Visionary leader remembered for revitalizing downtown Albuquerque, championing urban equity, and sharing his love of soccer.

Born in 1940 to Dean Rusk, U.S. Secretary of State under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, and Virginia Rusk, David grew up in a household deeply engaged in public service. He carried forward that legacy with a lifelong commitment to civic leadership and metropolitan reform. He graduated from Scarsdale High School before attending the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied economics and graduated Phi Beta Kappa.

In the 1960s, David worked with the Washington Urban League, engaging in civil rights and anti-poverty initiatives. He later joined the U.S. Department of Labor’s Manpower Administration, serving as legislative and program development director, where he focused on workforce development and employment programs during a period of major federal investment in job training.

David and his wife, Delcia Bence of Buenos Aires, Argentina, moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1971, where they raised their three children. He served as a New Mexico State Representative, gaining legislative experience and building connections that would later support his mayoral campaign.

David served as Mayor of Albuquerque from 1977 to 1981, where he championed modernization of city infrastructure, expansion of public safety initiatives, and revitalization of cultural landmarks. Among his enduring contributions was the renovation of the historic KiMo Theatre, which he envisioned as a cornerstone of downtown renewal. A chief advocate and user of public transportation, Mayor Rusk expanded and improved Albuquerque’s public bus network. In acknowledgement of his efforts, the City named a vital transit facility and the lobby and orchestra pit of the Kimo Theater in David’s honor earlier this year.

David was responsible for Albuquerque’s purchase of the Elena Gallegos Grant lands and annexation of West Mesa ensuring the city’s economic health and inclusive growth. These actions served as the foundation of his growing career as an urban policy expert focused on the concept of city elasticity, and launched Cities Without Suburbs, an analysis of city elasticity and its impact on social and economic health over 60 years of urban development across the United States.

In partnership with Delcia, David returned to Washington D.C. and became a respected voice in metropolitan policy. He authored influential books and consulted widely on issues of growth and equity, advising governments, universities, and civic organizations across the United States. His work helped shape national conversations about how cities and regions could grow economically and socially stronger.

Beyond politics, David was an avid opera and soccer fan. The KiMo Theater served as the home of the Albuquerque Opera Theatre for which David served on the Board and sang in several productions. He supported the launch of the New Mexico Chiles, helping bring professional soccer to the city. Later, in Washington, D.C., he championed efforts to secure Audi Field at Buzzard Point, ensuring D.C. United and the Washington Spirit a permanent home and contributing to the revitalization of the neighborhood. His passion for the sport also found expression in his long-running blog, “Tales from Buzzard Point,” where he chronicled the history and community impact of soccer in the nation’s capital.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Delcia, sister Margaret, children Gregory (Michelle), Patrick (Becky), and Monica, grandchildren Daniel, Dylan (Nicholas) and their father Mark, grandchildren Dean, and Harley (Caleb), and great granddaughter Nora. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Virginia Rusk, and brother Richard. A remembrance gathering will be held at the Cosmos Club, 2121 Massachusetts Ave, Washington, DC, on Saturday November 29, 1:00-3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to any of the Washington Spirit Community Impact Partners @ https://washingtonspirit.com/community-partners/ .