Urban Development and the Olympics

Cities around the world are constantly engaging in cycles of urban development or revitalization. A broader vision and extensive coordination of such development into a master blueprint are critical to avoid unintentional and uninformed growth. Further integration of these existing urban development goals within an Olympic bid bolsters a city’s commitment to ensuring the successful movement of people and goods during the Olympic Games and beyond. This emphasis on urban transformation can help a city achieve a greater social impact through a legacy of relevant, efficient, and multipurpose infrastructure projects for residents’ use long after the bid or the Games. Still, the financial burden of a bid and potential likelihood of hosting the Games force cities to rationalize the opportunity cost of participation. It takes extraordinary vision and resilience to unite existing priorities, financial resources, and stakeholder support in a strategic bid with long-term benefits to a city. Ultimately, the IOC decides if a city is prepared to host the Games, but it is up to the preliminary bid champions to convince government, business, and civic leaders that their vision for urban development and the Games has roots and wings.