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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
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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
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Up To Date PodcastMissouriKansas CityKansas City MayorRichard Berkleyobituarypoliticsobituaries
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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.
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Halle Jackson
As an Up To Date producer, I aim to create a space for Kansas Citians to come together for curious and inspired conversations about the region we call home. I want to help find answers to big questions, shine a light on local change makers and break down complex issues people need to know about. Email me at hallejackson@kcur.org.
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