Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson to lead Big City Mayors

Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson has been selected to lead the Big City Mayors, a statewide coalition made up of the mayors of California’s 13 largest cities.

Lock Dawson, who was elected mayor in 2020 and whose second term ends in 2028, will lead the group in 2025 and 2026. She will be the first Riverside mayor to lead the group.

“I am honored to be selected for this important role, working with my fellow mayors from around the state on issues of crucial importance to all Californians,” Lock Dawson said. “I’d like to thank San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria for his leadership these past two years and all the mayors in our coalition for entrusting me to continue our advocacy and impact going forward.”

Big City Mayors represents a combined 11 million residents in California — more than a quarter of the state’s population. Other members of the group include mayors from Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, Stockton, and Irvine.

The group provides a strong voice on such statewide issues as homelessness, the need for additional housing, CARE Courts, and mental health reform. The efforts have resulted in millions of dollars in funding being allocated to cities within the group, including Riverside.