Riverside City Manager Mike Futrell Accepts Role as City Manager of Pasadena

Published: 4/15/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 15, 2026

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Phil Pitchford

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Riverside City Manager Mike Futrell Accepts Role as City Manager of Pasadena

Three years marked by quality of life investments in parks, libraries, public works, refuse

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Riverside City Manager Mike Futrell, who has been the City Manager since January 2023, has accepted a new role as City Manager of Pasadena, Calif., starting in May 2026.

"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.

"City Manager Futrell has served Riverside well for more than three years, and I am grateful for the many things we accomplished together," Lock Dawson said. "I wish him the best in his new role in the city of Pasadena."

Futrell led Riverside out of the post-COVID era, strengthening city finances and reaffirming the City's AA+ credit rating, while improving the quality of life with investments in parks, libraries, public works, refuse operations and affordable housing. He moved Riverside forward with major projects such as funding and construction of a new library on the Eastside, the new Northside Agricultural Innovation Center, renovation and expansion of the historic Museum of Riverside, and a new headquarters for the Riverside Police Department.

"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. As we move ahead, we remain focused on executing and delivering results. I wish him the best in his next role."

Futrell's focus on public safety resulted in 100% police staffing for the first time in 20 years and cumulatively a 35% reduction in crime, plus investments and new leadership in the Fire Department. Futrell expanded the City's economic development efforts resulting in multiple new companies opening in Riverside, over $4 billion in new investment, and Riverside's economy expanding in the areas of green tech, aerospace, medical and life sciences.

"During the last three years our City has fared well thanks to the leadership of the Mayor and City Council," adds Futrell. "This City is resilient and will continue to level up. I look forward to watching its continued success."

The City will be conducting a search for Futrell's replacement. Lock Dawson expressed her confidence in the current City's leadership and city staff during this interim period.