Las Vegas just got a fresh start, and the mayor of Las Vegas is now Shelley Berkley, a name that’s been buzzing across Nevada and beyond. After decades of the Goodman family running the show, the city is seeing a shift in leadership. So, too, it’s a big deal for residents, tourists, and anyone who cares about what happens in Sin City. Whether you’re a local business owner, a curious visitor, or just keeping up with U.S. politics, this change affects more than you might think.

Las Vegas has always been known for glitz, lights, and 24/7 action, but behind the scenes, city leadership plays a huge role in shaping how smooth—or bumpy—that ride really is. With Berkley stepping in, there’s a lot to unpack about who she is, what she brings to the table, and what this change means for the future of the city.

So, in this article, we’ll dive into the role of the mayor of Las Vegas, take a close look at Shelley Berkley’s background, and break down what’s next for the city. Let’s get started.

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Table of Contents

• What Does the Mayor of Las Vegas Do?
• Who Is Shelley Berkley? A Brief Bio
• A Quick History of Las Vegas Mayors
• What’s Shelley Berkley’s Plan for Las Vegas?
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Does the Mayor of Las Vegas Do?

The mayor of Las Vegas isn’t just a figurehead or someone who shows up for ribbon cuttings. They run the city’s day-to-day operations, help shape policies, and work closely with the city council. In many ways, the mayor is the main decision-maker when it comes to budgeting, public services, infrastructure, and more.

So, in short, the mayor is basically the boss of the city government. They might be involved in everything from approving new developments to managing emergency responses. And in a place like Las Vegas, where tourism, entertainment, and growth are huge, that job can get pretty intense.

Las Vegas is a major city, so the mayor has to juggle a lot. Think about all the hotels, traffic, and events that happen every single day. That’s a lot of moving parts to manage, and the mayor has to make sure things run smoothly. That’s why the role matters—not just to politicians, but to everyone who lives, works, or visits here.

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Who Is Shelley Berkley? A Brief Bio

Shelley Berkley wasn’t just a random name on the ballot. She’s got a long history in public service, including 14 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. Before becoming mayor of Las Vegas, she served as senior vice president of the Touro University system, which gives you an idea of her range of experience.

Berkley officially became mayor on December 4, 2024, after winning the November 2024 election with 53% of the vote over Victoria Seaman. That election marked the end of 25 years of the Goodman family in leadership—Carolyn Goodman was mayor since 2011, and before that, her husband, Oscar Goodman, served from 1999 to 2011. So, this was a pretty big shift in the city’s political landscape.

Let’s take a quick look at her background in a bit more detail:

A Quick History of Las Vegas Mayors

Las Vegas has had a string of mayors since the city was incorporated back in 1911. The very first mayor was Peter Buol, who served from 1911 to 1913. Since then, the role has evolved a lot, especially as the city grew into the bustling place it is today.

Over the years, mayors have shaped everything from infrastructure to entertainment policies. Some names that stand out include Oscar Goodman, who was mayor from 1999 to 2011, and his wife Carolyn, who followed in his footsteps until 2024. Their combined 25 years in office made them a major part of the city’s history.

Now, with Berkley stepping in, Las Vegas is moving into a new chapter. So, how does she plan to lead? Let’s take a look.

What’s Shelley Berkley’s Plan for Las Vegas?

Shelley Berkley has already started setting the tone for her leadership. In her first city council meeting, she emphasized community engagement, transparency, and addressing key issues like homelessness, traffic, and public safety.

Here’s a quick breakdown of some of her early priorities:

• Homelessness and Affordable Housing: Berkley has made it clear that she wants to find real solutions for the growing number of unhoused individuals in the city.
• Infrastructure and Traffic: With the city expanding and tourism booming, managing roads and public transport is a top concern.
• Public Safety: Ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors remains a key focus, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Economic Growth: Supporting local businesses and attracting new ones is part of her vision for a thriving Las Vegas economy.

And that’s not all. Berkley is also looking at ways to make city government more open and responsive to everyday people. She’s pushing for more community input and digital tools that help residents stay informed and involved.

Want to learn more about how city leadership affects everyday life? Learn more about local government roles and how they shape your community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the current mayor of Las Vegas?

As of December 4, 2024, Shelley Berkley is the mayor of Las Vegas. She was elected in November 2024, succeeding Carolyn Goodman, who had been in office since 2011.

How was Shelley Berkley elected as mayor?

Berkley won the November 2024 election with 53% of the vote against Victoria Seaman. She was sworn in on December 4, 2024, marking the end of 25 years of the Goodman family leading the city.

What is the role of the mayor of Las Vegas?

The mayor oversees the city’s operations, works with the city council on policies, manages the city budget, and addresses issues like public safety, infrastructure, and economic development. The mayor is also often the face of the city in major events and decisions.

Want to see how other cities are being led across the U.S.? Check out our guide on local leadership across the country.