Las Vegas mayor gives final State of City address as Goodman family dynasty closes

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman delivered her final State of the City address on Thursday, marking the beginning of the end of a 25-year political dynasty.

Goodman has been mayor of Las Vegas since 2011 when she was elected to succeed her husband, then-Mayor Oscar Goodman, who served in office for 12 years.

It's the only known instance of a spouse succeeding a spouse as mayor in the United States, according to the city.

After a law passed by the state legislature moved municipal elections to even-numbered years, Carolyn Goodman's final term was extended to 2024, capping her time as mayor at 13 years.

MORE ON NEWS 3 |Las Vegas Medical District welcomes new mural 'Harmony in Bloom'

That means the Goodmans will have held the city's top job for a quarter of a century.

Before her address, a mariachi band welcomed Goodman into the council chambers. She spoke about new projects and economic growth, but she also set a tone emphasizing family and legacy.

She revealed that a groundbreaking will be held later this month for a new hotel in Symphony Park. It's described as a dual-branded AC Marriott Symphony Park and Element by Westin Symphony Park, and the opening is planned for 2025.

Both Goodmans have been major proponents of revitalizing the downtown area and bringing professional sports teams to the valley.

The 2024 Las Vegas Mayoral election will be held on June 11. A runoff will take place on Nov. 5 if necessary.