LOS ANGELES – Councilmember Ysabel Jurado today issued the following Mayor Karen Bass’ State of the City Address, highlighting Council District 14’s commitment to ensuring upcoming global sporting events deliver lasting benefits for local communities:
“Global moments strengthen local communities. When Los Angeles steps onto the global stage, our neighborhoods deserve their moment in the spotlight, and we are making sure these events deliver real opportunities for our neighbors, workers, and small business owners, leaving a lasting impact for years to come.”
Community Engagement Ahead of the 2026 World Cup:
In the weeks leading up to the World Cup, Council District 14 is supporting community-centered initiatives that expand access to sports, culture, and civic pride:
The Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee, in partnership with the Play Equity Fund, LAFC, and Angel City FC, will host a free Grow the Game of Soccer Youth Clinic for children ages 6-12 on Saturday, February 18, at Cal State LA, providing young athletes with opportunities to build skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of the game.
The Road to World Cup Community Day will bring neighbors together on Saturday, March 14, at Gloria Molina Grand Park to care for public spaces and celebrate community pride, uplifting the civic spirit that defines Los Angeles as the City prepares to welcome the world. Registration will open in mid-February.
Heart of the City: Union Station & LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes (June 25–28) has been selected as an official Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Fan Zone, providing a welcoming, inclusive space for live match viewings, fan programming, and celebration of the culture, heritage, and energy of Downtown Los Angeles.
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes will serve as Casa México (June 11–July 19), Mexico’s official World Cup Hospitality House, transforming El Pueblo into a vibrant gathering space celebrating World Cup matches and Mexican cultural traditions.
Supporting Local Entrepreneurs Ahead of the 2026 World Cup:
Council District 14 is investing in local businesses to ensure global moments deliver tangible benefits to Angelenos and strengthen the neighborhoods where they live, work, and build their dreams:
Our office’s dedicated Small Business Liaison works closely with major event organizers to connect entrepreneurs with contracting opportunities and provide tailored resources for growth and readiness.
The Boyle Heights BusinessSource Center helps small businesses expand operations, access financing, and remain competitive for upcoming procurement opportunities at no cost. In 2025, BusinessSource Centers supported more than 1,200 small business owners to acquire $9.6 million in funding.
Additional online resources, including ProcureLA and the Business Navigator, provide access to permitting, certification training, financing, networking events, and one-on-one consulting to support small businesses.
The years ahead will have a generational impact.
“By planning for people first, investing in neighborhoods, and supporting the businesses and workers that power them, Council District 14 is ensuring that the benefits of these global events reach the everyday Angelenos who make this City strong and vibrant.”