplift our communities,” Hoover said. “That is why we are working to prioritize the Los Angeles region — from those who live and work here, to the small business owners, the parents of young inspiring athletes and beyond.
“We are committed to this community and the lasting impact we leave behind for future generations, and we appreciate Senator Smallwood-Cuevas for her partnership,” he added.
The mayor’s office also led presentations to help small and disadvantaged businesses navigate the procurement process and scale to meet demand.
“The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games are more than a major sporting event — they’re an opportunity to invest in our workforce and support our businesses, especially small businesses that have been historically underutilized,” Mayor Karen Bass said. “From family-owned neighborhood restaurants to film and video producers and special print services, the city and LA28 are ensuring that all businesses have an opportunity to benefit from the economic boost these Games will provide.”
Through the symposium, Smallwood-Cuevas demonstrated her firm commitment to ensuring that the South L.A. community will benefit from the Games and ensure a strong legacy from the 2028 Olympic and Paralympics.
“This event is what equity looks like in action,” she said. “When workers and businesses from communities of color have real access to decision-makers for employment and procurement opportunities, they can build lasting economic security for their families.”
