City Manager Mike Futrell prepares to present revenue measure options to City Council on Jan. 27, 2026, the meeting that set the city on the path to the June 2 Measure Z renewal. (Justin Pardee)
Mike Futrell will remain as Riverside's city manager, citing the city's economic momentum and the June 2 vote on the renewal of Measure Z as reasons to continue in the role.
In a public letter Saturday morning, Futrell wrote: "After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to remain in Riverside and continue serving as your City Manager. Riverside is not just where I work — it is our home."
The letter, signed by Futrell and his wife Susan Freeman, cited the city's "significant momentum" in economic development, infrastructure, public safety and housing. "We are in the middle of public education about the June 2 vote on the revenue renewal of 'Measure Z' with later work required navigating the outcome of that vote," Futrell wrote. The city is hosting four neighborhood informational meetings on the measure through May.
Futrell had been scheduled to begin as Pasadena's city manager May 13, following his April 15 appointment by that city's council. On Saturday, Mayor Victor Gordo and the Pasadena City Council, in a statement first reported by Pasadena Now, acknowledged Futrell's withdrawal and confirmed that Interim City Manager Matthew Hawkesworth will continue in that role. "The Council respects his decision and wishes Mike the very best," the statement said.
Futrell has served as Riverside's city manager since 2023. The city has credited his tenure with more than $4 billion in new investment, 100% police staffing for the first time in two decades, and a 35% reduction in crime. His decision to stay extends his role through several efforts already underway, including the June 2 Measure Z renewal and the city's housing policy work under its Prohousing Designation.
In his letter, Futrell credited "city employees, community partners, and residents who are doing extraordinary work every day" and wrote that he is "staying to see these efforts through."
"Mike Futrell has been a dedicated and steadfast city manager," Ward 1 Councilmember Philip Falcone said in a text to the Gazette Saturday. "I am pleased he has decided to stay in Riverside to continue the years-long, successful work he has done to improve the quality of life in town."
The Gazette reached out to the mayor and city council members on Saturday. This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.
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