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# 🍊 Wednesday Gazette: January 1, 2025
- URL: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/wednesday-gazette-january-1-2025/
- Published: 2025-01-01T13:00:06.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-09T02:23:45.000Z
- Author: Gazette Staff
- Tags: Newsletter

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Morning hues illuminate the San Gabriel Mountains, a breathtaking start to the day. (Bob Sirotnik)

✨

This newsletter was written and scheduled before The Raincross Gazette staff went on holiday break. We will return to regular work and publishing on Monday, January 6.

**Wednesday Gazette: January 1, 2025**

Hello Riverside, and Happy New Year! I am so grateful to everyone who contributed to our year-end campaign or became new members in the last few weeks – thank you! I'll have a complete recap of our campaign results and next steps for you next Wednesday after our team returns from a holiday break.

[![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2023/12/author_banner-justin-pardee.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/about/)

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#### [GOVERNMENT](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/government/) 

## City Manager Highlights Achievements, Outlines Vision for 2025 

Public safety improvements, infrastructure investments, and economic development initiatives take center stage in an annual update from Mike Futrell. 

[![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2024/12/241230-cityscape-1.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/city-manager-highlights-achievements-outlines-vision-for-2025)

The downtown Riverside skyline rises against the backdrop of Box Springs Mountain, with the historic Evergreen Cemetery in the foreground. (Bob Sirotnik)

City Manager Mike Futrell paints a rosy picture of Riverside's achievements in 2024 and outlines ambitious plans for 2025 during a presentation to the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce.

**Driving the message**: Significant reductions in crime, major economic developments, and infrastructure improvements highlight Riverside's progress.

- Crime rates dropped 27.2%, with 74 new police officers added and plans for a regional "fusion center" to enhance law enforcement coordination.

**By the numbers**: The fire department faces increasing demands, with emergency calls now occurring every 12 minutes, a 31% increase over the last decade.

**Looking ahead**: Economic development takes center stage for 2025, with several companies choosing Riverside for new operations.

- Electric shuttle manufacturer Ohmio relocated its headquarters from New Zealand, while Voltu Motor plans to hire 400 people for auto manufacturing.

**Infrastructure focus**: A record $30 million investment in street paving, along with park renovations and major project expansions, including the city museum and Eastside library.

**The latest**: Fleming's Steakhouse is set to open on the first floor of The Mark, across from the Fox Theater, in about 18 months.

**What's next**: Two potential developments on city-owned land in the Northside propose outdoor recreation facilities, housing with 25% affordable units, and retail spaces.

[Read or share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/city-manager-highlights-achievements-outlines-vision-for-2025)

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Don't forget to check out the [community calendar](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/) while the Gazette staff is on break.

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