Intergovernmental Challenges of the 1984 Olympic Games

In: Publius: the journal of federalism, Band 15, Heft 3, S. 127-141

Abstract

Planning & managing the 1984 Olympic Games presented unique financial & intergovernmental challenges for city officials in Los Angeles, Calif, but governmental cooperation & an innovative public/private partnership to finance & run the Games proved to be successful. Under strict restrictions against spending local tax dollars, the City of Los Angeles assigned management of the Games to a nonprofit committee that raised private funds to finance the Games. In cooperation with surrounding jurisdictions & the federal government, the city provided key services (such as police & fire protection, transportation planning, & visitor services) under contract to the Olympic Committee & used two Olympic-related taxes to pay for these services, with the Olympic Committee paying for additional expenses. The 1984 Olympics resulted in an estimated economic impact of $3.3 billion on southern Calif & left Los Angeles with a number of new & refurbished sports & cultural facilities. Moreover, the Olympic Organizing Committee accrued a surplus of over $215 million, 40% of which was targeted to benefit youth sports organizations in southern Calif. 2 Tables. HA