Pasadena’s City Manager Search Reaches Application Deadline

The City of Pasadena’s application window for its next chief administrator closed Thursday, January 29, 2026, as the city moves to fill one of the most consequential positions in local government.

The nationwide search follows City Manager Miguel Márquez’s November announcement that he would retire to focus on family after his father’s recent death. Márquez, who joined Pasadena in August 2022, guided the city through the devastating January 2025 Eaton Fire. The next administrator will inherit a city still in recovery mode.

The position oversees an annual operating of more than $1 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. Beyond standard municipal services, the role includes partnership oversight of the Rose Bowl Stadium, the Convention Center and Visitors Bureau, Pasadena Water and Power, and Pasadena Media.

The salary range is $380,000 to $425,000.

“Serving the people of Pasadena has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Márquez said in November when announcing his departure. “I leave knowing the City is fiscally stable, in good hands, and is on a solid path forward.”

Mayor Victor Gordo called Márquez’s departure “a significant loss for our City” while expressing support for his decision to prioritize family. “We are deeply grateful for his service and the example he has set of selfless, principled leadership,” Gordo said.

The City Council engaged executive recruitment firm WBCP Inc. to lead the search. Before the application deadline, the city solicited community input through surveys available in English, Spanish, Armenian, and Chinese. Those responses, which remain anonymous, will help shape interview questions and guide the Council’s selection process.

Candidates who make the cut will interview in person on March 7 and 8. Márquez is expected to remain in the position until a successor is appointed.

During his tenure, Márquez maintained balanced budgets, restored financial reserves to pre-pandemic levels, secured long-term labor agreements with city employee unions, and oversaw passage of Measures PL and L to support retrofitting the historic Central Library. He also procured more than $1 billion in contracts for carbon-free energy, keeping Pasadena on pace toward its 100% clean energy goal.

Those seeking more information can view the recruitment brochure online or contact recruiter Wendi Brown at Wendi@wbcpinc.com.

Pasadena has a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council sets policy and hires the City Manager, who serves as chief administrator responsible for carrying out those policies and managing day-to-day operations.