Futrell to stay in Riverside

Mike Futrell, Riverside’s city manager, is staying put.

Ten days after it was announced he was leaving to become Pasadena’s city manager, Pasadena released a statement saying Futrell had decided to stay in Riverside, according to multiple sources.

“City manager candidate Mike Futrell informed the Pasadena city council that he has decided to remain in his current position in the city of Riverside and will withdraw from further discussions with the city of Pasadena,” the statement reads. “The council respects his decision and wishes Mike the very best.”

Futrell was expected to begin in Pasadena May 13.

“We have significant momentum right now in Riverside,” Futrell said on his Facebook page. “From major economic development projects and infrastructure investments to public safety enhancements, housing initiatives, and the continued activation of our downtown and neighborhoods.

“I am staying to see these efforts through,” Futrell wrote.

During his three years as city manager, Futrell helped lead Riverside in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic, improved its finances and reaffirmed its AA+ credit rating, according to a statement on Riverside’s website.