Huntington Beach is gearing up for a potential Olympic boost, as city officials explore opportunities to enhance local revenue and attract visitors during the 2028 Games. During a recent Finance Commission meeting, discussions centered on leveraging the city's beach location to host complementary Olympic events, such as BMX and beach volleyball, alongside surfing.
Commission members emphasized the need to capitalize on the influx of tourists expected for the Olympics. "What do you do after the few days in between?" one member questioned, highlighting the importance of creating engaging activities for visitors. The conversation also touched on the competitive edge Huntington Beach has over neighboring cities like Santa Monica and Long Beach, with a call to establish its prominence as a premier destination.
Collaboration with Visit HB, the city's tourism board, was noted as crucial in attracting Olympic-related events. They are actively reaching out to LA 2028 to promote Huntington Beach as a key venue. "They work jointly with us on doing that," a commission member stated, underscoring the partnership's significance.
In addition to Olympic discussions, the commission provided an update on the city's financial audit process. Auditors are currently finalizing their annual review, with more detailed financial information expected to be shared at the next commission meeting on November 20.
As Huntington Beach positions itself for the Olympic spotlight, the city is not only looking to enhance its reputation but also to create lasting economic benefits for the community. The upcoming months will be pivotal in shaping the city's strategy for the Games and beyond.