LOS ANGELES — The U.S. Olympic Committee board has accepted Los Angeles' bid to represent the country in the international competition to host the 2024 Olympics and Paralympic Games.
The Olympic Committee's decision followed a unanimous vote Tuesday by the City Council supporting a proposal from Mayor Eric Garcetti, and LA24, a private non-profit group headed by the mayor and sports executive Casey Wasserman.
The USOC switched gears to pick the Los Angeles 2024, bid after its previous choice, Boston, backed off amid local concerns about the cost.
LA24 released a 200-page report on Aug. 24 outlining a $5.8 billion plan that anticipates $160 million in revenues for Los Angeles. That total includes $1.5 billion that the International Olympic Committee would contribute.
"We have developed an initial plan that is prudent, responsible and sustainable," Garcetti said during a press conference held at Santa Monica Beach. "We are working to make sure the games contribute long term to the communities of Los Angeles and do not create a burden."
Los Angeles is not changing the face of the city to fit the Olympic Games, because it was already investing billions in the airport and mass transit, the mayor said.
A joint report from City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana and Chief Legislative Analyst Sharon Tsu analyzing the city's bid recommended that a memorandum of understanding be drawn up outlining the city's duties versus that of the non-profit. The City Council included that stipulation in its approval.
City lawmakers also have the power to approve or deny any deals the local organizing committee strikes with the U.S. or International Olympic committees.
It has been 18 years since the U.S. last hosted the Summer Olympics, in Atlanta.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with Los Angeles as our U.S. bid city for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games," USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said. "LA has the proven experience in hosting the Games, and knows how to deliver world-class events for athletes and an extraordinary experience for fans.
Los Angeles now competes with several international cities to be the finalist selected in 2017.
