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Real Estate Developer, Political and Civic Leader, Pasadena Resident Nelson Rising Dead at 81

Published on Friday, February 10, 2023 | 12:19 pm
 

Nelson Rising, a Los Angeles-based real estate developer and political and civic leader who helped shape the built and political environment of leading California cities, died on Thursday, February 9 at his home in Pasadena. He was 81 years old. Rising died of Alzheimer’s, his family said.

Rising’s legacy can be seen in many of California’s most iconic buildings, such as the 72-story Library Tower – now the U.S. Bank Tower – which was once the tallest skyscraper west of Chicago, and the residential and commercial neighborhood of Playa Vista on Los Angeles’ westside. He was also instrumental in the rebirth of Downtown Los Angeles, restoring its historic core commercial spaces while upgrading infrastructure to meet the needs of the creative class. One of his most significant achievements was Mission Bay in San Francisco, the largest mixed-use development in San Francisco’s history, encompassing pro sports, research centers, housing, public transit, and coastal greenways.

Rising was widely admired for his ability to tackle big, complex projects and bring stakeholders together to find solutions. He was known for his level-headed and conciliatory approach, avoiding public disagreements and instead focusing on finding mutually beneficial outcomes. Throughout his 50-plus-year career, he was often called upon to resolve challenging situations, earning him a reputation as a creative problem solver.

In addition to his work as a real estate developer, Rising was a significant figure in California politics, serving as campaign manager for John Tunney’s successful run for U.S. Senate in 1970 and as the statewide Finance Director for Senator Ted Kennedy’s bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1980. Throughout the years, he was a reliable contributor to mostly Democratic candidates, including as an early supporter of President Barack Obama and a friend to President Joe Biden since he was first elected to the U.S. Senate.

However, Rising is perhaps best known for his close association with five-time Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley. Bradley, who was the city’s first Black mayor, is credited for making LA a more cosmopolitan and modern metropolis, including by bringing the 1984 Olympics to the city. Rising served as Bradley’s campaign chairman in each of his mayoral victories, as well as in his tight run for governor in 1982.

Rising was born on August 27, 1941, in Queens, New York, and later moved to Glendale, California, with his family. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied Political Science. After college, he began his career in real estate, working his way up to become a leader in the industry.

In a statement, California Governor Gavin Newsom said, “Nelson cared deeply about California and Californians, and his dynamic leadership and problem-solving brought together stakeholders from across the board to accomplish monumental feats.”

Rising is survived by his wife, Sharon; sons, Christopher and Matthew;
three grandchildren; and a sister, Charlotte Conway.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the communities he helped shape.

A private memorial service will be held in the near future.

Donations can be made in honor of Rising to the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides financial support to protect, preserve, and enhance the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium. For more information or to make a donation: www.RoseBowlLegacy.org or by mailing to 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103.

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