Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympic Games, the Los Angeles City Council voted 13–2 to place a hotel tax increase before voters on the June 2 primary ballot, according to LAist.

The proposed measure would temporarily raise the city’s hotel tax from 14% to 16% through the Olympics, then reset it permanently at 15% beginning in 2029. City officials estimate the increase could generate approximately $44 million annually in the years leading up to the Games and about $22 million annually thereafter.

Supporters, including Councilmember Tim McOsker, argue that the Olympics offer a rare opportunity to generate additional revenue from the visitor economy to help offset the costs of hosting the global event.

Opposition came from hotel industry representatives and Councilmembers John Lee and Monica Rodriguez, who warned that higher taxes could discourage tourism, strain local hotels, and push visitors toward short-term rentals that already compete with traditional lodging.

In a separate but related vote, the Council also approved a second ballot measure aimed at closing a loophole that allows online travel agencies to under-collect hotel taxes. That measure could generate an additional $5 million annually if approved by voters.

Both proposals now head to the June 2 ballot, setting up a broader debate over how Los Angeles should fund Olympic-era investments while balancing the competitiveness of its tourism industry.