Pasadena Names Riverside City Manager as New Leader

Mike Futrell, with 30 years of public sector experience, will take over for retiring city manager Miguel Márquez.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:21pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a government building or city hall, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows casting across the facade, capturing a sense of quiet contemplation around a change in municipal leadership.The appointment of a new city manager signals a transition in Pasadena's local government leadership.Riverside Today

The city of Pasadena has appointed Mike Futrell, the current city manager of Riverside, as its new permanent city manager. Futrell has over 30 years of public sector experience, including serving as city manager in South San Francisco and in administrative roles in Baton Rouge and the U.S. Senate. He will be replacing the retiring Miguel Márquez, who has held the role since 2022.

Why it matters

The city manager position is a critical role in local government, responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and helping to guide the city's priorities. Futrell's appointment signals Pasadena's desire to bring in an experienced leader to confront the complex challenges facing the city.

The details

Futrell, a retired Navy captain, will be taking over for the retiring Miguel Márquez, who has served as Pasadena's city manager since 2022. Futrell is expected to start in his new role on May 13. In a statement, Futrell said he looks forward to 'collaborating with the Council, staff, and community members to advance the City's priorities and ensure Pasadena's continued success.'

  • Mike Futrell will start as Pasadena's new city manager on May 13, 2026.
  • Miguel Márquez has served as Pasadena's city manager since 2022.

The players

Mike Futrell

The current city manager of Riverside, California, with over 30 years of public sector experience, who has been appointed as the new permanent city manager of Pasadena.

Miguel Márquez

The retiring city manager of Pasadena, who has held the role since 2022.

Victor Gordo

The mayor of Pasadena, who expressed gratitude for Márquez's service and said Futrell's appointment will help the city confront complex issues.

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What they’re saying

“Pasadena holds a special place in my family's life. My wife Susan and I have spent many years visiting and enjoying Pasadena, and we plan to be active in the community. I look forward to collaborating with the Council, staff, and community members to advance the City's priorities and ensure Pasadena's continued success.”

— Mike Futrell, Incoming Pasadena City Manager

“I want to express our deep appreciation to outgoing City Manager Miguel Márquez for his dedicated and effective service to the people of Pasadena. His leadership has helped guide our city through important challenges and opportunities, and we are grateful for his commitment.”

— Victor Gordo, Mayor of Pasadena

What’s next

Futrell is expected to start in his new role as Pasadena's city manager on May 13, 2026.

The takeaway

Pasadena has brought in an experienced city manager in Mike Futrell to lead the city forward, signaling a desire for steady leadership and a focus on addressing the complex challenges facing the community. Futrell's appointment comes as the city bids farewell to the retiring Miguel Márquez, whose tenure helped guide Pasadena through important periods.