En Español

한국어

LOS ANGELES - Mayor Karen Bass today issued the following statement following the passing of Dr. William A. "Bill" Burke, pioneering environmental justice leader and longtime chairman of the South Coast Air Quality Management District Governing Board:

"Los Angeles mourns the loss of Dr. William A. 'Bill' Burke - a visionary leader whose decades of service transformed our city and improved the lives of countless families. As the first African American chairman of the South Coast AQMD Governing Board and its longest-serving leader, Dr. Burke made environmental justice a defining mission of his leadership, dedicating his career to the belief that clean air is a basic right owed to every community.

"Dr. Burke's career spanned healthcare, business, civic leadership and public service, including founding the Los Angeles Marathon and becoming one of the nation's longest-serving public commissioners. Through his leadership, he advanced equity for communities that had long been overlooked and underserved, helping to bring their needs to the center of public policy.

"I had the privilege of knowing Bill personally and always appreciated his guidance, advice and steadfast support. On behalf of the City of Los Angeles, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, former Congresswoman and Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, his daughters Christine and Autumn, and all who loved him. May he rest in peace."