The last major outstanding piece of LA 2024's bid could fall into place today, with the City Council expected to approve an expansive contract with the IOC and guarantee the Olympics budget in the event L.A. is awarded Games. Support from the council will be “overwhelming," council member Paul Krekorian said, another demonstration of the unusual popularity of the bid in Southern California. LA 2024 has asked supporters to attend the council hearing, and is also planning a media event after the vote at Grand Park. Krekorian: “I would be expecting a celebration, actually, more than a controversy.”
Among the various public commitments, the most controversial are the host city contract and the taxpayer-backed financial backstop, but council members have said they believe the risk is low. Also, owners of certain hotels must promise availability and rates for '24, and various traffic/transportation authorities must promise they will reserve one lane on key highways for Olympic officials. The IOC will vote on the '24 host on Sept. 13.
