Mayor's Update | November 12, 2025

 

Friend,

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Mark your calendar! The State of the City Address is December 2nd at 2:00 P.M. at the Convention Center. This vital annual presentation by the Mayor details the community's progress, challenges, and future plans. Crucially, this event is free and open to all residents, ensuring no financial barriers to participation. Join us afterwards for a Community Fair featuring local non-profits supported by the City of Palm Springs and various city departments tabling.

 

My report to you since our last update. 

October 22 – November 12, 2025

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- I was pleased to accept an invitation from Tanya McRae to appear as a guest on Spectrum News 1's In Focus. This is a link to the episode that aired on November 1st In Focus on Spectrum News 1.

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10/23 -This week, Palm Springs hosted the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association global convention which was an opportunity to signal to the entire global LGBTQ+ travel industry (travel agents, tour operators, media) that Palm Springs is a premier meeting and convention destination. Convention organizers invited me to welcome attendees to the opening of the conference. This was an opportunity to reinforce Palm Springs as a world-renowned accepting, inclusive, and safe destination for the LGBTQ+ community. I presented a proclamation celebrating the organization and the work they do around the world.

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This is the welcome I delivered to reinforce the city's inclusive identity and to bolster our global reputation as an LGBTQ+ friendly travel hub:

"Seeing 700 travel industry leaders representing 33 countries fills this room with incredible energy. Thank you for bringing your expertise, your vision, and your passion to our vibrant city. Your arrival this week is perfectly timed, because Palm Springs has just made two profound statements about who we are. Just days ago, our city dedicated a powerful Civil Rights monument commissioned by our Pride organization that honors the LGBTQ+ people of Palm Springs - Past, present and the future.

 

And tomorrow, we'll raise a 25-foot Gilbert Baker designed Pride flag high on a new 65-foot landmark flagpole right in the heart of downtown.

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These are not just decorative gestures; they are loud, clear declarations. They embody the profound commitment of this city—and the commitment of this industry—to the values of visibility and justice. They are signs that say you are welcome here.

 

They tell everyone, "You belong here." And that belonging, is the foundation of a safe, strong community.

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You are the architects of global connectivity. The destinations you market, and the experiences you design are the bridges that connect people and cultures. Travel is, fundamentally, one of the most powerful forces for dismantling prejudice, simply by introducing the world to itself.

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When we intentionally create spaces where every traveler feels safe, valued, and celebrated, we don't just fill seats or book rooms—we advance the cause of humanity. That is our shared responsibility.

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Palm Springs has proven, when you give rights, visibility, or inclusion to one group, it doesn't result in a proportional loss for another group.

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Preach it with me! Creating a truly inclusive and safe environment is good for everyone. It attracts a wider customer base, encourages innovation, improves a destination's reputation, and ultimately makes businesses and communities stronger and richer for all residents and visitors.

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When we stand up for equality and inclusion for one of us, all of us win. Thank you for bringing your leadership here. You belong here. Your dreams belong here."

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- To follow up on a request I made several months ago, Councilmember Garner and I are serving as liaisons to a working group. The primary goal of this group is to evaluate the performance of Martha's Village, the contractor that operates the Navigation Center, against the Scope of Work outlined in their Agreement with the City. This evaluation will help the City Council and the community understand how well the contractor is meeting their contractual obligations. We recently met with several community members who were asked to conduct this independent performance review. The working group is expected to report its findings within 90 days.

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- Preparation for the State of the City has been underway for several months. Today, for example, the communications director and I reviewed critical content expectations with the Police and Fire Departments to ensure public safety updates are clearly communicated. All residents are invited to attend this informative session, which will be followed by a free ice cream social. I look forward to seeing you there December 2, 2:00 P.M. at the Convention Center.

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- Desert Hand Car Wash Fundraiser for the police and firefighter associations. 50% of every car wash, October 23 and 24 was donated to both organizations. Police Officers were on hand to wash 200 cars, on Friday but the Fire Fighters were challenged, and they delivered a record 207 car washes on Saturday. Funds raised earmarked for each association’s community fund. $15,500 was raised and in-kind support was received from KGAY, Tony’s, Lulu and Desert Promotions. On top of individuals washing their cars, 34 business offered cash support. Many thanks to Bob Smiland for hosting and underwriting the event

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- Councilmembers David Ready and Jeffrey Bernstein and I represented the city at the IGLTA Foundation evening program organized to help raise funds to support global LGBTQ+ education, research, and the next generation of industry leaders.

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10/24 - The Inaugural flag was raised on the Arenas District Landmark Flagpole. The flag raising doubled as a block party with attendees from the global IGLTA conference. Community members and city council members were invited to hoist the first flag.

 

10/27 - Tourism Infrastructure District working group met to continue their exploration and assessment of potential benefits a district might provide to the convention center modernization project.

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- The Urban Design & Connectivity working group met in advance of the convention center modernization stakeholder meeting. You can stay up to date with project information on Engage Palm Springs.

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10/28 - Rancho Mirage State of the City occurred today, and I represented the City of Palm Springs with about 400 other attendees. Mayor Ted Weill discussed economic growth, the Disney Cotino development, described as one of the largest master-planned communities in the city’s history, and affordable housing initiatives. Sales tax and hotel tax revenue are driving the city’s economic success.

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10/29 - The Public Finance Work Group met to review analysis of the current financing model for the convention center modernization project.

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- The Capital Improvements & Construction Working Group for the convention center modernization project met in advance of the next stakeholder meeting. A few weeks ago, The Palm Springs Post provided this update.

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- The LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert opened their exhibition UNBRIDLED SPIRIT: Celebrating 35 Years of Leather in the Desert and they invited me to offer remarks on behalf of the city. The exhibition, funded in part by the City of Palm Springs, explores the significant impact of the leather community on the cultural and social landscape of the Coachella Valley. Over the past 35 years and more, leather men and leather women have made lasting contributions to the area's arts, culture, and economy. Through stories, photographs, and artifacts, from the Permanent Collection of the LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert, the exhibit celebrates the Unbridled Spirit of this vibrant community.

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10/30 - Gelato-a-go-go held their grand opening today at 190 E. Tahquitz. After the ribbon cutting, I presented a certificate of recognition to Darren Fishman thanking him for investing in our community. They feature around 30 dairy-based and vegan-friendly flavors of artisanal gelato. Wonderful addition to downtown! 

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- College of the Desert President/Superintendent Val Martinez Garcia delivered his State of the College and shared a vision of COD being a place where AI education will flourish. The entire Palm Springs City Council attended and demonstrated our deep commitment to the West Valley campus currently under construction.

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10/31 - The new Culinary Destination Ash & Vine, at 19 La Plaza, marked their grand opening with a ribbon cutting. I presented the owners, a collective of friends, with a recognition certificate from the City of Palm Springs and thanked them for investing in our community. The owners built a place around connection where neighbors, visitors and residents gather to share stories and enjoy a dining experience. The menu features dishes that inspired the owners throughout their childhoods and travels.

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11/1 - The Imperial Court’s 60th Anniversary was celebrated in Palm Springs. The Court is one of the oldest LGBTQ+ organizations in the United States. Founded in 1965, the International Imperial Court has over 70 chapters in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. San Diego Commissioner Nicole Murray-Ramirez has been a Latino and LGBTQ activist for over five decades is the Queen Mother of the International Court System. I had the honor to present Nicole the Key to the City and a proclamation recognizing him as one of America’s first non-binary activists and drag queens to be appointed to city and state public office. He currently serves as a commissioner for the City of San Diego and the County of San Diego. Commissioner Murray-Ramirez has been elected chair of the San Diego Human Relations Commission for an unprecedented four terms and has advised and served under a dozen mayors from Los Angeles and San Diego.

 

11/3 - The Convention Center Modernization Public Finance working group met to review the current financing model that is being prepared for discussion at the next stakeholders meeting. 

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- The City’s communications and economic development team and I met with videographers working on the State of the City presentation to review content, messaging and the storyline.

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11/4 - City manager Scott Stiles and I met with Nachhattar Singh Chandi, Chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival, the festival’s executive director and the awards director of operations to discuss the upcoming festival and locations for its screenings. After hearing the challenges the festival is facing, I coordinated a series of meetings to overcome the challenges. 

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11/5 - Official Unfurling of the Rainbow Flag at the Desert Regional Medical Center. This was the tenth year the flag was unfurled from the top of the Stergios Tower.

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- At the Palm Springs Convention Center Modernization & Connectivity Project Stakeholders meeting, we received updates from each working group.

• Procurement: The City’s Architectural & Engineering (A/E) and Urban Design/Branding RFQs drew strong national interest. The A/E contract is expected to be considered by the City Council on November 12, followed by the Urban Design contract on December 10. The Owner’s Representative RFP will be reissued in early 2026 once the A/E team is under contract.

• Tourism Infrastructure District (TID): The Management District Plan has been finalized. Petition outreach launches this month, with formal Council hearings scheduled between December and February.

• Public Finance: The preliminary total project budget remains $135 million, funded jointly by City and TID contributions. The Public Finance working group continues to refine revenue sources and phasing.

• Communications & Public Engagement: New outreach materials—including updated TID FAQs and briefing decks—have been developed to support stakeholder engagement. The Convention Center project webpage is now live on Engage Palm Springs, and broader community outreach and presentations will begin in early 2026.

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11/6 - Sordid Lives celebrated its 25th Anniversary and I was on hand to present a proclamation recognizing the day as Sordid Lives Day in Palm Springs. The premiere of the film captured the heart and humor of our city, leading to a record-breaking 96-consecutive-week run at the Camelot Theatres. The success of Sordid Lives and its creator, Del Shores, who is now a permanent resident of Palm Springs, has had a profound impact on our community.

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11/7 - Mark Hunter Seymour, entrepreneur, community leader, and champion for LGBTQ+ visibility, has been a trailblazer in the entertainment and hospitality industries for over four decades and today I presented him with a proclamation as he received the 481st star on the Palm Springs Walk of Start. He is the founder of Hunters Nightclubs. Mark Hunter Seymour opened Hunters Chicago in 1982, followed by Hunters Palm Springs in 1998 and Hunters Wilton Manors in 2013, creating safe, inclusive, and joyful spaces that continue to serve as cornerstones for their local communities.

 

- Hot Cookie, at 155 S Palm Canyon, celebrated the grand opening of its first location of the iconic Castro dessert shop outside of the Bay Area. I was on hand for the ribbon cutting and to present a certificate of recognition from the City of Palm Springs. They are known for its delicious cookies and treats served with a side of playfulness, sex-positivity, fun, and community mindedness!

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- I spoke at the Grand Opening Celebration of the 12-mile section of CV Link which took place near the Palm Springs Visitors Center. The full city council was on hand to cut the ribbon. CV Link is a 40-mile transportation corridor and recreation pathway that provides a safe route to walk, run, bike, or use low-speed electric vehicles. The link is built largely along the Whitewater River from Highway 111 and the Chino Wash in North Palm Springs to Airport Boulevard in the City of Coachella. CV Link also includes a branch in South Palm Springs along Tahquitz Creek as well as on-street segments in Palm Springs and Palm Desert.

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- The City of Palm Springs sponsored the Pride Week Kickoff with Pride Honorees and Grand Marshals. The full city council attended, and I had the opportunity to present the Pride Week Proclamation.

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- Councilmember Ready joined me at the 24th HRC Garden Party to present a proclamation to Andy Linksy recognizing his twenty-three years of leadership and service to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBTQ civil rights organization. Andy has served on the Palm Springs Steering Committee of HRC Palm Springs since 2002, fostering community engagement and strengthening support for equality across the Coachella Valley.

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11/8 - Human Rights Campaign (HRC Palm Springs) recognized the City of Palm Springs with their Community Leadership Award at the 24th annual Garden Party. The award celebrates the city’s unwavering commitment to LGBTQ+ equity and inclusion. It recognizes Palm Springs’ achievement of a perfect score of 100 on the HRC Municipal Equality Index (MEI) for consecutive years, a reflection of the leadership, values, and advocacy embedded in policies, non-discrimination laws and public service. The entire city council was on hand to accept the award along with City Manager Scott Stiles, Assistant City Manager Teresa Gallavan and Police Chief Andy Mills.

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11/9 - The Parade Grand Marshal Honorees and the Grand Marshals pre-parade breakfast and awards presentation is where I presented the City Council Proclamation recognizing November 2025 as the official LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Palm Springs. All city council members, the city manager and fire chief were on hand to urge everyone to honor the achievements of the LGBTQ+ communities and actively and urgently promote and defend the principles of equality, human rights, liberty, and justice for all.

All the city council members rode in the 39th Pride Parade and celebrated the city’s largest event with residents and visitors from around the world. Special thanks to the Palm Springs Police and Fire Departments for helping to make this year’s PRIDE celebration a tremendous success. With an estimated 200,000 attendees, the weekend concluded with only three arrests related to minor alcohol violations, a reflection of the cooperation and positive spirit shared by everyone involved.

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- A revered veteran, an iconic hotelier, and an indisputable leader in the development of modern Palm Springs Burk Spevak celebrated his 100th Birthday with his children and friends at Spenser’s. I was honored to attend and present a proclamation naming November 9, 2025, Burt Spivak Day in Palm Springs. Burt served in the European Theater during World War II. He settled in Palm Springs, married the love of his life, Walk of Stars awardee Sandy Spivack, and dedicated his professional life to the Spa Hotel, serving as its President and General Partner, and cementing its status as the glamorous center of Hollywood activity during the Mid-Century Modern era.

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11/10 - I met with Robert Eres, Vice President of Development, Nexus Development Corporation to discuss the proposed hotel next to Convention Center and ask the developer questions on issues neighbors are concerned about. I was briefed on the background of the shade study to determine the actual impact shade may have on the surrounding area. With the project's design, shade is limited on the north side. Around the time of the winter solstice, shade from the shorter section of the building does reach across the street on the north for a short time each day touching the southern edge of the development. After the meeting and reviewing the study document, my concern of potential shade issues that had been raised by nearby residents was tempered. At this meeting, I also received confirmation the developer would incorporate the conditions the planning commission placed on the item. This included facade design of the parking structure and cutting out 20’ of the east and south top floor to create a step back.

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Highlights from the last city council meeting:

Palm Springs City Council Meeting | November 12, 2025

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Key Highlights

• Legislative Platform Update by Townsend Public Affairs

• Convention Center Modernization Architect Selection

• Police Firing Range Modernization

• Airport Rental Car Concession

• Swim Center Modernization Design

• Historic Designation, 457 N Palm Canyon Dr

• Historic Designation, 572 Santa Elena

• Appeal of Nexus Hotel Project Approval

• Economic Subsidy Reports (AB 562)

• Economic Development Strategic Plan

 

 

Proclamations and Civic Recognition

We began the evening by honoring numerous individuals and organizations through Proclamations celebrating their achievements and vital contributions to Palm Springs, including:

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• October 24th: Landmark Pride Flag Raising – Reinforced Palm Springs’ reputation as a place where love, dignity, and acceptance are lived realities.

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• October 31st: International Imperial Court System – Recognized one of the oldest and largest LGBTQ charitable organizations in celebration of its 60th anniversary. King Father One Terry City was also recognized for dedicated service and unwavering commitment.

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• November 1st: Nicole Murray Ramirez Day – Honored the Empress Nicole the Great Queen mother of the Americas, Nicole Murray Ramirez, for 55 years of leadership in LGBTQ and Latino civil rights advocacy, community service, and philanthropy.

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• November 5th: Rainbow Flag Unfurling – Commemorated the 10th anniversary tradition marking the official launch of Pride Week on the Stergios Tower at Desert Regional Medical Center.

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• November 6th: Sordid Lives Day – Recognized the 25th anniversary of the film that captured the heart and humor of our city, noting its record 96 consecutive week run at the Camelot Theaters.

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• November 6th – November 9th: Pride Week 2025 – Reaffirmed the city's commitment to equality, inclusion, and human rights for all.

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• November 7th: Hannah Senesh Recognition – Recognized Hannah Senesh as one of the most courageous Jewish heroines of the Second World War, known for her poetry, valor, and devotion to freedom and humanity.

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• November 7th: Mark Hunter Seymour Day – Honored his decades-long leadership, entrepreneurship, and advocacy for the LGBTQ community, specifically as the founder of Hunter's nightclub in the Arenas district.

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• November 7th: Andy Linsky Recognition – Recognized for more than two decades of service to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBTQ civil rights organization, having remained a steadfast local leader.

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Major Decisions & updates

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Townsend Public Affairs Legislative Update We received a comprehensive presentation from our Sacramento and Washington D.C. legislative advocates, Townsend Public Affairs, detailing the past state legislative year. Out of 2,397 bills introduced, 794 were signed into law by the Governor. Discussion highlighted potential funding opportunities from the reauthorization of Cap and Invest. Federally, we received confirmation that the House voted on the bill to end the government shutdown. Importantly, our grants team helped secure over $5 million in funding for the city. Also, a pending $3 million district funding project from Congressman Calvert for the airport remains intact.

Public Highlight The Parkinson's Resource Organization extended gratitude for a city program grant of $2,000, which helped them launch a popular in-person support group at the Mizell Center.

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Item 1F: Convention Center Modernization Architect Selection We approved a professional services agreement with the LMN + O2 joint venture for architectural and engineering services for the Palm Springs Convention Center modernization project. This is a major step forward for the overall estimated $135 million project, with the design phase funded by the $9.9 million Measure J design budget. The initial design contract is structured to allow the Council to revisit the funding as the project progresses. The design team, chosen from nine submissions after 94 architects showed interest, includes local architectural expertise to set design standards expected to last 20 to 25 years. (Motion carried 5-0).

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Item 1J: Police Firing Range Modernization We approved a construction contract for $1,455,155.38 to upgrade the Police Department’s indoor firing range, which replaces 20-year-old infrastructure. This investment addresses critical safety and air quality deficiencies and is funded by the Safety Augmentation Fund and the Measure J Deferred Maintenance Fund. Approval was needed prior to December 31st to secure current pricing and avoid anticipated cost increases of up to 20%. The range is also utilized by regional law enforcement partners who pay fees, offsetting some costs. (Motion carried 5-0).

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Item 1N: Airport Rental Car Concession An operating agreement was narrowly approved to bring Sixt Rent-A-Car (Sixt) to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) as the fourth major brand group. This decision was driven by the airport's responsibility to generate revenue, enhance competition, and address severe seasonal inventory shortages. The agreement was established via direct negotiation due to the transitional phase of airport infrastructure, which makes a competitive bid impractical. Sixt will use currently unused space (an employee lot and office space half a mile away) for revenue generation. The vote was contentious due to incumbent concessionaires arguing the action violates the five-concessionaire limit and undermines the prior bid process. I voted against this item and was joined by Councilmember Bernstein (Motion passed 3-2).

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Item 1R: Swim Center Modernization Design We approved a task order for the construction design of the Swim Center modernization project. This initiative originated from Measure J community-initiated projects and bundles several community requests, budgeting the final construction cost between $6 million and $7 million. The design will preserve the original structure's integrity while adding office space, new locker rooms, and significantly improving ADA accessibility throughout the facility. (Motion carried 5-0).

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Item 2A: Historic Designation (Cullerton Chaddick Residence) We unanimously granted Class One Historic Site designation for the Cullerton Residence. This 1961 home, located in the Little Tuscany neighborhood, was completely redesigned by influential architect William Cody and is an important example of postwar residential development integrating California ranch style with the modern movement. (Motion carried 5-0).

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Item 2B: Historic Designation (Ruben Building) We also unanimously granted Class One Historic Site designation for the Ruben Building. Designed by Albert Raymond Walker and completed in 1946, it is a rare surviving example of a mixed-use building (residential units above a commercial arcade) in the Central Business District. The new owner, whose company name stands for Little American Businesses, expressed a commitment to localization and preserving the building's authenticity. (Motion carried 5-0).

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Item 2C: Appeal of Nexus Hotel Project Approval Council heard the appeal of the Nexus Hotel project from the Plaza Villas HOA and Safer. This item raised several concerns. One centered on headlines touting a 99.8-foot-high development. It’s important to know the nine-story component, with 132 units only represents about 10% of the total site area. This site has been long planned, the project was first envisioned and approved 20 years ago, by the city council at the time, as a massive nine-story, 500-room hotel on a 10-acre site.

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The project conforms to the Section 14 Specific Plan, which allows height up to 100 feet with a Conditional Use Permit. The developer emphasized that the height and density are crucial, allowing for 125 hotel rooms and 132 branded residences to support the Convention Center and diversify financial risk.

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The Council voted to uphold the Planning Commission's decision, allowing the project to proceed, subject to numerous strict, enhanced conditions that the developer agreed to- These conditions included:

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• Financial Assurance: Evidence of fully committed construction financing must be provided to the city before construction begins.

• Entitlement Review: Any extension of the two-year entitlement period must return to the City Council for approval.

• Design Compliance: Adherence to the Planning Commission condition requiring cutting the east and south corners of the residential building by 20 feet to reduce the visual impact of the building.

• Better design and screen the parking structure to blend with Kaptur Plaza.

• Walkway Cooperation: The developer must cooperate with the city on the design and construction of the downtown urban walkway plan.

• Outdoor Entertainment: The condition requiring outdoor social entertainment to end at 10:00 P.M. will be revisited by the Council after two years to determine if a later time, such as 10:30 P.M., is workable.

• Site Management: Requirements for attractive construction fencing, perimeter beautification, and mandatory weekly site inspections throughout the estimated 24-month construction phase.

• Community Communication: Establishment of a public website with bi-weekly progress reports and mandatory quarterly community meetings, along with quarterly check-ins with staff.

• Parking Access: The City retains the use of the current parking lot (which is currently free of charge to the city) until construction begins.

(Motion carried 5-0).

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Item 2D: Economic Subsidy Reports (AB 562) We accepted the required economic subsidy reports for eight local hotels that participate in our incentive program, a housekeeping measure required by state law (AB 562). This confirms compliance with state requirements for prevailing wages, though enforcement is handled by the state's Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). Since its inception, a total of 24 properties have participated in the city's incentive program. We also approved a minor administrative correction to the baseline agreement of the Yarra Hotel. Staff noted that future updates to the hotel incentive program may potentially include requirements for participating hotels to commit room blocks to the Convention Center. (Motion carried 5-0).

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Item 3A: Economic Strategic Plan Given the anticipated length and importance of this discussion, Council unanimously agreed to pull this item and reschedule it for a dedicated Special Meeting/Study Session November 24 specifically focused only on the Economic Strategic Plan.

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Staff Recognition The Council – lead by City Manager Scott Stiles- thanked to all our city employees—Police, Fire, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works—for their incredible efforts over the past week, making Pride Weekend and the Veterans Day parade tremendous successes.

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Special recognition was given to Jeremy Hammond for spearheading the effort and receiving perfect 100 score on the Human Rights Campaign report for the second year in a row.

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Upcoming City Council Meetings and Key Agenda Items:

After receiving letters from the Palm Springs Historical Society and the Art Commission Chair regarding a request to place the Bogert Monument at the Village Green, I requested this item be agendized.

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December 10 – Regular Meeting

• Appointment of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem

• Tribal Conformity Report, Fulfillment Center Project

• City Council 2026 Meeting Schedule

• City Council Appointments to External Organizations

• Hotel Incentive Program Update

• Cannabis Ordinance Update

• Building Code Ordinance Update

January 14 – Regular Meeting

• Building Code Ordinance – Public Hearing

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Helpful Links & Contacts:

• Mayor's Website – Read past updates on the Mayor's Website.

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

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

• Engagepalmsprings.com - This website was created as a space for residents to share ideas, discuss important topics, ask questions, and receive updates about City projects.

• To submit 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 the Mayor's Newsletter list.

 

 

Best regards,

 

Ron deHarte

3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, 

Palm Springs, CA 92262
United States of America