Accelerator for America held its 2026 Spring Advisory Council Meeting in Riverside, bringing together mayors from across the country to share best practices in economic development. (Courtesy of the Office of Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson)
Riverside’s is putting its strengths to work, telling our story to deliver progress that will expand opportunity for generations to come. We are home to three universities that support businesses with research and talent. We have a greenbelt and a river that connect us with nature. We have beautiful neighborhoods where families can thrive, and a rich history reflected in our architecture and culture.
But as a Riverside native, I find myself constantly striving for more for my city. While we are great, we can be even better. We can build a more resilient and diversified economy that creates jobs so people can live where they work. We can create civic spaces where our community gathers and connects. We can ensure there is enough housing and supportive services so that homelessness becomes a thing of the past. These ambitions drive my work every day, because Riverside residents deserve a life filled with opportunity, connection, and pride in their community.
Since taking office, my strategy has been simple: seek out opportunities and resources that make Riverside better. Everyday I am pursuing the avenues and supports that will create jobs, support businesses, improve services, address homelessness, and expand recreation and access to nature. This strategy has resulted in strong partnerships with philanthropy, funding from state and federal governments, and collaboration with organizations that share our commitment to improving quality of life for our residents.
As Mayor, I am the chief advocate for the city, but that advocacy doesn’t only happen in Sacramento or Washington, DC. It happens in every single room I enter. Whether I am meeting with private industries, philanthropies, or nonprofits, I am always thinking about what opportunities can be brought home for Riverside.
One example is a relationship built with Accelerator for America (AFA), a nonprofit organization that supports cities as they build housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunity. They call themselves a “do-tank,” not a think tank, and Riverside has benefited greatly from their hands-on support.
Riverside was selected as one of just ten cities nationwide to participate in AFA’s Innovative Infrastructure Initiative. Through this work, we received expert guidance in developing our Zero Emission Vehicle Transition Plan, helping Riverside earn recognition as the Greenest Fleet in North America. AFA has also provided expert guidance on the development of the city’s Inclusive Development Action Plan which helped formulate the City’s Economic Development Strategy approved by Council.
Just last month, AFA selected Riverside as their host city, and I was proud to highlight Riverside’s economic development strategy. At this gathering, mayors from across the country—from Phoenix to Nashville to Montgomery—came together to share best practices and experience the best of Riverside. They had a chance to walk through the Citrus State Historic Park, visit The Cheech, and stay at the Mission Inn. The experience made a lasting impression, so much so that Matt Tuerk, the mayor of Allentown, Pennsylvania was inspired to get a tattoo of Riverside’s iconic Raincross at a local shop. This is what I mean by being an ambassador for Riverside in every room I am in, every conversation can lead to an opportunity for Riverside big or small.
Another important partner in our work to strengthen Riverside is Bloomberg Philanthropies. Their support has advanced the redevelopment of the Armory at Fairmount Park, expanded our civic engagement efforts to better connect with residents, streamlined our procurement processes, and funded two Harvard fellows who are helping us leverage data to deliver more effective, responsive city services.
Just this past week, Bloomberg Philanthropies announced that Riverside will receive a Youth Climate Action grant. This investment supports our Office of Sustainability and empowers our youngest residents to take an active role in protecting the future of our city.
Through my involvement with ICLEI—Local Governments for Sustainability—Riverside was selected as the only city in California to receive funding through the Municipal Investment Fund. This grant will support projects such as battery storage, electric vehicle infrastructure, and building decarbonization—investments that strengthen our infrastructure while preparing Riverside for the future.
These partnerships and investments deliver real results. They are creating more opportunities, strengthening neighborhoods, and improving the daily lives of our residents. Most importantly, they are helping us build a better future for the next generation.
By opening our doors to new ideas and new collaborators, we are bringing the best of the country, and the world, home to Riverside. And together, we are building a city that not only meets the moment but rises to it.
From pothole repairs to a new Mission Boulevard Bridge and a long-awaited Third Street railroad solution, the city is making major investments in its transportation infrastructure.
Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson addresses common misconceptions about homelessness and explains the legal, financial, and systemic constraints cities face—while outlining Riverside's ongoing efforts to find solutions.
Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson invites the community to the 2026 State of the City address, highlighting Riverside's progress in public safety, economic development, and quality of life.
