Building a Legacy for the World and for South LA: Senator Smallwood-Cuevas Announces Nearly $100 Million State Investment in Exposition Park Ahead of Global Events

Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas this week announced that the state budget includes nearly $100 million in critical funding for Exposition Park, one of California’s most iconic public spaces and the heart of South Los Angeles. The investment comes as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, global events that will draw millions of visitors and place South Los Angeles on the world stage.

“Exposition Park is to Los Angeles what Central Park is to New York City and Grant Park is to Chicago. It is one of the brightest jewels in our state park system and a space deeply rooted in the life of our community,” said Senator Smallwood-Cuevas. “As we prepare to welcome the world, we must ensure this park is safe, accessible, and ready to serve both global visitors and the families who rely on it every day.”

Senator Smallwood-Cuevas was a key champion in securing this funding and continues to advocate for long-term investments that ensure South Los Angeles shares fully in the benefits of these historic events. The nearly $100 million will address long overdue surface and infrastructure repairs, strengthen core systems, improve accessibility, and prepare the park to safely host large-scale international events.

At a time when families across California are struggling with rising costs and many communities are feeling fear and uncertainty, Senator Smallwood-Cuevas stresses that this investment is about both opportunity and stability. Global events can bring jobs and small business opportunities, and she is working hard to ensure those benefits reach local residents. At the same time, preparing for the Games must go hand in hand with making sure longtime residents, immigrant families, seniors, and people with disabilities feel safe, welcome and respected in their own neighborhoods.

This investment goes beyond preparing for global events. It represents a lasting commitment to South Los Angeles. The funding will support local jobs, strengthen neighborhood infrastructure, and deliver enduring benefits to the surrounding community long after the Games conclude. It is an investment in Los Angeles’ legacy.

Senator Smallwood-Cuevas thanked Governor Gavin Newsom and state, local and federal partners for their collaboration. She also recognized Andrea Ambriz, General Manager of Exposition Park, Jeffrey Rudolph, President and CEO of the California Science Center, and their teams for their leadership on the repair effort.

“I especially want to thank the Governor for recognizing the importance of these strategic local investments,” she said. “We must invest in people and places with the potential to create the greatest return, and we must maintain the beautiful spaces that feed the soul and spirit of our communities. Exposition Park does both.”

“This funding is an important step, but the work continues,” Senator Smallwood-Cuevas added. “Our communities are counting on us to ensure access, safety, dignity, and a welcoming experience for all. I will continue to champion the investments needed to make sure Exposition Park is ready – not just for the world, but for the people of South Los Angeles who call this place home.”

Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas represents the 28^th Senate District, which includes the communities of South Los Angeles, Mid City, Culver City, West Los Angeles, Century City and Downtown Los Angeles. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas spent more than two decades serving as a worker rights and racial equity advocate before her election to the State Senate. She resides in the View Park community of South Los Angeles with her family.

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