The downtown Riverside skyline rises against the backdrop of Box Springs Mountain, with the historic Evergreen Cemetery in the foreground. (Bob Sirotnik)
City Manager Mike Futrell delivered an upbeat assessment of the city's progress in 2024 and outlined ambitious plans for the coming year during a presentation for the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce on Thursday, December 11.
"It has been a fabulous year. I'm so excited to share with you what we've accomplished," said Futrell, "but more excited to talk about 2025 and where we're heading."
Futrell reported a 27.2% reduction in crime and the addition of 74 new police officers, with the department on track to be fully staffed by summer for the first time in 25 years. He highlighted the implementation of a real-time crime center utilizing over 1,000 security cameras. He announced plans for the Inland Empire's first "fusion center," an interagency partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement and intelligence agencies to monitor terrorist threats, gang activity, and other "larger threats" to the community that will be based in Riverside to enhance regional law enforcement coordination.
Futrell noted expanded outreach efforts to address homelessness. "Last year, we completely revamped how we operate to allow us to be on the streets seven days a week, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., working with those who are unhoused."
"We are making progress," Futrell continued, "The philosophy of this City Council, which I absolutely agree on, is we will help everybody every day, but you just can't set up a tent, you can't throw a sleeping bag in the door of some business and call it your home. You have to move. We are out every day making that happen."
The fire department faced increasing demands, with emergency calls rising to one every 12 minutes. "We've seen a 31% increase in calls over the last 10 years with no appreciable increase in the size of the department," Futrell explained, indicating this would be a focus area for 2025.
Infrastructure improvements were a key theme, with Futrell citing a record $30 million investment in street paving. He announced plans to restore Victoria Avenue "to its historic glory" and highlighted ongoing park renovations, including the groundbreaking of Tim Strack Park.
Several major projects are slated to begin in the coming months, including expansions of the city museum and Eastside library, renovation of the Cesar Chavez Center, and construction of the Northside Agricultural Innovation Center.
Economic development took center stage in Futrell's vision for 2025. He celebrated the relocation of electric shuttle manufacturer Ohmio's headquarters from New Zealand to Riverside, as well as Voltu Motor's decision to establish operations in the city.
"We're excited to welcome Voltu Motor," Futrell said, introducing CEO George Gebhart. "We're proud to partner with you as you are here scouting sites, and we anticipate your opening and hiring close to 400 people to get started in auto manufacturing."
Hyundai's Rotem Electric decision to open its first U.S. manufacturing site in Riverside was also highlighted, with production of trains and trams expected to begin by June.
Futrell unveiled plans for two potential developments on city-owned land in the Northside which include proposals for outdoor recreation facilities, housing with 25% affordable units, and retail spaces.
"Riverside Alive is alive!" Futrell proclaimed, referring to a $350 million project to expand the convention center and add hotels downtown that has been stalled since the pandemic.
"I'm excited to announce Fleming's Steakhouse is coming to Riverside. They'll be located on the first floor of The Mark, right across from the Fox Theater," Futrell shared. "The CEO of Fleming's and her team was here earlier this year. They did a deep dive into the demographics of Riverside to determine 'Is there enough money in Riverside to support Fleming's?" and here we are. We still have 18 months of tenant improvements, so don't make reservations yet, but the deal has been inked, and it's on its way!"
Futrell concluded on an optimistic note, praising the collaborative spirit in Riverside. "I love my job. I wake up excited every day," he said. "The staff that I work with and the community are all facing and working in the same direction."
A year-end financial review, approving drones for anti-illegal fireworks policing, and a one-year pilot project to reduce cut-through traffic on Redwood Drive are on the City Council's agenda.
CSDR Football to be recognized by the Mayor; City Council will consider streamlining the permitting process for pre-approved ADUs and the final reallocations of $7.2 million in ARPA funding.
Reaccreditation by the Center for Public Safety Excellence highlights the department's handling of 43,000+ incidents, placing it among the top five fire agencies in California.
