Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley

Shelley Berkley

A Trailblazer Driving Las Vegas’ Brightest Future Yet

BY LAURA HENKEL / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE CITY OF LAS VEGAS

Shelley Berkley embodies all the glamour, heart and pioneering spirit that defines the transformative power of intention and destiny. Her story is a shimmering tale of happenstance, family resilience and a city’s promise—a narrative deeply interwoven with the evolution of Las Vegas itself. At just 13 years old, Berkley and her family arrived in Las Vegas on what was meant to be a brief stopover during their journey to California. However, fate had other plans. Energized by the neon lights and vibrant spirit of the desert oasis, her parents made the life-altering decision to stay, forever changing the trajectory of Berkley’s life.

More than her impressive résumé, Berkley is a petite powerhouse who exudes charisma and genuine care for her community. Known for her articulate and polished demeanor, she captures the essence of Las Vegas with a style that mirrors the city’s vibrancy and flair. Despite her many accomplishments, Berkley remains approachable and deeply connected to the people she serves, embodying warmth, authenticity and compassion. Her dedication to her community has made her a trusted leader and a beacon of inspiration for those around her.

The Neon Glow of Opportunity

In the early 1960s, Las Vegas was in flux, pulsing with unparalleled allure. The bright marquees illuminated a burgeoning entertainment hub, yet beneath the surface lay the grit and ambition of a city constantly reinventing itself. Berkley’s father, who worked his way up from waiter to maître d’ at the legendary Copa Room in the Stardust, embodied the dynamic spirit of Las Vegas. His role brought the family into close proximity to the glamour, industriousness and strong work ethic of an era defined by economic drive.

The position of maître d’ wasn’t just a job; it was a testament to collaboration and compassion forged through hard work and resilience. To rise to such an esteemed position required technical skill and the ability to cultivate relationships with diverse individuals, making them feel seen, heard and respected. At the Copa Room, Berkley’s father demonstrated an extraordinary ability to connect with people, from celebrities to everyday patrons and staff, creating a welcoming environment that embodied the essence of hospitality. His capacity to navigate challenges, foster teamwork and ensure every guest felt cared for left an indelible mark on Berkley, instilling values that would shape her leadership philosophy.

This spirit of ambition and compassion permeated Berkley’s upbringing. As a cocktail waitress at the historic Golden Steer, while attending UNLV, she witnessed the intersections of ambition, hard work and innovation that defined the city. Golden Steer wasn’t merely a job but a microcosm of Las Vegas—a place where high rollers, celebrities and everyday dreamers coalesced. Every establishment along the Strip was a facet of a shimmering jewel that served as a beacon of possibility, fueling the dreams of all who arrived in this desert oasis.

Forging a Path: Education and Early Career

Building on the lessons of determination and perseverance learned in her early years, Berkley’s relentless drive took her to the University of San Diego School of Law, where she earned her degree in 1976. Returning to Las Vegas, she began her legal career, navigating the complexities of Nevada’s gaming and hospitality industries as counsel for prominent casinos. Her roles provided invaluable insight into the city’s economic heartbeat and laid the foundation for her transition into public service.

Her early career was defined by her ability to merge advocacy with leadership. As the national director of the American Hotel-Motel Association, Berkley championed policies that reinforced Nevada’s tourism-driven economy. Her time as deputy director of the Nevada State Commerce Department further established her as a dedicated advocate for economic growth, balancing the interests of businesses and residents. These experiences solidified her expertise in economic matters and set the stage for her future in public service.

Political Milestones: Championing Nevada’s Future

Berkley’s legal and advocacy experience naturally transitioned into a political career. In 1982, she was elected to the Nevada Assembly, representing the 5th District. Her tenure focused on education reform, economic development and social justice, setting the stage for her later contributions to higher education as a member of the Nevada University and Community College System Board of Regents. As vice chair, she championed initiatives that expanded student opportunities across the state, ensuring that education remained a cornerstone of Nevada’s progress.

This momentum carried her to the national stage. In 1998, Berkley achieved a historic milestone, becoming the U.S. representative for Nevada’s 1st Congressional District. Over seven terms, she earned a reputation as a trailblazer, advocating fiercely for health care reform, veterans’ services and education. Among her many accomplishments, her role in securing funding for the Las Vegas Veterans Administration Medical Center stands as a testament to her dedication to Nevada’s communities. Her ability to navigate the complexities of governance while remaining deeply connected to her constituents exemplifies her commitment to public service.

Higher Education Leadership: Transforming Futures

Following her time in Congress, Berkley transitioned into higher education leadership, bringing her wealth of experience to the role of chief executive officer and senior provost of the Touro College and University System in Nevada and California. During her tenure, she addressed critical health care workforce shortages, fostering partnerships to expand educational opportunities. Under her leadership, Touro developed programs in nursing, physical therapy and other health care disciplines, positioning Nevada as a leader in health care education.

Berkley’s time at Touro was marked by her belief in the transformative power of education. She demonstrated her commitment to empowering individuals and uplifting communities by expanding access and cultivating partnerships. Her work reflected a larger vision of progress—one that prioritized inclusivity, sustainability and innovation. This chapter of her career bridged her dedication to public service with a commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders.

The Goodmans’ Legacy: Building a Foundation

Berkley’s vision for Las Vegas builds upon the solid foundation established by Oscar and Carolyn Goodman. As mayoral icons, the Goodmans ushered the city into the 21st century with visionary governance emphasizing economic growth, streamlined city management and robust support for arts and culture.

Oscar’s leadership focused on revitalizing the downtown area, transforming it into a vibrant epicenter of commerce and creativity. Carolyn continued this trajectory, championing education initiatives and fostering a dynamic arts scene celebrating Las Vegas’ rich cultural diversity. Together, they laid a strong foundation for future leaders, ensuring the city could adapt to global trends while preserving its unique identity.

Recognizing the Goodmans’ contributions, Berkley is poised to further their legacy. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes continuity and innovation, ensuring that the city’s evolution respects its storied past while embracing its potential future.

Standing on Strong Shoulders

With deep gratitude for the Goodmans’ legacy, Shelley steps into her role as a visionary leader determined to amplify Las Vegas’ unique attributes. Shelley’s commitment to showcasing local talent lies at the heart of her cultural initiatives. “Las Vegas attracts talent from across the globe, but we have a wealth of creativity right here in our community,” she notes. Her leadership seeks to amplify the voices of local artists, create new platforms for showcasing their work and celebrate the city’s rich cultural diversity.

Shelley has also advocated for cultural enrichment, emphasizing the importance of the arts in society with her support for the National Endowment for the Arts. “The arts are a reflection of who we are as a society,” she has often remarked. “Investing in the arts is investing in our future.” This dedication reinforces her vision of a vibrant Las Vegas that values creativity and innovation.

Jan Jones Blackhurst, former mayor of Las Vegas, reflected on Shelley’s potential to lead, saying, “Shelley understands this city like few others. Her leadership comes from the heart. She has the tenacity and vision to make Las Vegas a global leader not just in entertainment but in quality of life.” These sentiments encapsulate Shelley’s unique ability to honor the city’s traditions while charting new paths for its future.

A Visionary Leader for a Thriving City

As mayor, Berkley brings a unique blend of experience, vision and dedication to her role. Her leadership is rooted in a deep understanding of Las Vegas’ past and a bold vision for its future. Her plans include creating affordable live/workspaces for artists, fostering opportunities for creatives and championing initiatives like developing a state-of-the-art museum in collaboration with Elaine Wynn.

“Las Vegas attracts so much talent from around the world to entertain, but these people need outlets to fully unleash their creativity so others may enjoy it,” Berkley stated. Her commitment to empowering the city’s creative community ensures Las Vegas remains a beacon for innovation and cultural vitality.

Bridging Elegance, Progress, and Change

Berkley’s leadership embodies the elegance and ingenuity of 1960s Las Vegas while embracing the transformative opportunities of the future. Her ability to balance economic growth with community needs reflects a deep understanding of the city’s complexities. Las Vegas, much like Berkley herself, thrives on an embrace of change. It welcomes bold imaginations, new ideas and people with big dreams. A town built on possibilities, it’s a city where diversity is celebrated and innovation thrives.

As the city continues evolving into the world’s arts, entertainment, gaming and sports capital, it remains a beacon of light in the Mojave Desert—beckoning all to make their mark and leave a lasting legacy. Berkley embodies this spirit of progress and inclusivity. By fostering sustainability and innovation, she’s creating a legacy that honors the city’s storied past while charting an ambitious path forward. Her vision positions her as the ideal steward to amplify Las Vegas’ prosperity and ensure its bright future.

The Role of Arts and Culture in Las Vegas’ Identity

Berkley’s vision for Las Vegas goes beyond economic metrics. Her initiatives to amplify the city’s arts and culture scene reflect a broader understanding of its identity. Through projects like live/work housing for creatives and a planned museum, she fosters an environment where creativity thrives.

“The arts serve as one of the greatest educational resources we have in society,” Berkley explained. “When we allow young people to explore arts and culture, the impact of that exposure will not only support their personal development but also spark their ingenuity.”

Berkley sees the city as a living canvas where artistic expression and technological innovation intersect to create an environment of boundless possibility. Her plans to collaborate with local and global artists to elevate Las Vegas’ cultural profile are designed to ensure that creativity remains at the heart of its growth.

Nurturing Community and Opportunity

Her dedication to fostering inclusivity exemplifies Berkley’s profound connection to the community. She often recalls the lessons learned from her father’s days in the Copa Room, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and compassion. Her vision for a unified Las Vegas integrates the glamour of its golden era with the progressive values of today, ensuring the city remains vibrant, innovative and welcoming to all.

Her efforts extend to initiatives that support small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, recognizing their role in driving economic prosperity. Berkley envisions Las Vegas as a hub of opportunity for residents from all backgrounds to thrive.

A Legacy of Impact

Berkley’s life and career are deeply intertwined with the narrative of Las Vegas. Her dedication to education, health care and culture reflects her belief in the transformative power of service. As mayor, she stands poised to lead the city into an era of unprecedented growth and opportunity.

Her journey from a young girl inspired by the neon lights of the desert to a trailblazing leader mirrors the spirit of Las Vegas itself—a city that thrives on reinvention and boundless ambition. Berkley’s legacy is one of resilience, compassion and a relentless drive to give back to the community she loves. In her hands, the future of Las Vegas shines as brightly as its storied past, promising a new era of prosperity, innovation and inclusivity.

As the neon glow of Las Vegas continues to light up the desert sky, Berkley’s leadership ensures it remains a beacon of hope, creativity and boundless possibility for generations to come.