© 2025 Kansas City Public Radio
NPR in Kansas City
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Up To Date

Former mayor Richard Berkley 'always had Kansas City's best interests in mind'

By Steve Kraske,
Halle Jackson
Published November 30, 2023 at 4:10 PM CST
Ways To Subscribe
Courtesy Photo
/
Dick Berkley

Richard Berkley, who served as Kansas City mayor from 1979 until 1991, died Wednesday at the age of 92. Berkley was the longest-serving and first Jewish mayor of Kansas City.

Former Kansas City mayor Richard Berkley, who served three terms in office, died Wednesday. He was 92.

Berkley served from 1979 until 1991. Perhaps most well known for his swift response to the Hyatt Regency walkway collapse in 1981, he also oversaw a period of growth in Kansas City.

Dave Helling, a former reporter and editorial writer for the Kansas City Star, covered Berkley's tenure.

"He was the last of a breed of mayor in Kansas City, who was much more of a facilitator than he was an instigator," Helling said.

  • Dave Helling, former reporter and editorial writer at the Kansas City Star
Tags
Up To Date PodcastMissouriKansas CityKansas City MayorRichard Berkleyobituarypoliticsobituaries
Stay Connected
Steve Kraske
When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
See stories by Steve Kraske
Halle Jackson
In an era defined by the unprecedented, one thing remains certain: Kansas Citians’ passion for their hometown. As an Up To Date producer, I construct daily conversations to keep our city connected. My work analyzes big challenges and celebrates achievements to help you see your town in a new way. Email me at hallejackson@kcur.org.
See stories by Halle Jackson
Stand up for the free press
No matter what happens in Washington D.C., Kansas City needs KCUR. And KCUR needs you.

Our ability to report local news — accurate, independent and paywall-free — depends on you. Donate now to support fact-based news.
Donate to KCUR