Mayor Bass Highlights Exciting Upcoming Events in LA During State of the City Address
Mayor Karen Bass Delivers Final State of the City Address Ahead of November Election
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass addressed the city’s future and imminent global events in her final State of the City speech before the upcoming November election. Delivered on Monday at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, her remarks encompassed key initiatives and the pressing issue of homelessness.
The mayor, recently announcing her re-election campaign, highlighted major sporting events slated for Los Angeles, including the World Cup and the Women’s U.S. Open at Riviera Country Club. The Super Bowl will return to SoFi Stadium next year, while the city is set to host the Olympics for a third time in 2028.
In anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Bass announced plans for free community celebrations in public parks across all council districts. The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026, with Mexico playing the opening match in Mexico City, while the U.S. and Canada will host their respective openers a day later.
Bass noted that SoFi Stadium will host eight World Cup matches during June and July of that year. She emphasized the importance of showcasing Los Angeles as more than just a venue, stating, “When the world looks at Los Angeles, they won’t just see venues. They will see our values, the diversity of our people, the pride in our shared home, and all that our neighborhoods offer. Yes — the moment is big. Yes — the task is real. But we will be ready.”
Additionally, Bass unveiled a partnership with Angel City Football Club, which is investing $3 million over three years to promote youth sports, aiming to benefit over 45,000 young athletes across the city. The city’s Department of Recreation and Parks is planning “Golf for Girls” clinics at public courses in conjunction with the U.S. Women’s Open in June.
To prepare for the influx of visitors, Bass announced enhancements to the city’s Clean Corridors Initiative. This program will expedite improvements across major corridors, including trash collection, graffiti removal, and landscaping. Upcoming volunteer efforts, such as a cleanup at Hansen Dam Recreation Center by Shine LA, are part of these initiatives. The center will serve as an official World Cup 26 Fan Zone.
Addressing the homelessness crisis, Bass spoke about the city’s Inside Safe program, which aims to clear 120 homeless encampments and transition residents into temporary and permanent housing. She cited plans for over 42,000 affordable housing units currently in development, though those figures have not been independently confirmed.
“Ending street homelessness and housing all Angelenos is one of the defining challenges of our time — one decades in the making,” Bass remarked. “Since I became Mayor, we have moved with urgency… and begun building a coordinated system with one clear goal: end street homelessness.”
This address marks Bass’ final presentation of her State of the City before voters decide in November on her re-election bid for another four-year term. Over the past year, she has faced criticism, including her absence from Los Angeles during the catastrophic Palisades Fire, which she subsequently acknowledged as a misstep.
Traditionally, Los Angeles mayors deliver the State of the City address in spring, outlining their priorities and discussing the city’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The next mayoral election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, just ahead of the World Cup, with a runoff possible in November if no candidate secures a majority.
