LA MESA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Art Madrid, a long-time public servant who held the office of mayor of La Mesa for more than 20 years, has died, city officials confirmed Tuesday. He was 90 years old.
A fixture of the community credited with revitalizing the city and raising its stature in the region, Madrid was one of the longest-serving mayors in San Diego County history — the culmination of his career in public office spanning more than three decades.
“Art Madrid devoted his life to serving the people of La Mesa,” Mayor Mark Arapostathis, who unseated Madrid back in 2014, said in a statement. “His leadership left a lasting mark on our city. We are grateful for his many years of service and the legacy he leaves behind.”
Madrid was born and raised in New Mexico, moving to La Mesa as a teenager. He later joined the U.S. Marine Corps and spent more than 30 years in the service.
He entered public office in 1981 as a member of the La Mesa City Council. After serving as a council member for a decade, he was elected mayor in 1990.
Throughout his tenure, Madrid championed development in the city, clearing the way for the construction of new public spaces and municipal buildings like its library and police headquarters. He also spearheaded efforts to renew the city’s downtown Village.
City officials also praise him for enhancing transparency, promoting civic engagement and improving the quality of life for residents in ways that helped “shape La Mesa into the community it is today.”
Beyond city hall, Madrid served in leadership roles on a number of local and state boards, including the San Diego Association of Governments and California Council of Governments.
Reflecting on his time in public service as he ended his last term as mayor in 2016, Madrid expressed gratitude to the community in a conversation with the San Diego Union-Tribune.
“I think the most important thing an elected official has to do is listen to those you serve and be frank and candid in addressing their needs,” he said at the time. “By and large, I’m extremely grateful I had the opportunity to serve in a number of capacities. And sooner or later the baton has to be passed to somebody else.”
Madrid is survived by two daughters, Dana and Lisa, a son, Darren, and several grandchildren.
