State of the City Update: Palm Springs Forward!

 

 

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As my time as the 27th Mayor of Palm Springs comes to a close, I want to share a look back at the incredible year we’ve had together, guided by the theme: Palm Springs Forward. We Can.

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Palm Springs Ambassador Mia Barosa, Introduced Mayor deHarte.

 

This city has shown inspiring courage, resilience, and ambition. I remain dedicated to core, enduring principles: financial responsibility, uncompromising transparency, and a more responsive government.

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The Spirit of Our Community

• Public Safety First: Our program began by honoring the Palm Springs Fire Department Color Guard and Police Officer Juan Vasquez, who sang the National Anthem, underscoring that public safety is central to our brand and identity. We've seen significant results, including a 17% reduction in crime last year and a 13% overall reduction in injury traffic collisions thanks to Operation Rearview Mirror.

• Embracing Innovation: We are leveraging technology for a smarter, safer city. This includes the launch of our Police Drone Program and the use of 62 FLOCK ALPR cameras to enhance situational awareness and target high-crime areas. We also opened the Downtown Public Safety Substation, home to the IMPACT Team and the pioneering Community Behavioral Assessment Team (CBAT).

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Drone footage taken during the meeting with an audience of over 550.

 

• Supporting Fire & Emergency: We've hired 21 new firefighters to fully staff every engine, invested in six new fire engines and one ladder truck, and are planning a new Downtown Fire Station to meet the demands of taller buildings.

• A City of Compassion: The "Do The Right Thing" program has honored over 1,700 students since 2023, awarding $76,000 in scholarships and strengthening ties with our youth. We are also making a visible difference in tackling homelessness through the Navigation Center, helping those who want assistance.

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Economic Vitality and Investment

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• Financial Health: Our General Fund revenue grew by 4% ($7 million) in 2025. The Measure J Fund generated $24 million, exceeding forecasts, and has delivered $215 million for our community since its inception.

• Tourism is Our Engine: Tourism and hospitality are Palm Springs' most powerful economic engines, generating $80 to $85 million in local tax revenue and supporting 11,343 jobs.

• Major Infrastructure Projects: We are making critical investments in our future:

• Convention Center: We are moving forward with a $125 million renovation and expansion of the Palm Springs Convention Center to ensure it remains a cornerstone of our tourism economy and to create a lively, pedestrian-friendly district.

• Airport Modernization: The City Council approved the $2.9 billion Airport Master Plan to modernize PSP, meet growing travel demands (projected to double over the next 20 years), and position us as a vital global gateway.

• Celebrating Business Growth: Our entrepreneurial spirit is vibrant, with 48 new, recently remodeled, or soon-to-open businesses across the city. We also celebrate our legacy, with institutions like Las Casuelas (67 years) and The Purple Room (65 years) proving that deep roots lead to ongoing vitality.

• Holding Developers Accountable: We are holding developers accountable for stalled projects like the Orchid Tree and Dream Hotel because our neighborhoods deserve better, and we all want to see success.

 

Tourism, Teamwork, and Workplace Culture

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Tourism is unequivocally the heart of our economy, driving an estimated $9 billion annually throughout the Coachella Valley.

We owe a deep debt of gratitude to the hospitality sector, which has served as our most committed and influential partner over the last 30 years. The foundation and current success of our city have been built directly upon the strength and active leadership of this industry.

This commitment extends to our workforce:

• • The Palm Springs Convention Center itself generates $75 million in direct economic impact and employs 40 on-site employees.

  • The city is proud that 28% of those employees have worked at the Center for 10 years or more, with Operations Manager Gabe Rios leading the commitment with 33 years of service.

  • This loyalty stems from a dedication to skills development and positive workplace conditions.

  • The Center is recognized for having supportive leadership and a positive culture that fosters a sense of value and well-being.

  • Notably, 17.5% of the team has been promoted from the frontline, including the Directors of Operations and Events and the Chief Engineer, demonstrating a pathway for career advancement.

  • To continue this legacy, we’ve hired the premier venue management group, Oak View Group, to manage the Center and add industry expertise to our tourism infrastructure.

         Defining Our Future

• College of the Desert (COD): A bold, two-decade-long vision is becoming a reality with the $405 million COD campus now under construction, transforming Palm Springs into a true college town.

• Plaza Theatre Restoration: The $34 million restoration of the Plaza Theatre officially reopened Monday night. This cultural landmark is expected to generate $40 million in direct spending annually and attract 135,000 patrons.

• Global Welcome: The "Palm Springs Loves Canadian Banner Campaign" generated immense positive global attention, reaching an estimated 1.85 billion people and reinforcing our welcoming and inclusive reputation.

 

Resilience, Life, and Hope

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Who we are is not defined by tragedy; we are people of courage, compassion, and resilience. Our reaction to the May 17th explosion at the American Reproductive Center is about life, it’s about our neighbors, and it’s about the families who have moved forward.

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I was proud to recognize Bo, the first baby born after May 17th. His life, and the six pregnant patients who were with us whose pregnancies resulted from embryos that survived the bombing and were successfully transferred, remind us why we fight for one another. The seven families and nine babies on stage that were delivered after the bombing are all reasons why we fight for one another and why hope must never be lost. Our thanks go out to Dr. Abdallah and the staff of the American Reproductive Center for their incredible work.

 

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Dr. Abdullah with patients and children born after the May bombing 

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I'm grateful to the City's Comms Team, the Parks and Rec Team, the Office of Economic Development, Kristie Dore, Convention Center Director of Event Services, the Teams at Palm Springs Tourism and Visit Greater Palm Springs, all the city departments for providing content, Police and Fire Departments for the extra support, and the video production team at JNS Next, and Box of Kittens. This program was a significant collaborative effort.

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It has been an honor to serve as your 27th Mayor. Thank you for your support and for sharing in this ever-fleeting moment.

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Together, we are building a future that works for everyone in Palm Springs.

Sincerely,

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Ron deHarte 

27th Mayor of Palm Springs

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