Riverside City Manager Mike Futrell Leaving for Pasadena

Riverside City Manager Mike Futrell announced Wednesday he's accepted a new position as city manager of Pasadena, expected to start May 13.

"Riverside is a wonderful city on the rise. Leading this city staff and working with Mayor Patricia Lock-Dawson and the City Council has been the honor of a lifetime," Futrell said in a city press release. "During the last three years our city has fared well thanks to the leadership of the mayor and City Council. This city is resilient and will continue to level up. I look forward to watching its continued success."

The city credits Futrell, who has been city manager since 2023, for helping lead Riverside through the post-COVID era – with a focus on finances, economic development and quality-of-life investments.

According to the press release, Futrell's focus on public safety resulted in 100% police staffing for the first time in 20 years and a cumulative 35% reduction in crime. Futrell also oversaw over $4 billion in new investment and several companies opening in Riverside.

"Mike Futrell understood the potential of Riverside's economic assets, particularly our airport and emerging innovation sectors, and worked to align the organization around that vision," Mayor Pro Tem Steven Robillard said. "His leadership helped move forward projects that will have lasting impact on our local economy. We're grateful for his contributions and the progress made under his tenure."

Lock-Dawson said she's confident in the city's current staff and leadership during the interim period as the city searches for Futrell's replacement.

Futrell replaces outgoing Pasadena City Manager Miguel Márquez, who announced his retirement last year.

"Pasadena holds a special place in my family's life," Futrell said in a Pasadena press release, adding that he and his wife plan to be active in the community. "I have spent my life in public service, from the U.S. Navy to elected office to leadership roles at the federal, state, and local levels. The unique blend of experiences I've gained has prepared me to lead a dynamic and forward-looking city like Pasadena."

Among Futrell's early priorities in Pasadena will be the city's recovery from the Eaton Fire and Pasadena’s transition to carbon-free electricity by the end of 2030.