Study Says a Carefully Planned Boston Olympics Could Bring in Billions

As Boston prepares its bid for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, supporters and detractors have come out of the woodwork. However, according to a study done by The Boston Foundation and the UMass Donahue Institute, the Olympics could bring up to $4 billion to the state’s economy.

According to the study, the bulk of the revenues generated would come from the creation of 4,100 construction jobs during each of the six years needed to ready the city. In addition, the city could see increased revenue during the Olympic Games themselves with tourists adding an estimated $300 million. In addition, the study estimates that another 4,300 temporary jobs will be created just for the span of the Olympics.While the report outlines the economic benefits of having the Olympics in Boston, it also cautions against overspending with the warning that it would offset the economic benefits the Games would bring. Historically, other cities have exceeded their budgets for preparing for the Olympic Games by an average of 252 percent. The report points out that the International Olympic Committee has always exposed the host city to all financial obligations that come with hosting the games.

While the report outlines the economic benefits of having the Olympic Games in Boston, it also raises substantial questions about the fiscal viability of having an Olympic-sized budget for the games.

In addition to concerns with overspending, the report also points out shortfalls in public transportation and infrastructure that would need to be addressed. The report drew no conclusions as to the likelihood that Boston would receive a disproportionate amount of public money to improve its infrastructure. The study was also unable to determine how extensive these improvements would actually be.

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