James T. Butts, Jr.

Mayor, City of Inglewood

James T. Butts Jr. is Mayor of Inglewood, California, and a veteran public servant with a distinguished career spanning municipal government, public safety, economic development, and transportation leadership. Since being elected mayor in 2011, Butts has led Inglewood through a period of major economic revitalization and national prominence, overseeing transformative projects that have reshaped the city’s civic and commercial landscape. Under Butts’ leadership, Inglewood has become a major destination for sports, entertainment, and infrastructure investment, including development of SoFi Stadium, the Intuit Dome, Hollywood Park, and multiple transit and mixed-use projects. His administration has prioritized economic growth, job creation, public safety, fiscal stability, and community investment while advancing long-term redevelopment strategies designed to benefit residents and local businesses. Before becoming mayor, Butts served for more than three decades in law enforcement, including as Chief of Police for the City of Santa Monica. Earlier in his career, he rose through the ranks of the Los Angeles Police Department, where he became one of the department’s highest-ranking African American officials. His law enforcement experience helped shape his approach to public administration, civic leadership, and community engagement. In addition to his municipal leadership, Butts has served on numerous regional boards and commissions related to transportation, aviation, public safety, and economic development. He has played a key role in advancing major transit connectivity initiatives tied to Inglewood’s rapid growth and regional importance, including projects connected to Los Angeles International Airport and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.