Mayors

James T. Butts Jr. (2011–Present)

• Key figure in major redevelopment era
• Instrumental in projects like SoFi Stadium and the Intuit Dome
• Focus on economic growth, sports/entertainment development, and city revenue expansion
• Former police chief and public safety advocate

James T. Butts Jr. served as Mayor of Inglewood during one of the most transformative periods in the city’s modern history. His leadership has been closely associated with major redevelopment, economic growth, and Inglewood’s emergence as a premier sports and entertainment destination. His administration played an important role in attracting and supporting landmark developments such as SoFi Stadium and the Intuit Dome, bringing significant new investment, visitors, business activity, and revenue opportunities to the city.

A former police chief with an extensive background in law enforcement and public administration, Mayor Butts has also emphasized public safety, strong city services, economic development, and long-term financial stability.

Under his leadership, Inglewood has experienced a remarkable transformation, strengthening its regional and national profile while preparing to welcome some of the world’s largest sporting and entertainment events.

Danny Tabor (2010–2011)

• Contributed to establishing a stable foundation for local government
• Supported the growth and organization of the community
• Played a role in shaping the city’s early identity and direction

Danny Tabor served as Mayor of Inglewood during an important transitional period for the city. His leadership focused on maintaining stability in local government, supporting essential city services, and helping guide the community through economic and organizational challenges.

During his time in office, Tabor contributed to efforts to strengthen city operations and maintain a foundation for future economic growth and redevelopment. His tenure represents a transitional chapter in Inglewood’s history, helping provide continuity in city leadership before the major redevelopment and investment initiatives that would reshape Inglewood in the years that followed.

Roosevelt F. Dorn (1997–2010)

• Focused on economic revitalization
• Worked to attract new development and improve city finances
• Known for strong, sometimes controversial leadership style

Roosevelt F. Dorn served as Mayor of Inglewood for more than a decade, leading the city during a period focused on economic revitalization, development, and financial stability. His administration worked to attract new investment, encourage business growth, strengthen city finances, and position Inglewood for future economic opportunities.

Known for a strong and sometimes controversial leadership style, Dorn remained a prominent figure in Inglewood civic life throughout his tenure. His years in office represented an important chapter in the city’s evolution, as Inglewood worked to address economic challenges, stimulate development, and establish a stronger foundation for the significant transformation that would follow.

Edward Vincent Jr. (1983–1996)

• First African American mayor of Inglewood
• Promoted redevelopment and civic engagement
• Long tenure during major demographic changes

Edward Vincent Jr. made history as the first African American Mayor of Inglewood, marking an important milestone in the city’s civic and political development. During his long tenure, he emphasized redevelopment, economic progress, community involvement, and civic engagement, helping guide Inglewood through a period of significant demographic and economic change.

His leadership reflected the city’s increasingly diverse population and helped shape a new era of representation in local government. Vincent’s years as mayor remain an important chapter in Inglewood’s history, both for the historic significance of his election and for his role in guiding the city’s continued growth and transformation.

Lee Weinstein (1979–1983)

• Worked on economic development initiatives
• Addressed business retention during economic shifts

Lee Weinstein served as Mayor of Inglewood during a period of changing economic conditions and new challenges for cities throughout Southern California. His administration emphasized economic development, business retention, and support for the local commercial community, working to strengthen Inglewood’s economic foundation and preserve employment and investment within the city.

During his tenure, Weinstein sought to help Inglewood adapt to broader economic shifts while maintaining essential city services and encouraging a healthy business environment. His leadership contributed to the city’s ongoing efforts to remain economically competitive and positioned Inglewood for future redevelopment and growth.

Merle Mergell (1971–1979)

• Focused on city services and economic stability
• Addressed early signs of urban decline

Merle Mergell served as Mayor of Inglewood during a period of significant economic and social change throughout Southern California. His administration placed a strong emphasis on maintaining essential city services, promoting economic stability, and responding to emerging urban challenges as communities across the region experienced shifting economic conditions.

During his tenure, Mergell worked to preserve the strength and stability of Inglewood’s neighborhoods and local economy while addressing early signs of urban decline. His leadership helped guide the city through a changing era and supported efforts to maintain a solid foundation for Inglewood’s future growth and development.

William G. Goedike (1963–1971)

• Navigated social and economic changes of the 1960s
• Continued urban development

William G. Goedike served as Mayor of Inglewood during the socially and economically transformative 1960s, a period that brought significant change to communities throughout Southern California. His administration continued to advance urban development and city improvement efforts while responding to the evolving needs of Inglewood’s residents and businesses.

During his tenure, Goedike helped guide the city through a changing community landscape marked by population growth, economic shifts, and broader social change. His leadership represented an important period in Inglewood’s development as the city continued to grow, modernize, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the decades ahead.

George C. England (1951–1963)

• Led during major suburban boom
• Expansion of infrastructure, schools, and residential development

George C. England served as Mayor of Inglewood during a period of significant postwar growth and suburban expansion that transformed communities throughout Southern California. As Inglewood’s population and residential neighborhoods grew, his administration supported the expansion of public infrastructure, community services, schools, and residential development needed to serve a rapidly changing city.

England’s leadership helped shape Inglewood’s mid-century development and suburban character, guiding the city through an important era of modernization and community expansion. His tenure contributed to building the physical and civic foundation that supported Inglewood’s continued growth and evolution in the decades that followed.

Ernest S. Dixon (1944–1951)

• Oversaw post-WWII transition
• Growth of housing and suburban expansion

Ernest S. Dixon served as Mayor of Inglewood during the important transition from World War II into the postwar era, a time of rapid growth and change throughout Southern California. His administration helped guide the city as returning veterans, growing families, and an expanding regional economy created increased demand for housing, infrastructure, public services, and residential development.

During Dixon’s tenure, Inglewood experienced significant suburban expansion and continued modernization. His leadership helped position the city to accommodate postwar population growth while strengthening the community infrastructure necessary for the major residential and economic expansion that would define Inglewood during the 1950s and beyond.

Raymond V. Darby (1931–1944)

• One of the longest-serving early mayors
• Led through the Great Depression and World War II
• Stabilized city finances and operations

Raymond V. Darby was one of Inglewood’s longest-serving early mayors, leading the city through two of the most challenging periods in American history—the Great Depression and World War II. During a time of tremendous economic uncertainty and national change, his administration emphasized financial stability, responsible city operations, and the continuity of essential public services.

Darby’s long tenure provided important stability and consistent leadership as Inglewood navigated economic hardship and the demands of wartime. His administration helped maintain the city’s foundation during these difficult years while positioning Inglewood for the significant growth, modernization, and suburban expansion that would follow in the postwar era.

Hugh B. Lawrence (1927–1931)

• Mayor during early Great Depression years
• Focus on maintaining city services amid economic strain

Hugh B. Lawrence served as Mayor of Inglewood during a pivotal period that included the prosperous final years of the 1920s and the onset of the Great Depression. As economic conditions changed dramatically, his administration faced the challenge of maintaining essential city services, responsible municipal operations, and community stability amid increasing financial pressures.

Lawrence’s leadership helped guide Inglewood through the early effects of a national economic crisis while working to preserve the city’s progress and maintain continuity in local government. His tenure represents an important chapter in Inglewood’s early history as the growing city adapted to economic hardship and prepared for the challenging years ahead.

Samuel H. Spafford (1920–1924)

• Oversaw steady growth in the 1920s
• Helped shape early zoning and city planning

Samuel H. Spafford served as Mayor of Inglewood during an important period of growth and community development in the early 1920s. As the city expanded, his administration helped address the increasing need for organized development, municipal services, and thoughtful planning to accommodate new residents and businesses.

Spafford’s leadership contributed to Inglewood’s early planning and zoning efforts, helping establish a more organized framework for residential, commercial, and civic growth. His tenure helped shape the city’s developing physical structure and provided a foundation for the significant expansion and modernization Inglewood would experience throughout the decades that followed.

Claude A. Allen (1920)

• Short tenure
• Limited records; part of early leadership rotation

Claude A. Allen served a brief term as Mayor of Inglewood during the city’s early period of growth and civic development. Although limited historical information is available regarding the specific initiatives of his administration, his service was part of an important era in which Inglewood’s early leaders worked to establish and strengthen the city’s municipal government.

Allen was part of the early rotation of civic leadership that helped provide continuity as Inglewood developed from a young incorporated community into a growing Southern California city. His tenure represents a small but meaningful chapter in the city’s evolving history and governmental foundation.

John Aerick (1918–1920)

• Guided post-war transition
• Continued infrastructure improvements

John Aerick served as Mayor of Inglewood during the important transition following World War I, as the city entered a new period of growth and development. His administration helped maintain civic stability while supporting the continued expansion and improvement of the young city’s infrastructure and municipal services.

During his tenure, Aerick contributed to Inglewood’s ongoing development as the community prepared for the rapid growth of the 1920s. His leadership helped continue the work of strengthening the city’s physical and governmental foundation, supporting Inglewood’s evolution into a more established and organized Southern California community.

William S. Hudson (1916–1918)

• Led during World War I era
• Focused on civic stability and basic services

William S. Hudson served as Mayor of Inglewood during the World War I era, a period of national uncertainty and changing economic and social conditions. His administration emphasized civic stability, continuity of local government, and the maintenance of essential city services as the young community continued to develop.

Hudson’s leadership helped provide stability during a challenging period while supporting Inglewood’s ongoing growth and municipal organization. His tenure contributed to maintaining a strong civic foundation and helped prepare the city for the continued development and expansion that would follow after the war.

Louis B. Hardin (1914–1916)

• Oversaw early expansion of municipal services
• Continued development during rapid population growth

Louis B. Hardin served as Mayor of Inglewood during an important period of early population growth and community expansion. As the young city continued to develop, his administration focused on strengthening municipal operations, expanding essential public services, and improving the infrastructure necessary to support a growing population.

Hardin’s leadership contributed to establishing a more stable and organized city government while helping Inglewood respond to the needs of its expanding community. His tenure represents an important stage in the city’s early development, helping build the municipal and infrastructure foundation that would support Inglewood’s continued growth in the decades ahead.

William H. Kelso (1908–1914)

• First mayor after incorporation
• Helped establish initial city governance, services, and infrastructure

William H. Kelso served as the first Mayor of Inglewood following the city’s incorporation in 1908, helping guide the community through the critical early years of establishing an organized municipal government. His leadership contributed to creating the foundational structure for city administration, public services, infrastructure, and civic operations as Inglewood transitioned from a developing community into an incorporated city.

During his tenure, Kelso helped set the direction for Inglewood’s early growth and civic organization, establishing systems that would support an expanding population and evolving community. His service represents an important chapter in Inglewood’s history, laying the governmental and civic foundation upon which future generations of city leaders would continue to build.