DLNews  'Local News"

Cathedral City Selects Firestine as New City Manager

CATHEDRAL CITY, CA — The Cathedral City Council on February 11, 2026, approved a contract appointing Andrew “Andy” Firestine as the city’s new City Manager, following an extensive nationwide search process. Firestine officially assumed the role on February 12, 2026, under the terms of the approved agreement.

The appointment concluded a deliberate recruitment effort in which the City Council evaluated candidates from across the country before determining that the strongest choice was already serving the community.

“The City Council conducted an extensive and deliberate search to find the right leader for Cathedral City,” Mayor Raymond Gregory said at the time of the appointment. “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 had been serving as Cathedral City’s Director of Community and Economic Development since joining the city in September 2023. In that role, he oversaw planning, economic development, code compliance, and building services — departments central to managing growth, encouraging investment, and maintaining neighborhood standards.

A California native, Firestine began his public service career in Colorado, where he spent 16 years working in local and regional government. His experience included service with a regional council of governments as well as the cities of Colorado Springs and Centennial, where he held various planning and management roles focused on long-range development and municipal operations.

He relocated to the Coachella Valley in 2019 to serve as Assistant City Manager for the City of Palm Desert, managing multiple service areas through 2022. He later served as Director of Development Services for the City of Escondido before returning to the desert to join Cathedral City’s leadership team.

With his appointment now in effect, Firestine steps into the city’s top administrative role as Cathedral City continues to prioritize strategic growth, economic vitality, infrastructure investment, and responsive public services. The transition provides continuity in leadership while positioning the city for its next phase of development.