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awalkerinla.bsky.social
Alissa Walker
@awalkerinla.bsky.social
28K followers 600 following 3.1K posts
I'm a writer and a walker in LA. Tracking the city's megaevent progress at Torched. LA Podcast co-host, new episodes drop every Monday. LAUSD mom. @awalkerinla everywhere else. Sign up for my newsletter at torched.la 🔥
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Reposted by Alissa Walker
awalkerinla.bsky.social
One of my absolute favorite facts in today's newsletter: the last time we hosted the Olympics, transit ridership was way, way higher: 1.6 million daily boardings. And that's all buses, no new trains (yet — we were between rail systems).

Current Metro ridership is about 1 million daily boardings
n an effort to reduce overcrowding at rush hours, RTD has begun deploying additional buses on heavily traveled ser- vice lines. A total of 35 buses are being phased into service, bringing to 235 the number of additional buses RTD has deployed systemwide over the past 20 months to handle increasing ridership since the implementation of the reduced fare program in July 1982. "The additional buses are being added on the most heavi- ly used routes," said RTD Board President Nick Patsaouras. "And although the added equipment will not eliminate all in- cidences of overcrowding, it will enable us to provide a better ride for thousands of patrons." The additional buses serve routes alona Vermont and Western Aves., Sunset, Santa Monica and Beverly Blvds. and other busy thoroughfares. RTD ridership has soared in the past 23 months with the im- plementation of the 50-cent base fare program. Ridership in July 1982 averaged 1.1 million daily boardings. Today, RD's 2,600-bus fleet is logging new all-time ridership records, with average daily ridership approaching 1.6 million daily boardings. The additional service was made possible when the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission (LACTC) voted March 28 to subsidize additional RTD service hours. LACTC administers the local Proposition A half-cent sales tax program, which subsidizes RTD fares.
September 19, 2026 at 7:25 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Did you see the Hollywood Sign get turned into a billboard for Universal this week? Is this something we'll see more of?

Plus yet another economic impact report, Mellody Hobson steps down from the LA28 board, anti-palm discourse, and all the latest megaevent news in this week’s Hot Links 🔥
A sign of things to come
Preparing for a total LA28 takeover
www.torched.la
September 19, 2026 at 7:21 PM
Reposted by Alissa Walker
southbayforward.bsky.social
Today is the day! Come on down to Torrance Transit Center. Hear from @movela.bsky.social @metrolosangeles.bsky.social @awalkerinla.bsky.social
@uclaits.bsky.social
and more
southbayforward.bsky.social South Bay Forward @southbayforward.bsky.social · 7d
🚍✨ The South Bay Transit Summit is Sat, Sept 19 (10 AM – 1 PM) at the Torrance Transit Center! Hear from @metrolosangeles & Torrance Transit, connect w/ community orgs & learn about Mega-Event planning for LA28 and beyond. RSVP: www.southbayforward.org/sbts26 #SouthBayTransitSummit
September 19, 2026 at 3:53 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Another win for human rights advocates. LA28 is launching another grantmaking program to "support community-led projects across five priority areas identified in LA28's Human Rights Strategy:

Human trafficking
Labor rights
Accessibility
Unhoused communities
Civil rights and voice"
September 18, 2026 at 6:52 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Metro joins Super Bowl LXI as official public transit provider. The host committee for the Super Bowl is effectively the same as the World Cup host committee, run through LASEC. I assume this means Metro will be running shuttles from 15+ locations similar to the World Cup matches
METRO JOINS THE LOS ANGELES SUPER BOWL LXI HOST COMMITTEE AS THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC TRANSIT PROVIDER Partnership builds on Metro’s support for FIFA World Cup 2026™ and underscores the essential role of public transit at major events across Los Angeles LOS ANGELES (September 17, 2026) - The Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission is proud to announce that the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will serve as the Official Public Transit Provider for the Los Angeles Super Bowl LXI Host Committee, continuing a growing partnership between Metro and the region’s major sports events. The announcement builds on Metro’s role as a Los Angeles World Cup Host City Supporter, where Metro helped connect fans from around the world and Angelenos alike to matches and celebrations across Los Angeles. During the tournament, Metro recorded nearly 26 million rides in July 2026, an increase in more than 2 million rides year-over-year, while 196 World Cup-branded buses operated throughout the region. Metro’s Games Enhanced Bus Service also provided more than 212,865 rides from 15 different transit locations for the eight World Cup matches played at SoFi Stadium. With Super Bowl LXI on the horizon, Metro will once again play a critical role in helping the region welcome fans and deliver a safe and smooth transportation experience. As the Official Public Transit Provider, Metro will work closely with the Los Angeles Super Bowl LXI Host Committee and the National Football League to support transportation planning and operations surrounding Super Bowl LXI and encourage fans to take advantage of Metro’s expanding rail and bus network to travel to the game, official Super Bowl Experience, and fan events throughout the region. “Major global events are an opportunity to show the world what Los Angeles is capable of,” said Kathryn Schloessman, President & CEO, Los Angeles Super Bowl LXI Host Committee. “Metro is an essential part of that story. Following the suc…
September 17, 2026 at 5:45 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
There's a very "right now I feel like I could take on the whole Empire myself" vibe coming from LA's tourism unions. After using the opening of the Lucas Museum to exert immense pressure on Mellody Hobson to resign from the LA28 board, she has, in fact, stepped down
September 17, 2026 at 12:58 PM
Reposted by Alissa Walker
yeskelsey.bsky.social
Reading this from Los Angeles
September 17, 2026 at 4:01 AM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Listen carefully to what Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said at this SCAG panel earlier this month about buses for 2028.

"If we find ourselves where we're not getting the federal funding we need... LA28 will have to find some other delivery partner for it, because we can't undermine everyday service"
September 16, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Reposted by Alissa Walker
awalkerinla.bsky.social
We have tools to build a safer city for everyone. At today’s transportation committee meeting we’ll get an update on speed camera deployment, which can’t come soon enough.

Also on the agenda: look at this data for LA’s bus lane enforcement: $21 million (!) in revenue since launch
In October 2023, Metro executed an agreement with Hayden Al, following a competitively bid Request for Proposals (RFP) process, to procure: 1. Camera hardware and software for 100 cameras; 2. Configuration, operation, and maintenance of a back-end web-based database and dashboard; and 3. Data processing services to prepare fully adjudicable evidence packages. In October 2024, Council authorized LADOT to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Metro to deploy 100 cameras on Metro buses, operating on five bus routes within the City of Los Angeles, and to enforce transit-only traffic lanes, more commonly referred to as bus lanes, and bus stop violations. The MOU with Metro requires Hayden Al to provide the evidence package to LADOT for review and to process the citations. Since the Metro program launched in November 2024 through January 2026, it has: • Sent 281,000 potential violations to the citation management system • Generated over $21 million in gross revenue • Enhanced transit performance by improving speed and reliability of the routes in the program • Improved trip time reliability by 2.4 percent across all routes in the PM peak • Improved bus lane speed • Increased on-time performance for routes 212 and 720 by 7 to 9.8 percent • Changed behavior due to fewer individuals parking in bus zones • 33 percent drop in citations after one year • 77 percent of people only committed one violation • Reduced chronic offenders • Improved rider satisfaction and safety Easier and safer access to buses, as stops were less likely to be impeded by illegally parked vehicles
September 16, 2026 at 1:05 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
On the very same day of this rally. The letter from advocates talks about how mass casualty traffic violence incidents are on the rise in LA this year and this tragedy would qualify as another one
September 16, 2026 at 12:58 PM
Reposted by Alissa Walker
riffle.bsky.social
Oh that example from Matheson is killer.

"Imagine an airplane landing at an airport and everyone gets out and gives each other a million bucks, then gets back on the plane. That's $200 million in economic activity, but it's not any benefit to the local economy."
awalkerinla.bsky.social Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 4d
Also please enjoy my absolute favorite criticism of these types of economic impact reports from College of the Holy Cross economic professor Victor Matheson
September 15, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Reposted by Alissa Walker
awalkerinla.bsky.social
I know what they mean, but this part makes me laugh. The no-build games everyone!

LOOK HOW MUCH OF IT IS THE CONVENTION CENTER AND THAT STILL DOES NOT REVEAL THE FULL COST TO US

Also why is the Rose Bowl renovation funding listed under LA city? What other mistakes will I find in this?
ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF GAMES-RELATED CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROJECTS The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games are structured as a “no-build” Games, with no requirement for new permanent venue construction and a largely privately funded organizing budget. Of the LA28 Committee’s $7.149 billion budget, approximately $1.428 billion is allocated to venue construction, which is already incorporated in the OCOG spending impact analysis. This approach contrasts with past Games that relied heavily on publicly funded capital investments and, in some cases, resulted in underutilized facilities after the event. Despite limited venue construction, the LA28 Games have played an important role in accelerating and prioritizing a range of transportation and mobility-related capital investments across Greater Los Angeles. These projects, led by regional agencies, local jurisdictions, and airport authorities, are intended to enhance mobility during the Games while also contributing to longer-term infrastructure improvements. While many of these investments would likely have proceeded in some form absent the Games, a portion can be attributed to LA28 due to accelerated timelines, expanded scope, or direct linkage to Games operations. Consistent with the AISTS framework, only capital investment projects that can be attributed to the Games or have been significantly accelerated for completion by the time of the Games are included in the analysis. Long-term legacy benefits beyond the study horizon are not quantified here. Further details on the inclusion criteria for capital investment projects are provided in Appendix A7. Overview of Capital Investment Projects The Games-related capital investment projects included in this analysis, as listed in Exhibit 2-12, total approximately $8.35 billion and span transportation infrastructure, airport improvements, local mobility enhancements, and venue upgrades. LA28’s “no-build” venue strategy has created opportunities to make investments in durable infras…
September 15, 2026 at 7:35 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
More long-awaited economic impact reports! This is the one commissioned by LA28 — so, yeah — and LAEDC which concludes the games will "generate between approximately $20.5 billion to $40.6 billion in economic output and support approximately 126,000 to 224,000 jobs across Greater Los Angeles"
Projected Economic Impacts of The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games
This report was prepared by the Institute for Applied Economics of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). As the Southern California region’s premier…
laedc.org
September 15, 2026 at 6:58 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Imelda Padilla says she's removing Home Depot as a sponsor of today's El Grito event. Boycott Home Depot is asking for specifics.

Home Depot, a FIFA sponsor, was allllll over LA World Cup events, including sponsoring the Mexico hospitality house and no officials said anything about it at the time
Councilmember Padilla Rescinds Home Depot Partnership Following Community Concerns Recently, concerns, reactions and nega- tive feelings have been raised by com- munity members regarding the inclusion of Home Depot's logo on our event, El Grito 2026. Given the hurt & trauma this partner erupts due the ICE raids the Federal Government performs so intentionally at their sites; I sincerely apologize for the distress caused by featuring the com- pany. We have rescinded their partners- hip for this event. 1/2 PADILLA• Councilmember Padilla Rescinds Home Depot Partnership Following Community Concerns The spirit of El Grito is rooted in celebra- ting our Latino heritage and creating a space where our families feel welcomed, safe, and celebrated. Our office conti- nues to stand in solidarity with our immi- grant communities and remain fiercely committed to ensuring that every family feels protected and never ashamed of who we are. 2/2 melda PADILLA• homedepotboycott 4h Here are the questions our coalition would like answers too: 1. Did your office approach Home Depot? 2. Do you commit to returning the money or directing it towards impacted families? 3. Will you Boycott Home Depot until our demands are met? 15 likes Reply
September 15, 2026 at 6:30 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Advocates are rallying at City Hall tomorrow to demand that LA Mayor Karen Bass declare a state of emergency due to the city’s spiking traffic deaths — already 8% higher than the same time last year
MEDIA ADVISORY Advocates and Community Members Demand a State of Emergency and More to Address Spike in Traffic Violence The stats speak for themselves: • The City of Los Angeles has had more traffic fatalities than homicides for the past 3 years. • In 2025, Los Angeles had 324 traffic fatalities and 16,160 people injured; that's 3.5% higher than in 2024 (313). (Source: TIMS) • So far this year, traffic fatalities are already well over 200 and are currently running 8% higher than the same time last year. (Source: LAPD as of 22 Aug 2026) In 2015, Los Angeles started Vision Zero, LA's plan to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2025. That plan failed, and traffic fatalities are now 34% higher than they were in 2015(241 compared to 324). (Source: TIMS) Since then, LA has failed to produce a comprehensive plan to reduce traffic violence. In April 2025, an independent analysis of Vision Zero found 13 key points of failure. All of these boil down to poor coordination and prioritization within and across city departments as well as a lack of political will. None of this has been fixed. On 11 May 2026, in an email, Ms Tina Backstrom from the LA Mayor's office stated that Mayor Karen Bass had an Executive Directive on her desk to re-launch Vision Zero and that it would be reviewed and signed within three weeks. This was never done. Los Angeles has spent more than a decade promising to eliminate traffic deaths. Not only did Vision Zero fail, but things have gotten worse, and now, instead of fixing what continues to fail, the city has chosen to ignore the problem.
September 15, 2026 at 12:04 AM
Reposted by Alissa Walker
southbayforward.bsky.social
Transit Summit this weekend with a panel moderated by @awalkerinla.bsky.social and with reps from @movela.bsky.social @calbike.bsky.social @uclaits.bsky.social @metrolosangeles.bsky.social. Thank you @supjanicehahn.bsky.social @suphollyjmitchell.bsky.social

RSVP: www.southbayforward.org/sbts26
September 14, 2026 at 8:17 PM
Reposted by Alissa Walker
gspeng.bsky.social
Crowds, Culture and Connectivity (Mega events) panel moderated by @awalkerinla.bsky.social
Transpo Finance panel includes @movela.bsky.social, @calbike.bsky.social @uclaits.bsky.social , @metrolosangeles.bsky.social
southbayforward.bsky.social South Bay Forward @southbayforward.bsky.social · 7d
🚍✨ The South Bay Transit Summit is Sat, Sept 19 (10 AM – 1 PM) at the Torrance Transit Center! Hear from @metrolosangeles & Torrance Transit, connect w/ community orgs & learn about Mega-Event planning for LA28 and beyond. RSVP: www.southbayforward.org/sbts26 #SouthBayTransitSummit
September 13, 2026 at 9:20 PM
Reposted by Alissa Walker
zacestrada.com
“…the second-busiest in the country, once again spiking Metrolink and Amtrak service between LA and Orange County indefinitely. This is a key infrastructural element to reliably deliver a regional transit-first games, but unfortunately the fix we really need wasn't accelerated for 2028”
awalkerinla.bsky.social Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 7d
Yes, it is my job to be the annoying "what if the Olympics and/or Paralympics were today" voice repeating with growing insistence in the back of your brain for the next 671 days.

Plus LA28's plan to use street vendors, LA County's economic impact report, and much more in this week's Hot Links 🔥
"The surf took the beach we planned this on"
A hurricane canceling a 30,000-person megaevent demonstrates the future that's coming for us
www.torched.la
September 13, 2026 at 3:23 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Yes, it is my job to be the annoying "what if the Olympics and/or Paralympics were today" voice repeating with growing insistence in the back of your brain for the next 671 days.

Plus LA28's plan to use street vendors, LA County's economic impact report, and much more in this week's Hot Links 🔥
"The surf took the beach we planned this on"
A hurricane canceling a 30,000-person megaevent demonstrates the future that's coming for us
www.torched.la
September 13, 2026 at 12:17 AM
Reposted by Alissa Walker
daviddaniel.bsky.social
“The unbearable heat will remain a persistent challenge, but I ask again: what's the plan if a tropical storm rolls through two summers from now?”

– @awalkerinla.bsky.social
"The surf took the beach we planned this on"
A hurricane canceling a 30,000-person megaevent demonstrates the future that's coming for us
www.torched.la
September 12, 2026 at 9:39 PM
Reposted by Alissa Walker
futureis.la
The city's 2025 park needs assessment prioritized where new parks are needed most. My aha moment: of the 36 highest-need areas (colored squares), 30 overlap with SB 79 station areas (yellow circles).

In LA, poor people get transit, and rich people get parks.
A map of Los Angeles overlaying the city's park needs assessment and SB 79 station areas. The map shows 36 colored squares representing the neighborhoods with the highest park needs, and 145 yellow circles representing the areas around the transit stations where SB 79 applies. 30 out of the 36 high-park-need neighborhoods overlap with SB 79 station areas.
September 11, 2026 at 5:21 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Here's some more about the food and beverage program in today's LA28 First Fridays community meeting (actually it's the second Friday this time). LA28 food and beverage director David McCallum is talking about how each venue/zone will have "authentic" menus customized to the neighborhood
THE FNB STRATEGY FNB is the LA28 Functional Area responsible for delivering food and beverage services across the Games platform. Our mission is to facilitate the feeding of stakeholders across all competition and non-competition venues, to offer authentically prepared nourishment that meets a wide variety of ethical, cultural, religious, allergen, and dietary needs, and to provide a platform for communities hosting LA28 venues to tell their stories through integration of their diverse food, beverage, culture, and neighborhood businesses - all while prioritizing sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact. Food and Beverage at LA28 is envisioned as a defining part of the Games experience- fueling athletes, supporting workforce, and welcoming guests from around the world into our dynamic and diverse culture. Our intent is to deliver inclusive, sustainable, and locally resonant offerings that elevate every touchpoint and create a sense of place, belonging, and celebration. FOOD VISIDN These principles are not intended to be peripheral or secondary, they are central to LA28's vision and are embedded at the core of our Food and Beverage strategy. YOU THINK YOU KNOW L.A.? THINK AGAIN, L.A. isn't a place, it's a mindset. In L.A., we make things. We create music, movies, movements. We build communities, cultures, and cuisines. Reinvention is our tradition. Authenticity is our origin story. Our shared culture consists of street carts and Michelin stars, food trucks and culinary icons, fast food drive-thrus and vegan tasting menus. It's the fusion of communities living and innovating, side-by-side, every day. We're not here to tell the story of L.A. We're here to build the stage for our communities to tell their own stories. Stories of endless possibilities. Limitless energy. Relentless creativity. And a future we're not waiting for - we're making it ourselves. Welcome to L.A. - LA28 FNB FNB COMMITMENTS LA28 FNB will create inclusive, sustainable, and locally resonant experiences by celebrating the hyperlocal identity of each competition zone-using food and beverage to connect spectators with the neighborhoods, cultures, and communities that make Los Angeles what it is. We do this by: Engaging local communities and providing them a platform to share their unique stories through authentic food experiences Directly engaging with local food trucks and pop ups drawn from each of our competition zones. Supporting Local Business and Workforce Integrating Small and Micro Businesses at every level of the Games Actively Seeking Sustainability through Radical Reuse, Sourcing Standards and Climate Resilience measures
September 11, 2026 at 5:33 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
I've been waiting SO long for this! LA County's economic impact report on the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games has finally dropped, outlining risks, opportunities, and goals.

Will give this a closer look, but you can read the report here: file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/bos...
2028 OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC GAMES LA COUNTY ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS AND GOALS FRAMEWORK AUGUST 2026 Context In Summer 2028, the Los Angeles region will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games (collectively, the "Games") -welcoming the world to a region renowned for its diversity, creativity, and innovation. Los Angeles is a place unlike any other-a rich tapestry of cultures and communities, stitched together by people from all corners of the globe. The stories that start in Los Angeles travel far beyond the borders of Los Angeles County and its 88 cities and unincorporated areas-shaping art, culture, and industry on a global scale. Like previous Games and other "mega- events" before, the 2028 Games will have a considerable effect on the region. The influx of international spectators, athletes, and media will spike hotel demand, generate new economic activity, and increase utilization of the region's transportation system. Public officials recognize this as a "once-in-a- generation opportunity" to achieve long- lasting impacts-including job creation, public infrastructure improvements, and small business growth. Simultaneously, there is broad recognition that the Games-if not effectively managed-can aggravate existing challenges or fail to meet its full economic potential throughout Los Angeles' communities, particularly as the region recovers from the recent windstorms and wildfires. Recognizing that the City of Los Angeles is officially the "host city" in partnership with the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28), in May 2024, the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors passed a motion-by Supervisors Holly J. Mitchell and Hilda L. Solis- to proactively analyze the impacts of the 2028 Games on the regional economy.' The motion directed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). and other relevant departments to engage with a consultant to conduct an economic impact and opportunity analysis of the 2028 Games and work towards the following broad outcomes: • Quantify economic impacts, …
September 10, 2026 at 9:35 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
👀 convention.nithyaforthecity.com
What $100 Million Could Buy
Los Angeles is paying $100 Million a year for the next 30 years to pay for the Convention Center expansion. See what that money could have funded instead.
convention.nithyaforthecity.com
September 10, 2026 at 8:02 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
LA28 has opened up applications for food trucks and street vendors: www.rampla.org/s/procuremen...

"The program marks the first time... local small and micro businesses, such as food trucks, festival style pop-ups, and food carts, will play a central role in the Games food and beverage strategy"
Largest integration of food trucks and mobile vendors will create Games-time opportunities for hundreds of local food businesses while showcasing the flavors, cultures, and neighborhoods that define Los Angeles LOS ANGELES (Sept. 10, 2026) – Today, LA28 opened applications for the LA28 L.ocal A.uthentic Program, the largest integration of food trucks and mobile vendors of its kind, central to the concessions strategy that will give hundreds of small and local food businesses from across the Los Angeles region the opportunity to serve spectators during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Applications are open from September 10 through November 16 on RAMPLA. “The Games are an extraordinary opportunity to show the world what makes Los Angeles special while creating meaningful opportunities for the local businesses that make this city what it is,” said Reynold Hoover, LA28 Chief Executive Officer. “From neighborhood favorites to food trucks and family-run businesses, we want millions of visitors to experience the L.A. that Angelenos know and love—and give the entrepreneurs behind those businesses a platform to grow well beyond 2028.” Through the LA28 L.ocal A.uthentic Program, LA28 will select hundreds of small food businesses from across the Los Angeles region to serve spectators at competition venue zones and non-competition venues. The initiative supports LA28's broader procurement targets to direct 75% of addressable procurement spend to businesses in the Los Angeles region and 25% to small businesses. The LA28 L.ocal A.uthentic Program is designed to work alongside LA28's official sponsors and operators, combining their expertise and support with the creativity and authenticity of local businesses to create something uniquely Los Angeles. The program marks the first time in Olympic and Paralympic Games history that local small and micro businesses, such as food trucks, festival style pop-ups, and food carts, will play a central role in the Games food and beverage strategy. Across the Games as a whole, the broader food and beverage operation is expected to deliver more than 17 million meals across the Olympic and Paralympic Games, all of which will meet a wide variety of needs while incorporating more sustainable choices.
September 10, 2026 at 4:06 PM