Riverside city officials have appointed Assistant City Manager Edward Enriquez as the acting city manager, following the resignation of City Manager Mike Futrell on Tuesday, June 16. Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson announced the leadership change during a news conference on Wednesday, June 17, outside City Hall.
"As you know, the city of Riverside is experiencing a leadership transition," Lock Dawson said. "While we're looking at a departure of one of our charter officers, we're also welcoming some new and exciting leadership to our executive team." She was joined by several council members, including Chuck Conder, Philip Falcone, Steve Hemenway, Sean Mill, Jim Perry, and Mayor Pro Tem Steven Robillard.
The resignation came after a closed-session city council meeting on June 16, where the council discussed possible disciplinary action against Futrell. This followed a social media announcement by Futrell's wife, Susan Freeman, that she had filed a claim against the city.
When the council emerged from the closed session, Futrell was no longer present, and his resignation was announced.
Mayor Pro Tem Robillard stated that under the resignation agreement, there are no pending claims or actions between Futrell and the city. "The agreement approved by council represents a mutually agreed transition that we believe is in the best interest of the city," Robillard said Wednesday.
"It provides an orderly leadership change, while ensuring continuity of operations for our residents, businesses and employees."
Robillard expressed confidence in Enriquez, who has served as Assistant City Manager since June 2023. Enriquez previously served as Interim Assistant City Manager for nearly a year, as well as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.
He joined the city in 2012, holding roles such as Assistant Chief Financial Officer, Controller, and Assistant Controller.
"Our focus now is on the future," Robillard added. "The city continues to move forward with important priorities, including public safety, economic development, infrastructure investment, housing and delivering high-quality services to our residents."
In addition, Lock Dawson announced that the city has finalized an agreement with James Johnson as the new city attorney, who previously served as general counsel for the Housing Authority of Los Angeles. Johnson replaces Interim City Attorney Rebecca McKee-Reimbold, who took over after former City Attorney Phaedra Norton filed a claim against the city and council members and was placed on administrative leave in September 2025.
The mayor also stated that an Inspector General will be appointed in the coming weeks.