​Infrastructure and Urban Planning

• Airport Master Plan Approval: In January 2025, the City Council unanimously approved a conceptual development plan for the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). This includes a "hybrid" rental car center and a phased expansion to add seven new gates and a Federal Inspection Station for international travel.

   

• General Plan 2040 Adoption: Under his leadership, the City Council adopted the General Plan 2040 on January 9, 2025, setting the framework for land use, housing, and sustainability for the next 15 years.

   

• Convention Center Modernization: Mayor deHarte championed a $125 million modernization of the Palm Springs Convention Center. With full city council support, the project aims to update the convention center and create connectivity to downtown through shaded pedestrian corridors. The convention center is a driving force for our economy, generating $66.6 million in Attendee Direct Spending, a total annual economic impact increase of $113 million in Palm Springs, $7.6 million in Tax Revenue, and nearly 1,300 jobs.

   

• Park Improvements: He oversaw the start of a $5.1 million project at DeMuth Park to build 22 new pickleball courts, addressing high community demand. Playground renovations were approved for Baristo Park, $440,000, and Ruth Hardy Park, $1.5m. The Victoria Park restroom project was also approved. 

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• The city's library renovation project, totaling $31,068,506, was approved.

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Economic Development and Fiscal Management

• Budget Stabilization: Starting the year with a $6.8 million deficit from 2024, deHarte advocated for conservative budget planning and placing a hard freeze on hiring. At mid-year, the city's financial forecast shows revenues have stabilized. The City has a $200 million pension liability. Normally, we set aside $6 million to pay down that debt. We postponed this savings strategy, allocating only $1 million in FY26 and FY27. The budget avoids tough decisions to plan for revenue shortfalls, such as identifying funding sources for Navigation Center operations. 

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• Economic Diversification: He advocated allocating $1 million over two years to the Economic Development Department to move the city's economy beyond its heavy reliance on tourism, focusing on small-business retention and "year-round" economic engines.

   

• Grant Oversight Reforms: To ensure transparency, the city implemented new, strict eligibility criteria and a reimbursement-based process for any community grants exceeding $75,000.

   

Social Programs and Housing

• Affordable Housing Reserve: Despite budget pressures, the council maintained the $3 million annual contribution to the Affordable Housing Reserve, supporting projects like the Gene Autry and Desert Highlands developments.

   

• Homelessness Services: He continued support for the Navigation Center, providing 55 beds and overnight cooling solutions during extreme heat events.

   

• Tenant-Based Rental Assistance: The council approved $1 million to continue this program, which, since its inception, has successfully assisted over 450 households, permanently housed 98 previously unhoused residents, and saved 93 households from eviction.

   

Public Safety and Community Values

• Wildfire Preparedness: Amid regional fires in late 2024 and 2025, this was the second year of annual brush clearing and public education to reassure residents and visitors about the city’s safety protocols.

   

• Inclusivity and Protection: Mayor deHarte reaffirmed Palm Springs' commitment as a "welcoming city" by upholding state law (SB 54) regarding immigration enforcement, ensuring residents can access city services without fear. The city prioritizes the safety, dignity, and well-being of all residents and emphasizes that local police do not ask about immigration status.

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• I brought forward the request to allow short-term rentals to be used immediately for those impacted by the LA fires. This provided another layer of support for 60-days. 

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• I asked the city council to support flying the POW/MIA Flag at city buildings, which led to an update to the flag display policy. The official flag policy now includes displaying the POW/MIA flag at all city facilities, as space allows, on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and Veterans Day.