California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order establishing a state-level coordination team to oversee preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Announced on October 30, 2026, the order creates the position of Executive Director of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games Delivery and Coordination Strike Team. The initiative will bring together more than a dozen state agencies and departments to coordinate planning and readiness for the international sporting event.
Newsom has appointed Jamie Callahan to lead the initiative, which will work with local governments, federal partners and LA28 organisers.
Callahan to Coordinate Statewide Planning
The new executive director will oversee coordination between state agencies and other organisations involved in preparations for the Games.
The strike team will focus on statewide operational planning, improving communication between departments and identifying opportunities to streamline permitting processes. It will also support regional initiatives aimed at expanding employment and economic opportunities linked to the event.
Newsom said the executive order builds on preparations already being undertaken by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and LA28 Chief Executive Officer Reynold Hoover.
“With the Olympics and Paralympics coming to Los Angeles in 2028, we’re making sure our state is ready to meet the moment,” Newsom said.
He added that the initiative would help California coordinate its resources and prepare to host the Games.
California Builds on Earlier LA28 Preparations
The executive order follows other measures introduced by the state government to support Los Angeles ahead of the 2028 Games.
In September 2026, Newsom signed legislation addressing public safety coordination and the operational requirements associated with the Olympics and Paralympics. The legislation also extended in-state tuition benefits to Team USA student-athletes training in California.
California is also drawing on its experience coordinating preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which involved cooperation between state and local agencies.
The state said that experience would inform planning and coordination for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Millions Allocated to Infrastructure and Transportation
California has announced several infrastructure investments intended to improve transportation, upgrade venues and strengthen access to major event locations ahead of LA28.
The investments include $96.5 million previously allocated to modernise Exposition Park in Los Angeles, followed by an additional $7 million announced in September.
The state has also committed $257 million to mobility hubs in southwest Los Angeles County. The project is intended to improve connections for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users and commuters.
Another $2.45 million has been allocated for infrastructure and safety improvements at four Los Angeles County transit stations. The work will include improvements to navigation, security and passenger facilities.
$252 Million Project to Improve Routes for the Games
California is also investing $252 million in the Games Route Network Improvements Project.
The initiative will deliver transportation infrastructure and technology upgrades along major freeway corridors used to support the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The improvements are intended to facilitate the movement of athletes, officials, spectators, public transport users and other travellers during the event.
According to the state, the projects are also expected to provide longer-term benefits to California’s transportation network after the Games conclude.
Jamie Callahan Brings More Than 15 Years of Government Experience
Callahan currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Counselor on Infrastructure in the Office of Governor Newsom.
She has more than 15 years of experience in public policy, government affairs and external relations, including advising California governors, managing relationships with stakeholders and leading multiagency initiatives.
Over the past two years, Callahan has led state preparations for major international events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Her appointment places her in charge of coordinating California’s statewide planning efforts as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Executive Order Sets Out Coordination Responsibilities
Under the executive order, the new strike team will bring state departments together with local authorities, federal partners and LA28 organisers to coordinate preparations.
Its responsibilities include aligning state resources, supporting regional planning, improving communication across agencies and identifying opportunities to expand workforce participation and economic benefits.
The initiative is intended to keep state agencies coordinated as preparations continue for the Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
