Latest news with #AprilPutney
Hans India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
US host cities outline legacy vision for 2026 FIFA World Cup
New York: One year ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, representatives from all 11 United States host cities have presented plans to ensure the tournament drives long-term community impact, from cultural equity and infrastructure to youth sports access. At a panel held Monday at the Paley Center for Media in New York, host city officials shared initiatives aimed at strengthening cultural inclusion, expanding youth opportunities, and investing in public infrastructure. Among the most detailed efforts is Seattle's Chinese American Art Legacy Project, a 250,000 U.S. dollars city-funded program designed to highlight the historical contributions of Chinese Americans in the city's Chinatown-International District, reports Xinhua. April Putney, speaking for Seattle's host committee, said the project reflects the city's "people-based legacy" approach. "We're working hand-in-hand with local communities," Putney said. "It's not just about hosting matches, it's about who gets to be part of the story." In response to a question from Xinhua, Putney said that the Chinatown district - located just steps from the stadium - is central to Seattle's fan and cultural programing. "We want local businesses and residents to benefit directly," she added. Other cities are taking similarly localized approaches: Los Angeles is awarding grants to community nonprofits; Miami is curating a culturally immersive Fan Festival; Kansas City is piloting a new regional transit model; and Dallas is investing in youth soccer infrastructure and media capacity. While FIFA oversees the tournament's competitive structure, U.S. cities are focused on making the event inclusive and locally meaningful. Free public viewing zones, grassroots partnerships, and regional branding efforts are part of a broader strategy to use the World Cup as a platform for long-term civic benefit. The 2026 tournament will span 16 cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with the United States hosting 60 matches, including the final.
Axios
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Seattle's World Cup plans face state budget roadblocks
Seattle World Cup organizers are asking the state for over $20 million to prepare the city for next year's games — but so far, Washington lawmakers aren't fully on board. Why it matters: Local organizers say Seattle's Lumen Field, which is set to host six World Cup matches next year, needs certain upgrades to meet requirements set by FIFA, the international governing body of soccer. Zoom in: Seattle's World Cup organizing committee is seeking $19.4 million from Washington's Legislature to help cover the stadium improvements, April Putney, the committee's chief strategy officer, told Axios. The money would support upgrades to Lumen's playing field, security perimeter, and broadcast infrastructure, among other things, Putnam said. The committee also asked for $1.7 million to upgrade a practice field at the University of Washington, plus $100,000 for Gonzaga University, which may serve as a team base camp. Yes, but: While the state Senate and state House have proposed fully funding the UW and Gonzaga projects, they're proposing substantially less money than requested for the publicly owned Lumen Field. The Senate's capital budget, which passed the chamber earlier this month, would provide $12 million for the Seattle stadium, while the House capital budget would provide about $4 million. The big picture: Lawmakers are also debating how much to provide for the World Cup in the state's transportation and operating budgets. While former Gov. Jay Inslee and the state Senate proposed spending $5.5 million to help local governments provide event security, Gov. Bob Ferguson's plan doesn't include that funding. What they're saying: House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon (D-Seattle) told reporters last week that while lawmakers want the World Cup to be successful," it's not something we can prioritize above the basic needs of people in our state who are struggling." With the state grappling with a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall over the next four years, "we also have to be realistic," Fitzgibbon said. What's next: Putney told Axios that the organizing committee is doubling its efforts to get the full amount it is requesting, calling the World Cup "a once-in-a-generational opportunity" for Washington.
