Riverside City Council Appoints Inspector General

Published: 10/06/2026

Riverside City Council Appoints Inspector General

New Charter officer position created after voter-approved ballot measure

On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, the Riverside City Council unanimously approved the appointment of Lori K. M. Cox as the City of Riverside's Inspector General. In her new role, she will provide independent oversight of the City's audit and investigative functions, leading performance, financial, contract, and compliance audits along with investigations of fraud, waste, abuse, and policy violations. The position also manages whistleblower programs, prepares and presents audit findings, and works with City departments to strengthen accountability and improve operations.

Ms. Cox has been the Chief Internal Auditor for Dallas College in Dallas, Texas, for the past 6 years. Her professional experience also includes Management Services & Compliance Officer and Tribal Administrator for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona, City (Chief) Auditor for the City of Tempe, Arizona, and Director of Internal Audit for Pima Community College. She has a Master of Business Administration from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arizona, along with professional certifications in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA), Ethics and Compliance Professional (CCEP), Government Audit Professional (CGAP), and as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).

In November 2024, Riverside residents approved Measure L with 65 percent support. The measure amended the City of Riverside Charter to establish the Inspector General as a new Charter officer position.

Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson stated, "Riversiders asked for an Inspector General, and now we have one. Our responsibility is not only to serve the city well, but to do so in a way that earns our community's trust. The Inspector General will help us uphold that trust."

Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tem Clarissa Cervantes, along with Councilmember Steven Robillard, served on the City Council working group that led the recruitment and hiring process for the Inspector General.

"Establishing an independent Inspector General is a major step for Riverside. Riverside is setting itself apart as a Big City in California by establishing this office," said Mayor Pro Tem Cervantes. "With her deep experience in government auditing, Ms. Cox will help ensure our city government and processes remain ethical, transparent, and responsive to community expectations."

Councilmember Robillard added, "The creation of an independent Inspector General represents an important change in how Riverside approaches accountability and oversight. The voters entrusted us with establishing this office, and our responsibility was to select someone with the experience and independence to build it the right way. I am confident Ms. Cox will bring the professionalism, integrity, and independence necessary to make the Inspector General's Office a lasting and effective part of Riverside city government."

The Council-approved contract sets the Inspector General's annual salary at $219,000, and Ms. Cox will assume the role on October 19, 2026. The Office of Inspector General will begin with a starting budget of $712,000.

To learn more about the Office of Inspector General, visit RiversideCA.gov/InspectorGeneral.