Riverside City Manager Mike Futrell on Saturday said he will not leave that position for the same post in Pasadena.
On April 15, officials announced he would leave Riverside to become Pasadena’s city manager.
“After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to remain in Riverside and continue serving as your city manager. Riverside is not just where I work — it is our home,” Futrell wrote in a letter released Saturday.
The letter, signed by Futrell and his wife Susan Freeman, cited the Riverside’s “significant momentum” in economic development, infrastructure, public safety and housing, including “the continued activation of our downtown neighborhoods.”
He noted upcoming public education sessions “about the June 2 vote on the revenue renewal of ‘Measure Z’ with later work required navigating the outcome of that vote.” The city is hosting four public meetings on the measure through May.
“Over the last three years we have put Riverside on the world stage with the international economic relationships we have built, attracting new businesses and good jobs,” Futrell wrote. “I am staying on to see these efforts through.
“What makes this decision meaningful is our city employees, community partners and residents who are doing extraordinary things every day,” he added.
Pasadena officials did not respond to a request for comment.
In a statement to the Pasadena Now website, Mayor Victor Gordo and City Council members said, “The Council respects his decision and wishes Mike the very best. Interim City Manager Matthew Hawkesworth will continue to serve in his current role as the council determines its next steps to select a new city manager.”
Futrell was scheduled to come to Pasadena from Riverside on May 13. He has served as Riverside’s top unelected official since 2023.
The City Council has been searching for a city manager since last year when Miguel Marquez announced his retirement.