Pasadena Seeks New City Manager After Márquez's Retirement

The city is looking to fill one of its most consequential leadership roles after the departure of Miguel Márquez, who guided Pasadena through the Eaton Fire crisis.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:07pm

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The City of Pasadena has closed the application window for its next city manager, a crucial role overseeing an annual budget of over $1 billion and 2,200 employees. The search follows the November 2026 retirement announcement of current City Manager Miguel Márquez, who joined Pasadena in 2022 and led the city through the devastating January 2025 Eaton Fire. The salary range for the position is $380,000 to $425,000.

Why it matters

The city manager is one of the most powerful positions in Pasadena's local government, responsible for managing day-to-day operations and implementing the City Council's policies. Márquez's departure represents a significant transition, as the next administrator will inherit a city still recovering from the Eaton Fire crisis.

The details

The city engaged executive recruitment firm WBCP Inc. to lead the nationwide search. Before the application deadline, Pasadena solicited community input through surveys available in multiple languages to help shape the interview process and selection. Candidates who make the cut will interview in person on March 7 and 8, and Márquez is expected to remain in the position until a successor is appointed.

  • The application window for Pasadena's city manager position closed on January 29, 2026.
  • Márquez announced his retirement in November 2026 after guiding the city through the January 2025 Eaton Fire crisis.
  • Candidate interviews are scheduled for March 7 and 8, 2026.

The players

Miguel Márquez

The current City Manager of Pasadena who announced his retirement in November 2026 after joining the city in August 2022 and leading it through the Eaton Fire crisis.

Victor Gordo

The Mayor of Pasadena who called Márquez's departure 'a significant loss for our City' while expressing support for his decision to prioritize family.

WBCP Inc.

The executive recruitment firm engaged by the City of Pasadena to lead the search for the next city manager.

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What they’re saying

“Serving the people of Pasadena has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I leave knowing the City is fiscally stable, in good hands, and is on a solid path forward.”

— Miguel Márquez, City Manager (pasadenanow.com)

“We are deeply grateful for his service and the example he has set of selfless, principled leadership.”

— Victor Gordo, Mayor (pasadenanow.com)

What’s next

Candidates who make the cut will interview in person on March 7 and 8, 2026, and Márquez is expected to remain in the position until a successor is appointed.

The takeaway

Pasadena's search for a new city manager comes at a critical juncture, as the next administrator will inherit a city still recovering from the Eaton Fire crisis and tasked with maintaining the city's fiscal stability and long-term vision.