City of Riverside Appoints Miranda Evans as Community and Economic Development Director

Published: 6/8/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 8, 2026

Contact:

Phil Pitchford

Public Information Officer

951-826-5975

[email protected]

City of Riverside Appoints Miranda Evans as Community and Economic Development Director

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - The City of Riverside has appointed Miranda Evans as Community and Economic Development Director. Evans, who has served as Interim Director since February, will lead the Community and Economic Development Department, which includes the Building and Safety, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, Planning, and Real Property Services divisions that support Riverside's continued growth, investment, and long-term prosperity.

The appointment follows a period of exceptional achievement under Evans' leadership, including significant business attraction success, record levels of international investment, recognition for organizational excellence, and the implementation of strategic initiatives that have strengthened Riverside's economic competitiveness and operational performance.

"Miranda has demonstrated strong leadership, strategic vision, and a relentless commitment to Riverside's success," City Manager Mike Futrell said. "In her previous capacity as Deputy Director and since assuming the interim role, she has delivered results that include attracting international investment, creating quality jobs, and elevating Riverside's standing among leading economic development organizations worldwide. Her tenacious ability to execute with focus and discipline makes her well qualified to lead this department and continue Riverside's momentum."

Evans assumes the role after demonstrating exceptional leadership, delivering measurable results, and fostering a culture of collaboration and high-performance across the department. Since joining the City of Riverside, Evans has emerged as one of California's most accomplished economic development professionals, leading transformative initiatives that have strengthened Riverside's economy, expanded employment opportunities, and enhanced the City's competitiveness on a global stage.

Among her most significant accomplishments, Evans played a leading role in attracting six international companies to Riverside, generating more than 700 direct jobs and over $142 million in investment. These efforts have reinforced Riverside's position as a destination for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and green technology, while supporting long-term economic resilience and small business growth.

Most recently, Evans guided the City's Economic Development Division through the rigorous process of achieving the elite Accredited Economic Development Organization status from the International Economic Development Council. Riverside is only the third organization in California to earn this internationally recognized designation, reflecting the City's commitment to high standards of professional economic development practice and strengthening its reputation across the globe.

Evans also authored and implemented Riverside Realized, the City's first strategic implementation plan. The award-winning framework translated City Council priorities into more than 90 measurable performance indicators, improving alignment across departments, strengthening accountability, and accelerating progress on key community goals.

In addition to her economic development expertise, Evans brings experience in planning, land use, real estate development, complex negotiations, organizational leadership, and team development. She is recognized for building strong teams, fostering effective partnerships, and delivering practical solutions that produce meaningful outcomes for residents, businesses, and stakeholders.

Evans said she is honored to continue serving in the role.

"I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and appreciate the confidence placed in me to serve as Director," Evans said. "I look forward to continuing to work closely with Mayor Lock Dawson, Mayor Pro Tempore Robillard, and the entire City Council as we work together to advance Riverside's strategic priorities and deliver results for our residents and business community. Our momentum is undeniable, and I am excited to build on our progress, support our team, and create new opportunities that strengthen our economy and enhance quality of life throughout the city."

An Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE), Evans has built a distinguished career in economic development, strategic planning, organizational leadership, and public service. She holds a Master of Arts in Political Psychology from Arizona State University, a Master of Public Administration from San Diego State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and City Planning from SDSU.

Evans also completed advanced executive education, including graduate studies in City Management at Villanova University, a Professional Certificate in Leading Smart Communities from Pepperdine University, and the High-Performance Leadership Academy through the International City/County Management Association.

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