Ronald Loveridge, associate professor of political science at UC Riverside, has received a 2026 Poppy Award from the California Association of Councils of Governments.
The award was presented to Loveridge last month at the association’s regional leadership forum in Long Beach, California, in recognition of his efforts to support UCR students and advocate for good regional governance.
The award celebrates regional government board members, staff, and other individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment, creativity, and leadership in the service of their region and community, said Gregory McAteer, a government affairs analyst at the association. Recipients are deemed to have excelled in advancing collaboration, solving complex challenges, and strengthening the role of regional governance in California.
“I’m honored to have been selected for a Poppy Award,” said Loveridge, who has dedicated 33 years to public service, including 19 years as mayor of Riverside and 14 years as a city council member. “A city is not a walled town. What happens in the region presents valuable leadership opportunities, and the 21st century is the century of regions.”
Loveridge established a fellowship at UCR in 2015 to give rising seniors and recent graduates the opportunity to spend 10 weeks working in public service in Sacramento.
“Ron has spent his career opening doors for students and ensuring they have meaningful opportunities in public service,” said Bill Higgins, executive director of the association, abbreviated CALCOG. “Through his Sacramento fellowship, he has connected UCR students with internships at the state capitol, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations, as well as at CALCOG, giving them direct exposure to how government works. His mentorship and the pathways he has created have had a lasting impact on the many students who have gone on to serve their communities.”
Loveridge’s statewide and regional service have included roles on the boards of a broad array of organizations, including the California Air Resources Board, California Forward Action Fund, California Competes, South Coast Air Quality Management District, Southern California Association of Governments, Western Riverside Council of Governments, and Inland Empire Economic Partnership. Currently, he serves on the boards of the California Coalition for Clean Air and of the Ontario International Airport Authority.
He also served as president of the League of California Cities in 2004 and of the National League of Cities in 2010. He is member of the National Academy of Public Administration.
(Photo: UCR/Stan Lim)