LA Olympic Venue Ballot Measure Faces Delays

A proposed ballot measure could require Los Angeles voters to approve significant developments or expansions at five major Olympic venues ahead of the 2028 Games. Filed by Unite Here Local 11, the union for hotel and restaurant workers, the initiative would mandate public votes for new or expanded event centers that exceed certain size or capacity thresholds, including temporary structures. City officials warn this could delay or prevent timely completion of essential Olympic projects and result in costly special elections, affecting sites such as the Los Angeles Convention Center, John C. Argue Swim Stadium, and Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area. The measure is seen as a union response to business groups opposing a forthcoming $30-per-hour minimum wage for hotel and airport workers. The proposal remains under review, has not begun signature collection, and may not appear on the ballot until June 2026. It would not apply to Olympic venues located in neighboring cities like Long Beach or Inglewood.