PASADENA, Calif. — The Pasadena City Council announces the decision by City Manager Miguel Márquez to retire from his position as the City’s Chief Administrative Officer so he can focus on family during a time of significant personal need.
Mr. Márquez joined the City in August 2022, bringing with him a distinguished record of public service, including his most recent role as Chief Operating Officer of Santa Clara County and his service as an Associate Justice of California’s Sixth District Court of Appeal. His leadership came at a pivotal time for Pasadena; he has been instrumental in guiding the City through several unprecedented challenges.
During his tenure, Mr. Márquez led with integrity, compassion, and a steady hand. He appointed the majority of the City’s current executive leadership team, assembling a diverse and highly capable group of professionals dedicated to collaborative governance and excellence in public service. Under his leadership, the City, among other things:
Mr. Márquez has built strong, collaborative relationships with each member of the City Council and is widely respected for his intelligence, fairness, and humility. He is not only a trusted leader but also a valued member of the Pasadena family.
“While Miguel’s departure is a significant loss for our City, we fully support his decision to prioritize his family,” said Mayor and Chief Executive Officer, Victor Gordo. “We are deeply grateful for his service and the example he has set of selfless, principled leadership.”
In reflecting on his decision, Mr. Márquez shared:
“Serving the people of Pasadena has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I’m grateful for the trust and support of the City Council, our dedicated staff, and this remarkable community. In light of my father’s recent passing, my family needs me at this time, and I need to be there for them. I leave knowing the City is fiscally stable, in good hands, and is on a solid path forward.”
Mr. Márquez is expected to continue to serve as City Manager until a permanent successor is appointed, ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition.
Mr. Márquez joined the City in August 2022, bringing with him a distinguished record of public service, including his most recent role as Chief Operating Officer of Santa Clara County and his service as an Associate Justice of California’s Sixth District Court of Appeal. His leadership came at a pivotal time for Pasadena; he has been instrumental in guiding the City through several unprecedented challenges.
During his tenure, Mr. Márquez led with integrity, compassion, and a steady hand. He appointed the majority of the City’s current executive leadership team, assembling a diverse and highly capable group of professionals dedicated to collaborative governance and excellence in public service. Under his leadership, the City, among other things:
- Maintained fiscal stability during uncertain times, with a balanced budget each year and financial reserves restored to pre-pandemic levels;
- Secured labor peace through long-term contracts with the City’s employee unions;
- Successfully passed Measures PL and L to support the retrofit and upgrade of the City’s historic Central Library, and to provide operational support for libraries citywide;
- Invested millions of dollars to upgrade aging police and fire equipment to enhance the City’s public safety response efforts;
- Invested millions of dollars to improve the City’s streets;
- Procured more than $1B in long-term contracts for carbon-free energy, keeping the City on pace to exceed the State’s carbon-neutral mandate at least 15 years early, and making significant progress (92%) on the City’s goal of 100% carbon-free energy by 2030; and
- Led a comprehensive response and recovery effort following the devastating windstorm and Eaton Fire earlier this year.
Mr. Márquez has built strong, collaborative relationships with each member of the City Council and is widely respected for his intelligence, fairness, and humility. He is not only a trusted leader but also a valued member of the Pasadena family.
“While Miguel’s departure is a significant loss for our City, we fully support his decision to prioritize his family,” said Mayor and Chief Executive Officer, Victor Gordo. “We are deeply grateful for his service and the example he has set of selfless, principled leadership.”
In reflecting on his decision, Mr. Márquez shared:
“Serving the people of Pasadena has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I’m grateful for the trust and support of the City Council, our dedicated staff, and this remarkable community. In light of my father’s recent passing, my family needs me at this time, and I need to be there for them. I leave knowing the City is fiscally stable, in good hands, and is on a solid path forward.”
Mr. Márquez is expected to continue to serve as City Manager until a permanent successor is appointed, ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition.
