Hello Friend,

 

Thursday night was the second council meeting of 2025. It lasted over five hours, and it was great to see and hear from so many concerned residents during the hour-long public comment sections. 

 

In addition to meetings with city staff, community members, business leaders, and organizations, other activities I participated in include:

 

January 11

• I had the opportunity to attend Pride Night at the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where I acknowledged their commitment to inclusivity, community support, and creating a welcoming environment for all fans.

• Was invited to speak and answer questions at the Vista Las Palmas Neighbors Foundation Annual Special General Membership Meeting.

January 12

• O'Donnell Speaker Series: I was invited to speak on current events in Palm Springs and future developments that will affect residents and tourists.

• Attended the Little Beverly Hills Neighborhood Association meeting.

January 13

• Working on one of my top priorities, the convention center expansion, I received a comprehensive review from convention center and city staff and the consultant managing the Convention Center Future Study. Last night, the community and city council received an update at last night’s city council meeting.

• As we embarked on a request for proposal (RFP) process for the convention center management contract, the City manager, staff, city attorney, and our consultant reviewed the process with me. We also discussed specific tasks and upcoming timelines.

January 14

• David Brinkman invited me to tour the DAP campus and discuss DAP Health’s vision for clinics in Palm Springs.

• Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation Luncheon: To recognize the commitment of local media professionals, CVJF has created the Coachella Valley Hall of Fame. Each year, three of five individuals will be inducted into the Hall of Fame to recognize their commitment to the profession and the impact of their work in the community. The honorees are John White, Laurilie Jackson, Adolfo Iniguez, and Gloria Greer. I was proud to see Olivia Sandusky receive Journalist of the Year honors.

• Attended the ONE-PS Monthly Membership Meeting and provided an update on city council actions including the emergency drive-thru moratorium being rejected in favor of incorporating the review in our zone code update currently underway. 

January 15

• I was invited to speak at the Indian Canyons Annual Neighborhood Meeting, where I provided updates on the airport master plan and expected growth over the next twenty years.

• Attended the Hotel General Managers meeting and provided an update on recent council actions.

• Received a briefing and discussed the Palm Springs Airport Master Plan.

January 16

• The city communications team filmed me providing a community update on the LA fires and calm concerns about their impacts on Palm Springs. I assured visitors and conference planners that Palm Springs is 100 miles from the wildfires, and plenty of blue sky and fresh air awaits them. The welcome mat is out, and we are assisting those seeking refuge from LA.

• I met two of the owners of Terra Palm Springs (888 Indian Canyon Dr), the newest boutique hotel in the area. The hotel focuses on holistic wellness experiences, and I presented them with a Certificate of Recognition for their opening. 

• Interview with Bloomberg News on Palm Springs response to those impacted by the LA Fires.

• Meeting with Coachella Valley Cannabis Alliance Network (CVCAN).  CVCAN is a nonprofit, membership organization whose mission is to provide a reasonable and productive voice for its members in the Coachella Valley and the State of California. They represent an important network of small business in our community. They seek to accomplish their mission by innovative programing in the areas of education, advocacy and networking. We discussed a variety of topics, including AB1775, which took effect on January 1, 2025. The new law allows dispensaries with a consumption lounge to serve hot food and nonalcoholic beverages.

January 18

• Had a Zoom meeting with a constituent to discuss warehouse operations in the industrial zone in North Palm Springs.

January 21

• Interview with the Desert Sun about the importance of the Point in Time Count.

January 22

• I welcomed volunteers for their support and participation in the Riverside County Homeless Point-in-Time Count. Along with Police Chief Andy Mills, business owner Dee-Dee Wilson Barton, and Greg Rodriguez, we were assigned to survey unhoused individuals in the downtown area from Indian Canyon Dr to Museum Way between Amado and Tahquitz.

• LGBTQ+ Archives of the Desert Annual Meeting.

• Do the Right Thing Ceremony where seven Valley youth were recognized for their achievements. The City is a sponsor of this program that selects students for special recognition each month to enhance self-esteem and recognize youth for their positive attitude/behavior. The students feel appreciated and are applauded by civic and school leaders and community members. This is always a heartwarming and inspiring program.

• The City Communications Team shot a video for me addressing concerns in our community regarding federal immigration enforcement activities. Palm Springs will continue to comply with California State Law SB 54 and exercise its local authority to determine how its resources are best used to serve our community. We remain committed to being a welcoming city where all residents can live, work, and thrive without fear. As your Mayor, I am committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Palm Springs residents, regardless of their immigration status.

January 23

• Meeting with Sustainability Chair Roy Clark to discuss climate change and sustainability issues in Palm Springs focusing on how the city council can best provide direction for the commission.

 

Now, I would like to update you on highlights from last night's city council meeting.

 

Palm Springs City Council Meeting - January 23, 2025

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Key Outcomes:

 

• Airport Art Program Policy was approved with City Manager oversight.

• $1 million for our Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program was requested.

• An appeal for a warehouse development was denied, upholding its approval.

• Airport Master Plan including a hybrid rental car center model was approved.

• First reading of a building code of appeals ordinance was approved with changes.

• Vacation rental restrictions were eased for January and February to assist those displaced by Los Angeles County fires.

 
 

MAJOR DECISIONS & UPDATES

 

Wildfire Preparedness & Community Outreach

 

The City of Palm Springs is actively enhancing its wildfire preparedness through a multi-faceted approach. The Fire Department maintains five stations, 26 daily on-duty firefighters, and 98 total personnel, along with specialized equipment for battling wildfires.

 

The city is also proactively mitigating wildfire risks through annual brush clearing in high-risk areas. It aims to complete all identified lots soon. A strong partnership with the Desert Water Agency helps ensure water reliability during emergencies. 

 

To keep the community informed, the city usdisseminates important updates onextdoor and Facebook fand the website, Engage Palm Springs, erves as another communication channel. 

 

 

Convention Center Futures Project

City Council is committed to enhancing our Convention Center to ensure we remain competitive and drive our tourism economy for the next two decades.

 

A key component supported by council involves improving the walkability and connectivity between the Convention Center, downtown and up to Alejo. This connectivity is anticipated to boost the local economy significantly.

 

Renovations and improved access are projected to create new hospitality jobs which could lead to $97 million in economic impact. The city is planning for a phased implementation over the next 3-4 years. I called for our city manager to create a convention center stakeholder group and meet in the next ten days to develop a financing strategy for this investment. This group will include Councilmember Bernstein and me.

 

Tenant Based Rental Assistance

 

The city's Tenant-Based Rental Assistance program continues to positively impact residents' ability to stay in their homes. Council approved $1 million of our housing set-aside funds to continue the program. Since its inception, the program has successfully assisted over 450 households, permanently housed 98 previously unhoused residents, and saved 93 households from eviction.

 

Warehouse Project

 

The Palm Springs City Council welcomed a wide range of citizen opinions both for and against the warehouse development but ultimately denied an appeal to halt the project and supported the Planning Commission’s approval of the project on a 38-acre site near the I-10 interchange, designated for industrial use. The project is projected to bring hundreds of union construction jobs and permanent jobs. 

 

Council asked that the Architecture Review Committee look at the exterior color scheme to ensure the building blends in with the Santa Rosa Mountains in the background.

The project includes solar panels on all available roof space, and the developer will purchase carbon-neutral energy to offset any additional usage. Future air quality studies and a potential idling ordinance for the city were also discussed

 

Palm Springs Airport Projects
 

Airport Art Program: The city has established an art program policy for the Palm Springs Airport, ensuring that the City Manager has final approval, in consultation with the Art Review Working Group, on all art selections. The program also presents opportunities to promote local art and cultural institutions like the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Air Museum.

 

Airport Capital Projects: There is a focus on addressing needed upgrades to the airport, including the replacement of the escalator, which is considered a high priority by the Airport Commission.

 

Airport Master Plan: The City Council approved a conceptual development plan for the Airport Master Plan, which includes a hybrid model rental car center, utilizing both North and South rental car locations, with a phased approach to construction. The city will engage in discussions about regional transit and micro-transit and the possibility of connecting the airport to other cities via shuttles.

 

Convention Center Expansion Project

 

Several members of the tourism industry spoke in favor of the Convention Center project, emphasizing the importance of the project for the city's economy and the need to start the project quickly.

A representative from the Palm Springs Police Officers Association emphasized the need to modernize the convention center, which would generate tax revenue and enhance public safety services.

 

Building Code of Appeals

 

An ordinance was introduced to amend the Palm Springs Municipal Code regarding the creation and functions of a building code of appeal. The city prefers to have a hearing officer but wants the flexibility to use either a hearing officer or a board.

 

Vacation Rental Program
 

Short term Contracts submitted for stays related to people displaced by the Los Angeles County wildfires, effective January 7th through February 28th, 2025 will not count towards yearly rental limits for a property. 

 

Short-Term Rental Online Travel Agents: The city will work to update the ordinance to require online travel agents like Airbnb and Vrbo to verify valid permits before making a STR listing live.

 

Rental Price Gouging: Staff prepared social media posts reminding the community that price gouging on rentals is illegal, citing the DA’s statement and enforcement.

 

Baristo Park Playground Renovation

 

Construction will begin on January 27th.

 

 

Upcoming Agenda Items
 

Presentations are scheduled for upcoming meetings including:

• A downtown parking study, 

• Hotel incentive agreements, 

• The Parks and Rec's master plan, 

• A CDBG action plan, 

• A mid-year budget update, 

• A fire department master plan, 

• Animal services shelter update, and 

• Law library bond financing documents.

 

Looking Ahead

Tentative meeting items include:

• PS Health & Wellness Festival

• PS Art Museum Gala

• PS Resort Board Meeting

• Our Voices Our Stories Celebrating Black Authors

 

Helpful Links & Contacts:

• PSPD App - to report law enforcement and non-emergency issues.

• MyPalmSprings App - to report issues within City limits, including homelessness, graffiti, and code compliance.

• To submit a public comment, contact the City Clerk's office @ CityClerk@PalmSpringsCA.gov.

• For other City-related issues, please visit our website

   

• Send this link to invite others to join our Newsletter list - Join Mayor's Newsletter list.

 

Best regards, 

Ron deHarte

Mayor