Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, Jr.: Balanced and Steady During the Los Angeles Fires

The Southern Truth

By Gloria Zuurveen, Editor & Truth

As the fires rage across Southern California, threatening homes, livelihoods, and landscapes, Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, Jr. stands as a pillar of strength and preparedness. With a career deeply rooted in law enforcement and emergency management, Butts’ steady leadership during these unprecedented times echoes his past 5 decades of experience in municipal service. In 1991, at the age of 37 he was named the youngest Chief of Police ever in the State of California to lead the Santa Monica Police Department as the first chief of color. Prior he had been named the first Black lieutenant, captain and only Deputy Chief of Police for the City of Inglewood. After serving the City of Santa Monica for 15 years, he would be named as an Assistant General Manager for the Los Angeles World Airport system (LAWA)  where his portfolio of command included command of the LAXPD, counterterrorism coordination, Emergency Management and Traffic Control for LAX and its 3 satellite airports.

Mayor Butts has always shown that he’s ready to lead—through both the calm and the storm. And now, as Los Angeles grapples with the ongoing fires, he’s not only providing support to the brave firefighters and police officers on the front lines, but he’s also reminding the world that Inglewood, and much of Los Angeles, continues to press forward with resilience and optimism.

A Reality Check Amidst the Flames

In a recent televised interview, Mayor Butts put things into perspective for the millions of people watching from afar. “The County of Los Angeles has 88 cities,” Butts stated. “This fire is involved in three. This is a terrible event, and we have firefighter and police personnel working 24 hours a day to combat it. But the reality is, this is not consuming the entirety of LA County or the entirety of LA city.” The County of Los Angeles is 4,060 square miles. The Palisades and Eaton Fires combined burned approximately 38,000 acres or about 59 square miles or 1% of the land mass of LA County.  Perspective is important especially in times of crisis.

The distinction was clear: while the fires are devastating for some parts of Los Angeles County, the county as a whole is much more expansive, with thriving communities and resilient cities like Inglewood that remain unaffected by the blazes. Butts’ words were a reassuring reminder that, despite the chaos, life in many parts of Los Angeles continues, with Inglewood being one of the vibrant cities pushing forward.

Forward Thinking: Preparing for the Future

Butts’ leadership goes beyond firefighting and disaster response; it’s also about preparing for a future that is bright, secure, and prosperous. With Los Angeles set to host major global events in the coming years—including the 2028 Summer Olympics, the Super Bowl, and the World Cup—Inglewood is positioned as a key player in this monumental shift. The city’s venues, like Sofi Stadium and the Intuit Dome, are slated to host major portions of these events.

The mayor has worked tirelessly to ensure that Inglewood remains ready, even as the fires rage across the region. “We have an ongoing structured plan to be prepared for the LA28,” Butts emphasized. “And this has not derailed those talks.” Despite the challenges posed by the fires, he remains focused on the long-term vision for Inglewood and its role in these global events. His ability to maintain this level of foresight while ensuring immediate concerns are addressed speaks volumes about his leadership style.

Leadership in Crisis

Inglewood residents are fortunate to have a mayor who is not only reliable during crises but also proactive in ensuring the City’s resilience. Butts takes pride in the leadership of his Emergency Management team, particularly Brian Walker, who plays a crucial role in managing Inglewood’s safety and preparedness.

For Butts, it’s not just about keeping the city safe during emergencies; it’s also about ensuring that Inglewood can rebuild, recover, and thrive. And he’s doing just that. Inglewood is no stranger to loss—just like neighborhoods in Altadena and Napa Valley, many Black and Brown families in Inglewood hold a deep connection to their homes and generational wealth. For many, real estate is more than an investment—it’s a cornerstone of identity and prosperity. Mayor Butts understands this and has worked diligently to protect Inglewood’s real estate legacy, ensuring that the community has the resources to rebuild stronger than before.

The Power of Collaboration

One of Butts’ greatest strengths is his ability to collaborate. Whether it’s working with Mayor Karen Bass and her staff or coordinating with the LA28 organizing committee, Butts understands that strong partnerships are the key to overcoming adversity and ensuring the city’s long-term success. The collaboration between Inglewood and the larger Los Angeles community has been instrumental in planning for the major events on the horizon. And, despite the immediate challenges posed by the fires, the city is solidly on track to be a vital part of the world stage in 2028.

A Unified, Prosperous Future

As the fires wreak havoc on parts of Los Angeles, it’s important to remember the bigger picture: Southern California is a resilient region, and Inglewood is a shining example of that resilience. Mayor Butts is determined to ensure that, in the face of adversity, Inglewood not only recovers but flourishes. He echoes sentiments shared by Napa County’s Linsey Gallagher, who has led recovery efforts after multiple wildfires. “Rebuilding communities is important, but ultimately, we must focus on welcoming back tourism,” Gallagher said.

For Inglewood, that includes not only rebuilding after the fires but also continuing to foster a thriving tourism and entertainment economy. The city is now home to the 55,000-square-foot WePlay Studio, located next to Faithful Central Bible Church. With events like the Super Bowl, World Cup, and Olympics just around the corner, Inglewood is ready to show the world what it has to offer.

Mayor Butts, along with the residents of Inglewood, welcomes all to come and experience the city’s growth, resilience, and exciting future. Inglewood is not just surviving—it is moving forward with strength, unity, and hope for the future. And with a steady and balanced leader like Mayor James T. Butts, Jr. at the helm, that future is looking brighter every day.

 

The Southern Truth