INSIDE INGLEWOOD: City of Inglewood Hosts Historic 2024 State of the City Address at Intuit Dome

By Gloria Zuurveen, Editor-in-Chief

Inglewood, CA – On June 28th, the City of Inglewood celebrated a historic milestone with its 2024 State of the City Address, held at the newly constructed Intuit Dome. The event marked the first-ever held at this state-of-the-art venue, soon to be officially opened in August with a grand performance by Bruno Mars.

Mayor James T. Butts Jr. hosted the landmark occasion, co-hosted by Steve Ballmer, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers.  LA City and County leaders were in attendance, including LA County Board of Supervisors Hilda L. Solis, Holly J. Mitchell, Kathryn Barger, Janice Hahn, and Lindsey P. Horvath who said, “World class sports and entertainment venues, new Metro K Line stops, and a strong local identity-you don’t want to miss all that’s happening in Inglewood. It’s a pleasure to work alongside Mayor Butts on the Metro Board and to be part of his transformative vision for Inglewood and Los Angeles County.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa added to the significance of the occasion.  Accolades were many. Supervisor Solis said, “Inglewood’s economic rebirth and its emergence as the mecca of not one or two but three of the world’s greatest sporting events is a testament to the vision of this city’s leaders and further evidence that access and imagination are the keys to community revitalization and civic rejuvenation.” Ballmer said, “Inglewood was an ideal place for our new home. With the city’s leadership and location, Inglewood has become the new epicenter for sports and entertainment. Mayor Butts and the City Council are fearless and committed municipal leaders that have no parallel.”  The address, emceed by Fred Roggin of NBC Sports, featured a dynamic business panel with prominent figures including Mayor Butts, Steve Ballmer, Owner, Clippers;  Casey Wasserman, Chairman, LA 2028; Kevin Demoff, President Los Angeles RAMS, Patrick  Soon-Shiong, Owner, Los Angeles Times, and others.

Roggins said, “I’ve known Mayor Butts since 2014, he told that he was gonna bring the NFL to Inglewood. At the time, I was the only one who believed him, and now, I am viewed as a genius of sports prognostication.”  Mayor Butts delivered a TED Talk-style keynote presentation, showcasing the City’s key performance indicators over the past year and a timeline outlining Inglewood’s growth and prosperity since his 2011 election. He opened his address with historical context about his time as Mayor of Inglewood, the “Jewel of South Bay.”  Mayor Butts detailed the city’s recent economic boom, recounting his personal journey to success.  He emphasized his return to Inglewood, a native son who had achieved success elsewhere, including serving as Police Chief in the City of Santa Monica.  Many viewed his mission as impossible, but Mayor Butts was undeterred by doubters.  He chose to elevate Inglewood by partnering with “big players,” like co-host Steve Ballmer.

 

The Mayor’s address clearly outlined Inglewood’s recent history.  Since 2012, the city has experienced significant economic and social success, becoming a nationally recognized leader in sports and entertainment.  This period has seen impressive developments, including the renovation of the Fabulous Forum, the opening of SoFi Stadium, the NFL Network facility, YouTube Theater, Showtime Production Studio, the LA Philharmonic Youth Orchestra building, and the under-construction Intuit Dome.