NUMBER 5:

POLITIC AL + PUBLIC SUPPORT

1 INTRODUCTION

1 Introduction

POLITIC AL SUPPORT

Political Support

2.1

Status of Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2.2

Decision-Making Mechanisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2.3

Legal Obstacles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.4

Existing Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.5
2.6

Bid Committee

20

4.1

Committee Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4.2

Conversion of Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

4.3

Next Steps For Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

CIT Y
5 HOST
CONTR ACT
5

Host City Contract

New Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

5.1

Signed Contract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Legislation Referendum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

5.2

Potential Contract Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

2.7

Potential Forced Referendum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.8

Impact of Elections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2.9

Jurisdictional Covenant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Public Support

14

3.1 Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.2

Public Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.3

Public Poll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.4

Public Poll Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.5

Games Opposition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

28

POLL
6 PUBLIC
SUMMARIES
6

PUBLIC SUPPORT
3

4 BID COMMIT TEE

Public Poll Summaries

32

 Introduction

1 INTRODUCTION

What gives Boston its heartbeat? Its life? Its

identity? Is it the buildings? Our infrastructure at
work? Certainly. But take a closer look at whats
behind all of it. The people. The forward-thinking,
proud, indomitable spirit of the people. This is the
heartbeat of Boston.
Together we show a proud legacy of forward
progress. From our early days as colonial settlers to
our next chance to define the course of our history.
You can see it worn into the footsteps of the
Freedom Trail, in the pursuit of knowledge
within the more than one hundred universities
and colleges in the Greater Boston area and
through the cradle of innovation that makes the
Commonwealth an international hub for research,
technology and medical advancement.
You can feel it in our thoughtful infrastructure:
among the top five most walkable, bike-friendly
and transit-friendly cities in America, a top ten
green city and the most energy-efficient city in
the United States.
And you can hear it in the power of sports to
unite and carry our hopes and dreams for a better
tomorrow. Its the recognition that athletics are
a catalyst for our educational and economic
prosperity, and that youth sports can shape our
next generation of leaders and innovators.

Our goal was simple: to explain why we believe in a

Boston Olympic bid and to listen to their response.
Time and again our gatherings concluded with a
strong and consistent reply: ringing enthusiasm
for a Boston 2024 bid. From the Mayor of Boston
to students cheering on rowers at the Head of the
Charles Regatta, we have found remarkable support
for bringing the Olympics to Boston.
It has been a tremendous and humbling experience
to listen to our peoples dreams for our region and
imagine how the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic
Games can create a positive legacy for us all. Just
as importantly, it has been extremely inspiring to
understand our peoples belief in the power of the
Olympic and Paralympic Games how they unite us,
how they represent the best in humanity, and how
the Games, like no other event on the planet, are the
physical embodiment of elevating the human spirit
to new heights.
We are proud to present this chapter detailing the
Political and Public Support for the 2024 Olympic
and Paralympic Games, knowing that the voice of our
people is simple, strong and growing. We are all in.
We are here to put our history, technology,
academics, infrastructure, and, of course, our people
to work in defining the next chapter of the Olympic
Movement, together.

Over the past several months, we have had

hundreds of meetings, conversations and events
with our people elected officials, business
leaders, college and university presidents,
economic experts, Olympic and Paralympic athletes
and taxi drivers, teachers, parents and so many
others who make up our community.

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 POLITIC AL SUPPORT

2.1

POLITICAL SUPPORT

Status of Support
What is the status of support of the local, county
and state government authorities, and your local
Congressional delegation?

Boston 2024 has conducted a series of meetings

with local and state elected officials, all of whom
have expressed enthusiasm for and excitement
about our bid. Our most ardent advocates continue
to be Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor
Martin Walsh, whose combined leadership has been
a key component of our effort. To further reinforce
their commitment, both leaders have specifically
assigned senior staff to serve as official liaisons to
Boston 2024 to coordinate the necessary resources
from their transportation, planning, legal and
operations departments.
We have had positive discussions with Governorelect Charlie Baker (R-Swampscott), and we are
confident that he and his new administration will
continue to be important partners as the process
moves forward. Support from current Senate
President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth), Senate
Majority Leader Stanley Rosenberg (D-Amherst), who
will become Senate President in January, Speaker of
the House Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop) and members
of the Boston Legislative Delegation represents
important bipartisan leadership on Beacon Hill
that will strengthen our plan to engage legislators
across the Commonwealth in the coming months.
In addition to state officials, mayors of cities
and towns outside of Boston have shared their
support of our bid. While the City of Boston will
be the official host city of the Games, Boston 2024
envisions strong collaboration with municipalities
that may host venues or accommodations, and our
partnership with their local leaders will be critical
to our effort. The cities of Cambridge, Newton,
Somerville, Medford and Lowell have already
stepped up to the plate, and we expect more to
join our Olympic quest in the coming months.
Discussions with members of the Boston City
Council have been very positive, and they too will
be key partners as we embark on a comprehensive
community process in concert with Mayor Walsh
and his team. We have had positive and productive

initial conversations with members of our

Congressional Delegation and have organized a full
briefing of the delegation.
Boston 2024 is pleased with the breadth and depth
of support we have received from government
officials to date, but we recognize that this is just
the beginning of what we know will be a broader
public discourse in the near future. Boston 2024
remains ready and looks forward to working with
the USOC and elected government leaders to ensure
an open, honest and transparent public outreach
campaign throughout the bid process.
2.2 Decision-Making Mechanisms
What are the management and decision-making
mechanisms you envision to facilitate planning and
operations within multiple political jurisdictions
during and in preparation for the Games?
As stated in previous submissions related to security,
Boston 2024 anticipates that multiple political
and operational jurisdictions will be involved in
security planning and execution. The greater Boston
region has demonstrated a proven track record
of success with multi-jurisdictional collaboration
among federal, state and local authorities and
private sector safety entities in planning for and
implementing security for large scale events. For the
2024 Games, we envision that our comprehensive
safety and security plan will be developed and
executed under a multi-jurisdictional, multidisciplined unified command and coordination
structure similar to what was created for the
Democratic National Convention in 2004 and
annual events such as the Boston Marathon and
Fourth of July Celebration.
Boston 2024 recognizes that the City of Boston will
be a lead partner during and in preparation for the
Games. We are also committed to pursuing close
collaboration with other municipalities hosting
venues and ensuring that they, too have a seat at
the planning table.

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2.3

Legal Obstacles
What are the legal obstacles, if any, to the organization
of the Games in your city/county/state?

As described in other submissions, Boston 2024

anticipates that a number of venues will be
located on land owned by public entities, including
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the MBTA
and the City of Boston. Use of such land would
require relocation strategies for existing facilities.
Such relocation and utilization of the land, either
temporarily for the 2024 Olympic Games or for
legacy purposes, would require special legislation to
avoid limitations on sale, lease or other disposition
of certain publicly-owned lands under existing

Massachusetts laws. Other legal considerations

include the existing permitting and approval
requirements needed both for venues and for
necessary transportation improvements.
2.4

Existing Laws
What are the existing laws, if any, in your city/county/
state that relate to sport?

Massachusetts laws related to sport, including

local ordinances in the cities or towns in which the
proposed venues are located, are limited primarily
to certain licensing requirements, as outlined in the
chart on the following page:

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JURISDICTION

REGULATED SPORT /
RELATED ENTITY

MASSACHUSETTS

PHYSICIANS

MASSACHUSETTS

UNARMED COMBATIVE
SPORTS

MASSACHUSETTS

SHOOTING

MASSACHUSETTS

ATHLETIC TRAINERS

MASSACHUSETTS

HORSES

MASSACHUSETTS

SPORTS EVENTS

State law delegates authority to administer licenses to local mayors or selectmen, including
procedural requirements for public notice and hearings, as applicable

BOSTON

SPORTS EVENTS

License requirements administered by Mayors Licensing Division; Boston Public Health

Commission regulations for events with anticipated attendance in excess of 5,000 and permits
required for events that include amplified sounds

BOSTON

SHOOTING

CAMBRIDGE

SPORTS EVENTS

License required for sports events on Sundays in public parks or playgrounds

SOMERVILLE

SPORTS EVENTS

License approval from Board of Aldermen and Mayor, upon indemnity of the City; express
prohibition of walkathons, marathons exhibitions or other forms of public amusement where
participants engage in endurance contests for more than four hours in one day.

FOXBOROUGH

SPORTS EVENTS

License and public notice for any event in which the number of tickets for sale
exceeds 15,000, including security and traffic plans and paid police details

LAW OR REGULATION

Exemption from physician registration process for out of state physicians providing medical
services to athletes or team personnel attending sporting event sponsored by the USOC or a
World Cup Organizing Committee
Required licenses for boxing, judo and taekwondo events and certain personnel involved in such
events (athletes, physicians, referee, judge, trainer)
Local licensing requirements by chiefs of police preempted by temporary license granted by
Colonel of State Police for temporary license in connection with firearms competition
License required for trainers practicing in Massachusetts
Department of Agricultural Resources regulates importation and licensure for horses, including,
for example, evidence of negative test for infectious equine anemia

Local ordinance prohibiting discharge of gun in Boston preempted by exception for

sporting events

In addition to the license requirements and

exceptions thereto, there are a few other
Massachusetts laws that relate to sport.
Massachusetts law permits any employee who
qualifies for a world athletic or Olympic competition
team to take a paid leave of absence to compete.
Another law imposes a fine of up to $50 for any
person who directs profane, obscene, impure or
slanderous language at a participant or official in a
sporting event.

influence [the athlete] to lose, or try to lose, or cause

to be lost, or to limit [the] teams margin of victory.
Further, there are state tax regulations that govern
the tax treatment of out-of-state professional team
athletes.
To the extent any particular laws are determined
to be too cumbersome or expensive, Boston 2024
could seek modifications or exceptions as part of
the legislative package.

Finally, there are a few additional Massachusetts

laws that relate to professional athletes, such as a
law that makes it a crime for a professional athlete
or those involved in professional sporting events
to give or receive any valuable thing with intent to

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2.5

New Laws
Do you envisage the implementation of any new laws
to facilitate the organization of the Games?

Boston 2024 anticipates proposal of

comprehensive Olympic legislation to facilitate
venues and transportation in a unified manner.
Such new legislation would, among other
things, facilitate public control of the land and
infrastructure for the duration of the 2024 Games
and facilitate public/private joint ventures for
certain development projects.
While Boston 2024 does not anticipate any
significant issues related to securing the necessary
approvals and permits under existing law, Boston
2024 may include in the special legislation
provisions to provide for expedited and streamlined
permitting processes. There is precedent in
Massachusetts for such a streamlined approach for
large infrastructure projects, including, for example,
the development and expansion of the Boston
Convention and Exhibition Center.

2.6

Legislation Referendum
Does legislation in your city or state require you to
carry out a referendum to be held on this type of
project? If so, it should be carried out by December 1,
2014, with the results provided to the USOC.

None of the Massachusetts Constitution, state

statutes, or the City of Boston Charter requires a
state-wide or local referendum to enter into the
Bid City Agreement or the Host City Contract or
undertake the obligations thereunder.

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2.7

Potential Forced Referendum

Could you be forced into a referendum by opponents
to the bid? If so, what would the legal implications be
if the referendum were negative?

There is no applicable referendum process in

Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Constitution does provide a
state-wide initiative petition process to allow
citizens to propose laws for approval by the
electorate. Utilization of such process by opponents
to the bid is possible, but would require overcoming
substantial obstacles including intense use of
resources, significant financial expenditures, legal
challenges and extensive lead time. Every cycle,
many petitions may be filed, but very few end up on
the ballot.
To get an initiative petition on the ballot at any
time is a protracted process. First, the petition
must be submitted by ten voters to the Attorney
General, who determines whether the petition
meets the applicable constitutional requirements.
Among other things, the Massachusetts Constitution
prohibits any initiative petition that relates to
religion, the power of the courts, a particular town,
city or other political division or to particular
districts or localities of the Commonwealth, specific
appropriations of funds, or is inconsistent with
certain constitutional rights.

The costs to get an initiative petition on the ballot are

substantial, usually well in excess of a million dollars.
In addition, opponents to an initiative petition
have multiple opportunities to object and
intervene throughout the process at every step,
including through reviewing signatures for proper
certification and working with the Attorney General
to safeguard that summaries and explanations
of the petition are appropriate, fair and accurate.
Initiative petition opponents also may pursue court
challenges, as is necessary.
If an initiative petition were to prevail, opponents
to the petition could seek to have the legislature
amend or repeal the petitions decree through new
legislation.
The initiative petition process generally takes a
minimum of two years in order to satisfactorily
complete the many burdensome steps. Although
technically possible to have a ballot initiative in
2016, given the onerous process, any initiative
petition advanced by opponents to Boston 2024
would likely not appear on the ballot before
November 2018.

Second, if certified by the Attorney General, tens

of thousands of signatures must be gathered and
certified (this year it was 68,911) and the initiative
petition must go to the Massachusetts state
legislature, which may enact the petition, offer a
substitute or take no action. If no action is taken,
over ten thousand additional certified signatures
must be obtained in order for the petition to be
placed on the ballot at the next biennial state
election, which is held on even years.

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2.8

Impact of Elections

2.9

List all elections planned at the city, state and regional

levels through December 2015 and indicate whether
the outcome of such elections could have any impact
on the preparation and staging of the Games in 2024.
In the City of Boston, non-partisan elections will
be held in 2015 for City Council, the municipalitys
legislative body comprised of four at-large and nine
district seats. A preliminary election will occur on
a date to be determined in September to narrow
the at-large pool to eight candidates and the
district pool to two candidates for each seat. The
final election will occur on November 3, 2015. The
outcome of these elections will not have an impact
on the preparation and staging of the Games in
2024. There are no planned elections in 2015 at the
state and regional levels.

10

Jurisdictional Covenant
Provide a covenant from each level of government
and political jurisdiction of your bid stating the
following:
[Duly authorized representatives] hereby confirm that
the government of [political jurisdiction as identified
in the Host City Contract]: Has reviewed the current
IOC Host City Contract, understands the requirements
and confirms ability for the city to sign. Guarantees the
respect of the Olympic Charter. Guarantees it will take
all the necessary measures in order that [city] fulfills
its obligations completely.

The Mayor of the City of Boston has executed the

covenant (refer to letter on adjacent page) and is
duly authorized to do so.

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 PUBLIC SUPPORT

PUBLIC SUPPORT

3.1 Population

3.3

What is the current population, as well as the

estimated population in 2024 for the city, state and
region? (Specify Source)

2014

2024

CITY

637,625
METROPOLITAN AREA
PLANNING COUNCIL

681,935
METROPOLITAN AREA
PLANNING COUNCIL

STATE

6,648,138
UNIVERSITY OF
MASSACHUSETTS
DONAHUE INSTITUTE

6,802,238
UNIVERSITY OF
MASSACHUSETTS
DONAHUE INSTITUTE

REGION

2,526,464
METROPOLITAN AREA
PLANNING COUNCIL

2,626,767
METROPOLITAN AREA
PLANNING COUNCIL

3.2

Will you poll the public?

Yes, Boston 2024 polled the public in April and
again in September.
3.4

AREA

Public Poll

Public Poll Criteria

If yes to the above, what questions were asked? What
area was covered? What dates did the poll take place?
What sample size was utilized? Who conducted the
poll and how can they be contacted?

Please refer to the charts on the following pages to

answer the questions stated above.
Please refer to the final chapter of this submission
for the executive summaries of both polls.

Public Opinion
What is the general public opinion in your city/region
toward bidding for and hosting the Games?

Bidding for and hosting the Games in the Boston

area are generally popular ideas. Support is
consistent across the Commonwealth, and over the
past seven months, we have seen this support grow
steadily as residents begin to learn more about a
potential Olympics in the Boston area. In Boston
alone, nearly 60% of residents favor the proposal
to host the Olympics in the city, which represents a
strong baseline of support garnered with minimal
public outreach. Even before hearing details about
the proposed bid, residents are receptive to the
idea, and support jumps to a clear-cut majority
after residents receive more information. Support is
strongest among young people, African-Americans
and Latinos.
Boston 2024s formidable presence on social media
illustrates this broad-based support we currently
have 4,200 followers on Twitter, our likes on
Facebook have increased by 80% since August and
after only one month on Instagram, the number of
followers grew by 75%.

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APRIL 2014 POLL

A. QUESTIONS WERE
ASKED?

1. Do you consider yourself a sports fan?

2. Do you watch the Olympics? How much?
3. Which of the following six issues facing the state
concerns you the most at this time: jobs and the
economy, public schools, crime and drugs, health care, roads
and transportation?
4. Would you be inclined to support holding the 2024
Summer Olympics in the Boston area, would you be
inclined not to support this idea or dont you have a firm
opinion on this?
5. When last Summer Olympic Games were held two years ago
in London. Is it your impression that the London Olympics
were pretty well-run or not, very well-run, or dont you have
any impressions about this?
6. Im going to read you some statements about the Olympic
Games. Please tell me whether you strongly agree,
somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree
with that particular statement:

10. Supporters say that holding the Olympics in the Boston

area will showcase our region to the rest of the world
and help establish it as a major player in the new global
economy. They say the Olympics are the best advertising
that any city or state can have, and the Games can help
Boston and MA gain a reputation as a world-class area that
will attract business and
investment, as well as tourists, from all over the globe. How
important do you feel this benefit would be for Boston and
MA?
11. Supporters say that holding the Olympics in the Boston
area will serve as a catalyst for making the sort of major
transportation and infrastructure improvements that are
essential to our states
economic future. They say that hosting the Olympics
will give state and business leaders a strong incentive
to work together, on a firm deadline, to complete these
improvements that will have a lasting, positive impact on
the entire state. How important do you feel this benefit
would be for Boston and MA?

The Olympics provide countries with a healthy outlet

for national pride, as they cheer on their athletes and
teams.

12. What do you think would be the benefits to Boston and

Massachusetts from hosting the 2024 Olympics?

The Olympics help to promote international harmony

and understanding.

14. What concerns, if any, would you have about Boston and
Massachusetts hosting the 2024 Olympics?

Areas that have hosted the Olympic games have

generally benefited from the experience.

15. Im going to mention some concerns that people have

expressed about holding the Olympics in Boston and
nearby communities in Massachusetts. For each one,
please tell me whether you feel that is a serious concern;
a concern, but one that can be addressed; or not a
serious concern cost to taxpayers would be high, traffic
congestion in the area would get worse, Boston area is too
small and densely populated to have enough room for the
Olympics, Olympics would take away our attention from
other important priorities.

7. The Olympic host city also hosts the Paralympic games

for athletes with disabilities. Do you feel the Paralympic
games get enough exposure on television and in the media,
or do you feel that more needs to be done to promote the
Paralympic games to a wider audience?
8. Let me tell you some more about the possible
proposal for the Boston area to host the 2024 Summer
Olympic Games. The area already has many athletic facilities
that could be used for Olympic competitions, including TD
Garden, Fenway Park, and Harvard Stadium; has experience
in hosting major sporting events like the Boston Marathon
and the World Series; and has more than enough hotel
rooms and security personnel to handle the needs of the
Olympics. A special commission of the legislature concluded
that it would be feasible for the Boston area to host the
Olympics. Holding the summer Olympics here would require
construction of a new Olympic Stadium, an Olympic Village
to house the athletes, a new arena for bicycle racing and
an aquatic center for swimming and diving. It would also
require improving and upgrading the transportation system
in the region. Would you be inclined to support holding the
2024 summer Olympics in the Boston area, or would you
not be inclined to support this idea?
9. For Boston to be chosen to host the 2024 Summer
Olympics, it would have to compete against other cities,
both in the U.S.. and in other countries. Each city must
submit a detailed bid to the international Olympic
Committee. The Olympic Committee will pick the winning
bid in 2017, and that city will then have seven years to get
ready for the Olympics. Do you feel that the Boston area
should definitely submit a bid to host the 2024 Olympics;
should it seriously consider submitting a bid; or should it
not submit a bid?

13. Rate the importance of potential benefits.

16. Reactions to selected reasons for hosting the Olympics

very convincing, fairly convincing or not convincing.
17. Now let me get your final opinion do you support holding
the 2024 summer Olympics in the Boston area, or do you
not support this idea?
18. For each of the following, please tell me how much trust
you would have in what that person or group has to say
about the issues weve been discussing (trust a great deal/
fair amount) Robert Kraft, Bill Russell and Larry Bird,
leaders of the business community, Boston Mayor Martin
Walsh, Governor Deval Patrick, the Boston Globe, the MA
Affordable Housing Alliance, Aly Raisman.
19. Questions about age, gender, race, level of
education completed, union membership.

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SEPTEMBER 2014 POLL

A. QUESTIONS WERE
ASKED?

1. Do you feel that things in the city of Boston are

generally heading in the right direction, or do you feel
things are pretty seriously off on the wrong track?
2. For each of the following issues, please tell me how
concerned you are personally about that particular
issue: crime and drugs, quality of public schools, traffic
congestion, availability of parking, condition of streets and
sidewalks, property taxes, access to the MBTA and public
transit.
3. Favorable/unfavorable rating for selected public figures:
Mayor Marty Walsh, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Candidate
for Governor Martha Coakley, Candidate for Governor
Charlie Baker, Senator Ed Markey, Sheriff Steve Tompkins,
Candidate for Governor Jeff
McCormick.
4. There has been some talk about the possibility of Boston
hosting the Summer Olympic Games in 2024. Have you
previously heard or read anything about this issue, or is this
the first youve heard of it?
5. Would you be inclined to support holding the 2024
Summer Olympics in Boston, would you be inclined not to
support this idea, or dont you have a firm opinion at this
time?
6. Do you consider yourself a sports fan?
7. In general, do you watch the Olympic Games when they are
on television?
8. Let me tell you some more about the possible proposal
for Boston to host the 2024 summer Olympic Games. The
Boston area already has many athletic facilities that could
be used for Olympic competitions, including TD Garden,
Fenway Park, and Harvard Stadium. It has experience in
hosting major sporting events like the Boston Marathon
and the World Series. And it has enough hotel rooms and
security personnel to handle the needs of the Olympics.
A special commission of the Legislature concluded that it
would be feasible for Boston to host the Olympics. Holding
the summer Olympics here would require construction of
several new projects, including a new Olympic Stadium,
an Olympic Village to house the athletes, a new arena for
bicycle racing and an aquatic center for swimming and
diving. It would also require improving and upgrading the
transportation system in the area. Would you be inclined to
support holding the 2024 Summer Olympics in Boston, or
would you be inclined not to support this idea?
9. What concerns or reservations, if any, would you have about
hosting the 2024 Olympics in Boston?
10. For Boston to be chosen to host the 2024 Summer
Olympics, it would have to compete against other cities,
both in the U.S. and in other countries. Each city must
submit a detailed bid to the IOC. The IOC will pick the
winning bid in 2017, and that city will then have seven
years to get ready for the Olympics. Do you think the
Boston area should definitely submit a bid to host the 2024
Olympics, should it seriously consider submitting a bid, or
should it not submit a bid?

11. Rate the importance of potential benefits:

preparations for the Olympics will include major
improvements to local roadways, the T, and commuter rail
service; preparing for the Olympics will create thousands of
construction jobs over a seven-year period; as an Olympic
host, Boston would qualify for additional federal aid to
help pay for needed improvements; housing for Olympic
athletes can later be converted into hundreds of units of
affordable housing for Boston residents; the Olympics will
provide local schools an opportunity to emphasize the
importance of fitness and good nutrition to our kids; many
of the new athletic facilities built for the Olympics can be
used by local schools and residents after the Games are
over; the publicity from the Olympics will attract interest
in Boston, and increased business investment, from around
the globe; the Olympic experience can be a source of pride
and unity that brings people in the city closer together;
hosting the Olympics will lead to increased tourism in
Boston.
12. If Boston is chosen to host the 2024 Olympics, how likely
do you think it is that there will be construction of Olympic
facilities in your neighborhood or part of the city?
13. Rate level of concern about potential impacts:
taxpayers will have to pay for part of the high cost of the
Olympics; traffic congestion in the city is already bad,
and the Olympics would make it worse; there would be
a greater threat of terrorism or security problems during
the Olympics; Boston is small and densely populated,
making it hard to create enough space for the Olympics;
all the construction to prepare for the Olympics will
disrupt everyday life in the city; the Olympics would divert
our attention from other important priorities we have in
Boston.
14. Rate statements in support of hosting Olympics in Boston:
the improvements we make to roads and highways, the
T, and other regional transportation systems are vital to
our economic future, and they will continue to benefit
this region long after the Olympics are over; in addition
to the Olympics, Boston would also host the Paralympics,
providing a worldwide stage for athletes with disabilities;
the Olympic Village would be converted after the Games
into hundreds of units of affordable housing, to help
address one of the citys most urgent needs; all of the
new Olympic facilities would be designed to be re-used
after the Games are over, to provide a lasting legacy
benefit for the people of Boston; the Olympic Games
will be a powerful catalyst to help political and business
leaders focus on the citys long-term needs especially
improvements to our roads and public transit, and more
affordable housing; The Olympics will showcase Boston
to the entire world, attracting greatly increased tourism
and foreign investment to the area; The Olympics are an
international celebration of the human spirit, and hosting
that celebration will instill a sense of pride and unity that
will bring the people of this region and state together.
15. Now let me get your final opinion do you support holding
the 2024 Summer Olympics in the Boston area, or do you
not support this idea?
16. Regardless of how you feel about this issue, what do
you feel is the best reason to consider holding the 2024
Summer Olympics in Boston?
17. Questions about age, gender, race, level of education
completed, union membership.

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APRIL 2014 POLL

SEPTEMBER 2014 POLL

MASSACHUSETTS

BOSTON

C. DATES DID THE

POLL TAKE PLACE?

APRIL 1 - 6

SEPTEMBER 22 - 25

D. SAMPLE SIZE WAS

UTILIZED?

REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE OF 600 MASSACHUSETTS

RESIDENTS AGED 18 AND OLDER

REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE OF 601 BOSTON

RESIDENTS AGED 18 AND OLDER

E. WHO CONDUCTED
THE POLL?

BOTH POLLS WERE CONDUCTED BY TOM KILEY, PRESIDENT OF KILEY AND COMPANY OPINION RESEARCH CONSULTANTS.
HE CAN BE CONTACTED AT (617) 266-1000 OR KILEYCO@AOL.COM

B. AREA WAS
COVERED?

3.5

Games Opposition
What, if any, opposition exists to your potential
Games bid?

A bold initiative inevitably brings with it doubters,

and Boston 2024s quest to host the 2024 Games in
Boston is no exception. Four local activists formed a
group in opposition to our bid, and while we respect
their differing views and their right to promote
them, our polling data shows that they do not
represent the majority of public opinion. No elected
official has publicly endorsed the group, they have
not received significant financial backing and their
efforts have been limited to social media. Our own
conversations with political and community leaders
demonstrate broad favorability, and even some

known skeptics admittedly become less skeptical

when provided details about how our bid potentially
aligns with and may accelerate the planning goals
of Boston and the Commonwealth.
Boston 2024 recognizes that community support
is critical to securing the bid. Excitement about
the possibility of hosting the Games in Boston and
what that means for the future of the city, region
and state continues to grow, and we look forward to
building on this momentum in the coming months.
We are committed to dedicating the people power
and resources necessary for a comprehensive,
grassroots campaign in collaboration with the USOC
and elected officials to win the hearts and minds of
residents in Boston and across Massachusetts.

BID COMMITTEE

4.1

BID COMMITTEE

Committee Structure
Provide a basic structure of your bid committee,
identifying authorities and their official roles.

The current Bid Committee, a 501(c)(3) non-profit

organization named Boston 2024 Partnership, Inc.,
consists of the following:
A Board of Directors and a President:
John Fish
President and CEO of Suffolk Construction, serves as
Chair, Treasurer, Clerk, and Director and was elected to
a three year term
Robert Kraft
CEO of the Kraft Group and owner of the New England
Patriots, serves as Director and was elected to a three
year term
Steve Pagliuca
Managing Director of Bain Capital and co-owner of the
Boston Celtics, serves as Director and was elected to a
two year term
Gloria Larson
President of Bentley University, serves as Director and
was elected to a one year term
Dan OConnell
Former Secretary of Housing and Economic
Development for Massachusetts and CEO of the
Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, serves as
President

An all-volunteer steering committee, referred to

as the Executive Committee, with chairs of the
following subcommittees:
College + University Engagement Co-Chairs:
Gloria Larson
President of Bentley University
Katie Lapp
Executive Vice President of Harvard University
Israel Ruiz
Executive Vice President of MIT
Robert Caret
President of University of Massachusetts
Government + Community Outreach Co-Chairs:
Senator William Mo Cowan
Former U.S. Senator and current Senior Vice President
and Chief Operating Officer of ML Strategies
Senator Eileen Donoghue
Massachusetts State Senator
William Coyne
Consultant
Innovation + Technology Co-Chairs:
Jeffrey Leiden
President and CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals
William Teuber
Vice Chairman of EMC
James Jay Hooley
Chairman, President and CEO of State Street
Corporation
Juliette Kayyem
Homeland Security Expert, Harvard Kennedy School of
Government and CEO, JNK Solutions Group

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Public Relations + Marketing Committee Co-Chairs:

Ex Officio Government Roles:

Karen Kaplan
Chairman and CEO of Hill Holiday

Office of the Mayor of Boston:

Doug Rubin
Founding Partner of Northwind Strategies

John Fitzgerald
Senior Project Manager for Boston Redevelopment
Agency

Olympic Movement Co-Chairs:

Office of the Governor of Massachusetts:

Ralph Cox
Principal of Redgate Real Estate Development (1980
U.S. Hockey Team)

Richard Sullivan
Chief of Staff to Governor Deval Patrick

Cheri Blauwet, MD
Paralympic Athlete and Physician at Spaulding
Rehabilitation
Robert Reynolds
President and CEO of Putnam Investments (Board
member, US Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation)
Fundraising + Finance Co-Chairs:

Gregory Bialecki
Secretary of Housing and Economic Development
Massachusetts Port Authority:
Thomas Glynn
CEO of the Massachusetts Port Authority
Massachusetts Convention Center Authority:

Steve Pagliuca
Managing Director of Bain Capital and co-owner of the
Boston Celtics

James Rooney
Executive Director

Roger Crandall
President and CEO of MassMutual Financial Group

In addition, Boston 2024 has full time staff of seven

individuals led by John Fish, Chairman of Boston
2024, and Dan OConnell, President of Boston 2024.

Master Planning Committee Co-Chairs:

David Manfredi
Founder and Principal of Elkus Manfredi Architects
Tom Alperin
President of National Development
Legal:

This team has worked closely with independent

architects, engineers, information technology
programmers as well marketing, political and
fundraising experts in order to research and present
the best possible bid to the USOC.
On the following page please find a letter from the
Internal Revenue Service confirming Boston 2024
Partnerships non-profit status.

R. Robert Popeo
Chairman of Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and
Popeo, P.C.

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4 BID COMMITTEE CONTINUED

4.2

Mayor of the City of Boston (or his designee)

Conversion of Structure
What steps will be required to convert from your
existing bid structure to the structure contemplated in
the Bid City Agreement Term Sheet provided?

Boston 2024 Partnership, Inc. was organized as a

Massachusetts nonprofit corporation in anticipation
that it also could act as the Boston Bid Committee
(the Bid Committee) and even as the Boston
Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games.
Therefore, there is no need to convert Boston 2024
Partnership into any other legal entity. Immediately
upon Boston being designated as the Bid City for
the 2024 Games, Boston 2024 Partnership would
enlarge the size of its Board of Directors from four
(4) members to a total of approximately thirtysix (36) members, appoint all required additional
directors and file a certificate of change of directors
or officers with the Office of the Massachusetts
Secretary of State. This number of Directors is
intended to allow for optimal expertise to be
available for all aspects of the process, including
by adding as directors a number of the current
Executive Committee members as Directors. These
actions may be implemented immediately by the
existing members of the Board of Directors. The
filing of the certificate of change of directors or
officers does not require any substantive review
or approval by the Office of the Massachusetts
Secretary of State other than with respect to the
form of the certificate.
The additional members of the Board of the Boston
Bid Committee will include:
USOC Chairman (or his designee)
USOC Chief Executive Officer (or his designee)
A USOC Board member representing the USOC Athletes
Advisory Council
A USOC Board member representing National
Governing Bodies Council (NGBC)
A USOC director who is designated as an independent
member of the USOC Board
An IOC member who also serves as a member of the
USOC Board

24

Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

(or his designee)
Chief Executive Officer of Massachusetts Department of
Transportation (or his designee)
Chief Executive Officer of Massachusetts Port Authority
(or his designee)
Chief Executive Officer of Massachusetts Convention
Center Authority (or his designee)
President of the University of Massachusetts
(or his designee)
All others will be highly qualified individuals to be
appointed by the current members of the Board of
Directors of Boston 2024 Partnership. Appropriate
representatives of local universities will be included.
Upon enlarging the Board of Directors as
described above, the Board of the Bid Committee
simultaneously will establish an Executive
Committee of not less than nine (9) members
and no more than eleven (11) members that will
be composed solely of members of the Board of
Directors of the Bid Committee. The Executive
Committee members will initially be appointed
by the current members of the Board of Boston
2024 Partnership. Said appointees to the Executive
Committee will include the Chair of the USOC or
his designee, the USOC Chief Executive Officer or
his designee and an Athlete who also serves as a
member of the Bid Committee.
Upon enlarging the Board of Directors, the Board
of the Boston Bid Committee will establish an
Audit Committee, a Governance Committee and a
Development Committee, each of which will be
composed of members of the Board of Directors.
The Bid Committee also will enlarge the
membership of each of the existing programmatic
and other committees described above. Each of
these committees will include members of USOC in
not less than the proportion of the USOC members
who serve as members of the Board of Directors of
the Bid Committee. The Bid Committee governing
documents will comply as well with all other
provisions of the Bid City Agreement.

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4.3

Next Steps For Conversion

Are you prepared to take the necessary steps?

Yes, we are prepared to take the necessary steps.

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HOST CIT Y
CONTR ACT

5.1

HOST CITY CONTRACT

Signed Contract

5.2

Is your city willing to sign the Host City Contract

unedited?
Yes, Boston 2024 and the City of Boston recognize
the necessity in agreeing to sign the 2024 Host City
Contract in the form to be provided by the IOC.

Potential Contract Issues

If no, what potential issues do you have with executing
the contract?

Not applicable.

Boston 2024 has been working collaboratively

with the City of Boston in reviewing the Host City
Contract, both the 2020 version, as well as the
modifications in the recently-released 2022 version.
Boston 2024 and the City value the demonstrated
willingness of the USOC staff to provide insights
into provisions in the contract that cannot, in and of
themselves, be satisfied solely by the City of Boston
or Boston 2024, given the nature of the specific
undertakings and the jurisdiction, for example, of
the federal government on certain matters. We will
continue to act in good faith with the USOC on
meeting all of the obligations.
We welcome the recent modifications by the IOC to
the Host City Contract, including relaxing certain
confidentiality requirements in recognition of the
legal and political implications, prohibiting any
form of discrimination, modifying the scope of
certain venues like the Athletes Village and Olympic
Stadium and limiting changes in the Program of the
Games. We look forward to working with the USOC
on understanding other potential modifications to
the Host City Contract.
Recognizing the substantial risks undertaken
by the City of Boston in executing the Host City
Contract, Boston 2024 and the City of Boston have
been developing a structure in our bid to minimize
exposure by the City of Boston to such risks. The
City of Boston will agree to the terms, without
reservation, but will benefit from indemnities from
Boston 2024, insurance policies, investment from
the business community and other protections.

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