Sworn In: Summers-Armstrong and Berkley Take Office in Las Vegas

Photo Credit: City of Las Vegas via Cedric Crear's Instagram

On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, with a room full of supporters, Las Vegas welcomed new leadership with the swearing-in of Shondra Summers-Armstrong as the City Council representative for Ward 5 and Shelley Berkley as Mayor. The ceremony reflected their shared vision for progress and commitment to fostering a thriving and inclusive Las Vegas.

Shondra Summers-Armstrong: Representing Ward 5

Councilwoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong emphasized her dedication to Ward 5 in her remarks, highlighting her decades of community involvement and commitment to addressing key issues.

"This community is my community," she said. "It has entrusted me with their hopes and their dreams for growth and jobs and redevelopment and advancement, and I will do my very best to work diligently with you to make these hopes and dreams come true."

Background and Experience

Summers-Armstrong moved to Las Vegas in 1990 and began her public service career as a judicial assistant to Judge Addeliar D. Guy III, Nevada's first Black District Court judge. She later spent 25 years with the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada. In addition, she has served as a commissioner on both the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority and the Southern Nevada Enterprise Community Board.

In 2020, she was elected to the Nevada Assembly for District 6, where she championed issues like infrastructure improvements and Health & Human Services initiatives.

Community Advocacy

A longtime resident of Ward 5, Summers-Armstrong has been deeply engaged in initiatives to improve the neighborhood. She was a vocal member of 'Stop the F Street Closure LLC,' advocating for the reopening of the critical access point in West Las Vegas from 2008 until its successful resolution in 2016.

Goals for Ward 5 (includes Historic Westside)

Summers-Armstrong has laid out a comprehensive vision for her term, focusing on housing, economic development, and public safety.
Her key initiatives include:

• Affordable Housing:
  Summers-Armstrong plans to champion increased housing availability and continue advocating for tenant protections and eviction reform.
  "As your City Council representative, I will make affordable housing a top priority by looking for ways to reduce barriers to home building – like restrictive or costly land use and zoning rules," she pledged via campaign website. She also aims to support housing for seniors to ensure lifelong residents can afford to stay in their homes.

• Economic Development:
  Summers-Armstrong aims to help small and minority-owned businesses access funding through programs like the $3.5 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. By doing so, she hopes to create more local job opportunities, ensuring families have access to better-paying jobs.

• Public Safety:
  Her plans include expanding community-oriented safety strategies and investing in organizations that offer services for the homeless. Additionally, she plans to enact better policies for police operations, explore how technology can facilitate crime reporting and safety information, and strengthen community communication channels.

• Support for Vulnerable Populations:
  "Without viable options like affordable housing and education, along with safe and livable communities, many of our most vulnerable residents are left without resources and susceptible to homelessness," she mentions via website. Summers-Armstrong is committed to connecting residents with mental health providers, legal assistance, and job opportunities.

Shelley Berkley: A New Era for Las Vegas

Shelley Berkley’s inauguration as Mayor marks a significant moment for the city, as she brings decades of public service experience and a bold vision for Las Vegas. Berkley succeeds Carolyn Goodman, stepping into the role with a focus on inclusivity, economic growth, and community well-being.

Background and Accomplishments

A Las Vegas native, Berkley’s career includes:

• U.S. House of Representatives (1999-2013):
  She was the first woman to represent Nevada's 1st Congressional District, serving on the Transportation, Veterans Affairs, and Ways and Means Committees. Her work included securing a new Veterans Administration medical complex for Southern Nevada and advocating for healthcare reform and infrastructure investments.

• Higher Education Leadership:
  Berkley served as Senior Vice President and CEO of Touro University’s Western Division, focusing on healthcare education and workforce development.

• Nevada State Legislature and Beyond:
  She began her public service as an assemblywoman in 1983 and later served on the Nevada State Board of Regents, where she fought for affordable education and played a key role in establishing UNLV’s law school.

Goals for Las Vegas

As Mayor, Berkley’s priorities include:

• Public Safety:
  Strengthening police-community relations and crime prevention efforts.

• Affordable Housing:
  Expanding options for families and seniors by addressing restrictive zoning laws and other barriers to development.

• Homelessness:
  Developing programs to connect residents to housing and essential services.

• Economic Growth:
  Supporting small businesses, promoting smart development, and ensuring the city’s economy remains robust.

One notable issue on her agenda is the long-standing Badlands dispute. According to her website, Berkley has made it clear that she intends to prioritize a fair and efficient resolution:
"As Mayor, I will act to find a fair solution that protects taxpayers. We cannot let this dispute drain resources needed for our community. It’s time to end the costly finger-pointing and find a path forward. With decisive leadership, we can resolve the Badlands issue for the benefit of Las Vegas."

During her swearing-in ceremony, Berkley emphasized her commitment to inclusion and opportunity for all:
"I will endeavor to create an atmosphere where everyone who wants to share in the success of Las Vegas has an opportunity to do so, no matter what the color of your skin, where your family’s from, whether you’re a Republican, a Democrat, an Independent, whether you’re a business owner or a proud union member. Las Vegas needs your talent, your drive, and your hard work if we’re all going to succeed."

Looking Ahead

With Councilwoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong and Mayor Shelley Berkley now in office, Las Vegas enters a new era of leadership centered on progress, equity, and opportunity. Their combined experience and shared priorities position them to address the city's most pressing issues, including affordable housing, economic growth, and public safety.

As they take on these roles, we look forward to keeping up with voting records, community involvement, and progress toward achieving the goals they’ve laid out for the city. Their leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of Las Vegas, and we remain committed to keeping the community informed and engaged.