Opponents Question Budget, Funding Sources
The effort to bring the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games to Boston continues to meet with public skepticism, with fresh doubts being raised about who would pay for the expensive capital project and what would happen to the venues after the games. Supporters are holding thirty public hearings across the state before the end of September, ten of which are in the Boston area, in an effort to increase support. Boston radio station WBUR conducted a recent poll that found 40% support and 50% opposition. “The public is influencing not only how we’re thinking about venues, how we’re thinking about legacy,” said Boston 2024 CEO Richard Davey. “But also how we’re thinking about ultimately gauging the public interest. Our ideal situation is to have a demonstrable majority public support.” The US Olympic Committee (USOC) affirmed its choice of Boston over Washington DC, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. “Boston can and should lead America’s bid to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun. “We’re obviously pleased that the more people learn about this extraordinary opportunity, the more they seem inclined to support the bid. We’ll continue to work with our partners at Boston 2024 and the City of Boston to engage residents and successfully answer the public’s legitimate questions.”
What Happens Next
Boston 2024 has pledged to respect the outcome of a voter referendum in whether or not to continue pursuing the bid. The group is fighting strong opposition from the grassroots group No Boston Olympics. The International Olympic Committee is scheduled to announce the short list of host cities early next year.
What This Means For Small Business
Independent business owners are divided in their support of holding the games in their city. Boston 2024 organizers say the effort would be funded through private investment, but some individuals and small businesses are concerned that taxpayers could be forced to pick up the tab. Boston 2024 estimates $9.1 billion in direct costs for preparing for the games, and billions of dollars of additional spending on improved infrastructure and other related expenses.
Additional Reading
Major media outlets covering the controversial bid for the 2024 Olympics include the Boston Globe, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the Washington Post.