Firestine outlines vision and priorities in first community address
Andrew “Andy” Firestine was sworn in as the City of Cathedral City’s new City Manager at the February 11, 2026, Regular Meeting of the City Council. Today, February 12, marks his first day in the role.
“Cathedral City is a remarkable community with a confluence of people and cultures that make it the welcoming, inclusive, and diverse community that it is,” said Firestine. “Cathedral City stands out in the Coachella Valley. It is a hard-working community that helps support and sustain the regional economy while supporting multitudes of small businesses locally. It was for all these reasons that I was elated to join Cathedral City in 2023 and why I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead the organization.”
Firestine’s tentative appointment was announced on February 4, 2026, following an extensive nationwide search conducted by Bob Murray & Associates.
“The Council conducted an extensive and deliberate search to find the right leader for Cathedral City,” said Mayor Raymond Gregory. “After evaluating candidates from across the country, it became clear that the best person for the job was already part of our team. Andy’s experience, vision, and deep understanding of our community made him the clear choice.”
Firestine previously served as the City’s Director of Community and Economic Development and brings more than two decades of municipal leadership experience to the position.
In his first community address, Firestine highlighted several priorities for the year ahead, including the continued implementation of Measure W, which supports road improvements, additional ambulance service, recreational programs and park maintenance through the Desert Recreation District, and funding for a future community center.
“There are many focal areas for the City — executing capital improvement plans to improve streets and build bicycle and pedestrian improvements, continuing to focus on economic development, enhancing communications and promoting public participation and community engagement, and sustaining public safety,” Firestine said.
Firestine also addressed the City’s fiscal standing, noting that while Cathedral City has made significant strides over the last decade to improve its fiscal health, it remains dependent on sales tax and vulnerable to changes in consumer spending and the broader economy.
“These are areas that require monitoring and continued discussion to ensure that the City retains its fiscal standing and the ability to serve residents and businesses in the ways they’ve come to expect,” he said.
Housing is another focal area for the new City Manager. Like many California cities, Cathedral City faces housing needs across a range of price points. Firestine noted that an ongoing development code update expected to be completed before year-end presents an opportunity to review zoning and land development policies that influence housing construction.
Prior to joining Cathedral City, Firestine served as Director of Development Services for the City of Escondido and as Assistant City Manager and Director of Public Works for the City of Palm Desert. He spent nearly 12 years with the City of Centennial, Colorado, rising to Assistant City Manager. Firestine holds a Master of City and Regional Planning from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of San Diego.
Anne Ambrose has transitioned back to her role as Assistant City Manager. She served as Interim City Manager since September 2025, provided steady leadership during the transition and ensured continuity of city operations throughout the recruitment process.
The City of Cathedral City is the second-largest city in the Coachella Valley, serving more than 52,000 residents. With a thriving downtown arts and entertainment district, diverse and inclusive community, and year-round events, the city is one of the region’s fastest-growing communities. For more information, please visit www.cathedralcity.gov for city services or www.discovercathedralcity.com for news, events, and attractions.
