A Message From the City Manager
Dear Palm Springs:
As I celebrate my one-year anniversary as your city manager, I remain completely awestruck by this incredible city of engaged residents, businesses, and tourism and hospitality partners who tirelessly work together to make this uniquely special desert oasis truly like no place else!
I am continually amazed by the incredible array of special events like the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Modernism Week, Tour de Palm Springs, Splash House, White Party, Dinah Shore Weekend — and a host of others that really do keep our economic engine roaring full speed ahead!
And with continued economic prosperity one of the City Council’s top priorities, I am excited to announce Wayne Olson has been hired to serve as the city’s new chief economic development officer. Wayne comes to us from the city of Palm Desert — and we are excited to welcome him to the executive management team. Take a moment to read more about Wayne and how he plans to work with local businesses and stakeholders in the following pages.
In other exciting developments, the opening of the early entry facility at the much anticipated new homeless navigation center in the northern part of the city occurred in March, with 50 overnight shelter beds now available for our unhoused residents. The full facility, which will feature modular residences with an additional 80 beds for temporary permanent supportive housing will open in late August. In addition, we also celebrated the grand opening of the first new affordable housing project developed in Palm Springs in over decade. The City Council has long been committed to finding solutions to addressing homelessness and building more affordable housing. These two long-awaited projects are a huge step in the right direction. Keep turning the pages to learn more about what the city is doing to keep the momentum moving forward.
Also in early March, the city of Palm Springs joined together with the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Board Foundation, the Oak View Group, and members of the Measure J Commission to celebrate the kickoff for the $34-million restoration of the historic Plaza Theatre in downtown Palm Springs. For years this iconic theatre, which hosted the 1936 world premiere of the Greta Garbo film “Camille,” has sat vacant waiting for its next act. When the restoration is complete, the theatre will serve the community by hosting many kinds of events and productions, and will be an exciting venue in downtown. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the opening.
Finally, I want to encourage every Palm Springs resident to visit the recently launched EngagePalmSprings.com, a onestop-shop digital engagement platform where you can now find important city-related news and latest information on city projects and initiatives all in one place. This will not replace the main website, palmspringsca.gov, but will provide easier access for residents to communicate, ask questions, provide feedback, and offer ideas to city staff while getting the latest updates on hot topic items. We want your input, so make sure to visit EngagePalmSprings.com and check it out!
All the Best,
Scott Stiles
Palm Springs City Manager
City Launches Engage Palm Springs
The city of Palm Springs recently launched EngagePalmSprings.com, a new one-stop-shop digital engagement platform where residents and businesses can now find important city-related news and latest information all in one place. This will not replace the main website, palmspringsca.gov, but will provide easier access for residents to communicate, ask questions, provide feedback, and offer ideas to city staff while getting the latest updates on some of the city’s hot topic items. The platform highlights important capital improvement and development projects in progress at any one time, such as engineering, road and
bridge projects, street closures, the library renovation, Parks and Recreation programs, information regarding the new homeless navigation center, affordable housing, economic development, sustainability efforts, news from Palm Springs International Airport, and much more! The goal is to provide the most current information to keep our community up to date and informed about the important work happening at City Hall that affects us all.
Visit EngagePalmSprings.com and check it out. City Hall wants to ENGAGE with you!
Restoration of Historic Plaza Theatre Kicks Off
Restoration of the historic Plaza Theatre is now underway – and expected to be completed in the fall of 2025.
The long-awaited kickoff celebration was held on March 4 in front of the iconic theatre, which was built in the heart of downtown in 1936, playing host to the world premiere of the famed Greta Garbo film “Camille.” The theatre was also home to the very first Palm Springs International Film Festival – and later, the much loved Fabulous Palm Springs Follies.
The kickoff celebration, hosted by the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation board, included a formal signing ceremony acknowledging the partnership of the
Foundation and the city of Palm Springs with the Oak View Group, which will operate the theatre and provide an array of diverse programming and entertainment. Oak View, the largest developer of sports and entertainment venues in the world, is well known in the Coachella Valley for managing Acrisure Arena, the home of world-class live concerts and entertainment as well as the Coachella Valley Firebirds hockey team. They have also generously donated $1 million in a matching grant to the restoration project.
The $34-million project is being funded by the Foundation and its donors, and the city of Palm Springs — with significant funding from Measure J — has provided access to $22 million
to commence the project. $10 million of that will be offset by additional fundraising from the Foundation, which has committed to fundraise $22 million of the project’s costs, and has already raised more than $15 million towards its goal.
Restoration and modernization of this important city-owned facility provides numerous tangible benefits for the community, and is one of the final pieces in the Downtown Revitalization Plan. It is estimated that when the theatre is operational, it will accommodate 135,000 patrons per year. Half of them are estimated to be out-of-town guests who will book more than 50,000 hotel nights per year. The theatre is expected to generate more than $40 million in incremental spending and provide more than $4 million direct economic impact to Palm Springs through sales and transient occupancy taxes.
“This new partnership with the Oak View Group will be transformational for Palm Springs when it comes to delivering game changing economic impact for our downtown and local businesses,” said City Manager Scott Stiles. “We can’t thank the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation enough for their incredible fundraising efforts — and to the leadership at Oak View, we are incredibly grateful for their investment in the Palm Springs destination. This is an exciting time for the city.”
Visit SavethePlazaTheatrePS.org for more information, or to make a donation.
City’s First Affordable Housing Project in Over a Decade Now
The of city of Palm Springs recently celebrated the opening of the new Monarch Apartments, a much-needed 60-unit affordable housing project in the northern part of the city that is the first of its kind for low-income residents in over a decade.
The $36 million-project, developed by Fairfield-based Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC) in collaboration with the city of Palm Springs, Lift to Rise, and the state of California was designed by local architect Maria Song, principal with Interactive Design Corporation.
The project features 28 one-bedroom, 16 two-bedroom, and 16 three-bedroom units for single residents and families making at least 60% of our region’s median income. In addition, 14 units are for people making 50%
Public Invited to Series of Workshops for Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Your input is needed!
The city of Palm Springs invites the public to help shape the future by participating in a series of Parks and Recreation master planning workshops led by consultant Kounkuey Design Initiative over the next several months. In addition, a series of community engagement sessions will be held at various special events.
Broad community input is imperative in the Parks and Recreation master planning process as the city crafts the vision and develops the roadmap to reflect the recreational needs and priorities for Palm Springs neighborhoods.
“With your input, together, we can make our Parks and Recreation system more accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable for everyone,” says Palm Springs Director of Parks and Recreation Yvonne Wise.
To get the dates for the upcoming workshops, visit EngagePalmSptings.com.
Officially Open
of the median income, and 15% for those making 30%.
The complex was designed to blend in perfectly with the city’s famed modernist architecture in surrounding neighborhoods, and features sloping overhangs, bright accent colors and front doors, and butterfly motifs prevalent throughout. There is also a playground and splash pad for children, as well as a dog park.
“Affordable housing is critical when it comes to building stable, healthy communities that allow low-income residents to live closer to where they work — and in some cases avoid homelessness,” says Palm Springs Director of Housing and Community Development Jay Virata, who adds it also plays a role in better mental and physical health.
In fact, over the past decade, the city has diligently worked to ensure more affordable projects get funded, setting aside available land and millions of dollars for development which has led to two additional projects under construction. Vista Sunrise II, which will consist of 61 one- and two-bedroom units adjacent to DAP Health, is expected to be complete later this year. Aloe Palm Canyon, a 71-unit, two-story project for seniors, is expected to be completed in 2025.
“Palm Springs has long needed more affordable housing, and these new units will help be a huge step in the right direction,” Virata says.
For more information about affordable housing projects, visit EngagePalmSprings. com.
with Palm Springs’ New Chief Economic Development Officer Wayne Olson Q&A
Wayne Olson, the City’s new Chief Economic Development Officer took some time out of his day to catch us up on what he has been doing since starting his new role in January. Wayne’s background is in economic development and real estate finance. He started his career in Minnesota with a downtown council organization. He went on to work for both the public and private sectors including the City of Minneapolis, and most recently, the City of Palm Desert where he secured $90M in state funding for the Cal State Palm Desert campus. His private sector work included real estate development and consulting in strategic capital acquisition for large land developments in both Minnesota and California. Over the course of his career, he has worked on nearly $1B of projects and investments.
Tell us a little more about your background? First and foremost I am a huge fan of Palm Springs. I started visiting in 1999 and made regular visits at least twice a year until moving with my now-husband to Palm Springs in 2018. We are proud residents of Canyon South neighborhood. Prior to working here, I worked with Palm Desert in economic development and accomplished a lot there. Prior to that I was in the private sector doing real estate development consulting, primarily in capital acquisition strategy with a focus on equity sources. Earlier in my career, I worked at the City of Minneapolis and for a district council in St. Paul, MN. After a couple years of consulting following my work in Palm Desert, I was looking for a new challenge.
What have you been doing since you started with the City?
I started January 2, 2024, so my first few weeks was building the new department and getting the administrative aspects together. Also I am meeting as many people as I can. I call what I am doing “situational analysis,” which is fancy way of saying I am meeting with key stakeholders both internally and externally, to get the “lay of the land.” This also helps to see what top level issues are common among all the stakeholders. I am nearing completion on that and hope to start working with the City Manager and the Council to initiate our strategic planning phase over the next few quarters.
What are you doing to help small and medium sized businesses here in Palm Springs?
Small and medium sized businesses are the heartbeat of any community. Having
developed and worked with many start-ups and more mature businesses throughout my career, I understand the pressures and challenges of running a small business. Many of our small business owners are family enterprises that have been here many, many years. It’s important that we respect and help retain the legacy of those businesses in our community, as well as grow, and attract new business. We have many good programs already in place, like our facade enhancement program; but I would like to look at other ways we might be able to continue to support, and grow, our business community. We also provide linkages to many of the great small business organizations like the Small Business Development Centers, and Caravanserai. We heard about your partnership with Caravanserai, can you give us some highlights of that program?
Caravanserai is a local 501c3 Small Business Development Center. Their leadership approached the City looking for a way to help early-stage entrepreneurs from underserved communities (Spanish speaking, LGBTQIA+, undocumented workers, etc.). Staff developed a pilot program which the City has agreed to fund that hopes to enhance business literacy, business planning, and provide access to early capital in the form of individual micro-grants. Participants will be required to complete a series of trainings and demonstrate the ability to responsibly use the funds in the growth of their business. For more information about the program, visit caravanseraiproject.org.
What do you hope can get accomplished with the Chamber of Commerce?
Any community’s backbone is its Chamber of Commerce. Nona Watson and the Chamber have done an incredible job of being responsible managers of the membership and their fees. Dean Grubl, our Business District Administrator will rely heavily on the Chamber’s membership and staff to help get the word out on City initiatives and policies. We plan to continue to partner with the Chamber on a variety of programs and events into the future.
What’s the first things on your list to focus in on?
The bulk of the work right now is integrating in to current and ongoing projects and programs, as well as working with staff and the community on setting a path for the future. Specifically, we need to respond to the growing visitor and convention demand by providing the assets that help support that
growth. We need to build on the energy of the airport expansion. We need to look at the challenges of seasonality and develop ideas on how to grow off-season spending. We need to help our business districts get established and help them to continue to thrive. We need to help expand our economic opportunities for our underserved communities. We need to look at smart preservation of our community resources while balancing that with responsible economic growth. And, certainly collaborating with our community partners like Palm Springs Tourism, Greater Palm Springs, and the Chamber are going to be a regular activity for this role and the new staff of our department. The list is long, but I am ready and excited for the challenge.
What’s your favorite thing about Palm Springs?
I would have to say that the urban feel of our downtown. For a City of 45,000 year-round residents, the vibrancy and activity of our downtown on any given day or night, has a “big city” feel. Shopping, dining and enjoying our many shops and restaurants, Citywide, is a big appeal as well.
How can people get a hold of the department?
We have an email set up at Business.Info@ palmspringsca.gov. Residents and businesses are encouraged to reach out to us there with any questions, ideas, or concerns.
Any final thoughts?
We are at an exciting time in Palm Springs from an economic standpoint. Considerable community investment is occurring both from the private and public sector. We have exciting events that draw worldwide attention. I am truly honored to be able to build on that success and help support the growth of Palm Springs as we move forward into the future.
Palm Springs Homeless Navigation Center Update
The city of Palm Springs is pleased to announce that its muchanticipated new homeless navigation center, operated by Martha’s Village and Kitchen, recently opened the early entry portion of the project in March. This new facility houses up to 50 residents waiting to be placed in independent modular units when they become available. This is not a drop-in center. The facility is by referral only from the Palm Springs Access Center, which is also operated by Martha’s Village and Kitchen.
Once the navigation center on McCarthy Road fully opens to unhoused residents this summer, it will include 80 prefabricated residential interim units and two rehabilitated buildings on site. The units will include kitchenettes and bathroom facilities. Sixty-five units are designated for unhoused residents, and five units are designated for families. An additional 10 units are for transitional-aged youth experiencing homelessness. A children’s play area, green space, and dog park are also planned.
In addition, unhoused residents will receive comprehensive wraparound services that include:
Assistance obtaining permanent housing.
Health and dental insurance.
Additional support services, such as behavioral health and counseling.
Assistance with food stamp benefits, laundry vouchers, and obtaining birth certificates and identification cards.
Career services and skills training.
Client case management.
A family reunification program.
Transportation assistance.
When fully open this summer, the navigation center is expected to serve as many as 130 unhoused residents at any given time. For more information, visit EngagePalmSprings.com.
PSP’s Stay & Play: Your Ticket to Airport Adventures
By Jake Ingrassia
Do you remember a time when you could stroll through an airport, hand in hand with your loved ones, heading straight to the gate to bid them a bittersweet farewell, or eagerly await their return, ready to joyously greet them the second they step off the plane?
For many, it may seem like a distant relic of a bygone era, but Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is bringing back the nostalgia with its brand new Stay and Play Visitor Pass Program.
You no longer need a boarding pass to venture beyond the security checkpoint. A simple online application can grant you free, sameday access to all of the airport’s amenities. Stay & Play visitors can indulge in the excitement of plane spotting from PSP’s scenic outdoor restaurant patios, or explore the enticing array of new shops and restaurants opening later this year. The journey can now become a destination itself.
Obtaining a Stay & Play pass is as simple as a few clicks. Head over to flyPSP.com/StayAndPlay and complete the online application up to seven days before your visit. Once approved, your digital pass will arrive via email on the day of your visit — granting you access to the secure area with a TSA-approved ID.
At the heart of the Stay & Play program lies a commitment to prioritizing the needs of ticketed passengers, while fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. During peak hours from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. — when the airport buzzes with activity — visitor passes are suspended to reduce congestion and stress on parking lots and security lines, ensuring a smoother experience for travelers on the move. Nevertheless, once inside, Stay & Play visitors can rest assured knowing they are subject to the same stringent security regulations as passengers, maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone. Stay & Play guests are reminded to leave their luggage and prohibited items behind, in accordance with TSA guidelines.
From heartfelt farewells to joyful reunions, PSP is paving the way for unique airport experiences, and fostering meaningful connections along the journey. So, whether you’re a local looking for a new hangout spot or a traveler’s companion seeking to share in their airport experience, PSP’s Stay & Play program is your ticket to unlocking adventures beyond the ticket counter — ensuring an even warmer welcome from one of America’s friendliest airports.
City Council Approves Nearly $9 Million in Measure J Funds for 2024 Street Paving Rehabilitation Project
Palm Springs Measure J, a one-cent sales tax increase approved by voters in 2011, continues to improve quality of life and give back to our community.
Beginning this spring, 50 distinct street segments throughout Palm Springs will be freshly paved with asphalt following the City Council’s February approval of a total of $9 million in Measure J funding for the project.
“This is the most money ever allocated for annual street paving — and it’s all thanks to Measure J, which continues to be a huge economic booster for the City of Palm Springs,” said Palm Springs Director of Finance Kris Mooney, who added that the funds primarily come from tourist dollars and not residents.
A list of streets slated for rehabilitation is available for review at EngagePalmSprings.com.
“The city of Palm Springs is delighted to begin this important project that will truly make a tangible difference in our neighborhoods,” said City Manager Scott Stiles. “A big thank
you to the residents of Palm Springs for voting to approve Measure J, which continues to bring in millions of dollars for capital and community improvement projects that are improving quality of life in Palm Springs for generations to come.”
ABOUT MEASURE J
In November 2011, Palm Springs voters approved Measure J, a one-cent sales tax increase that has funded hundreds of important citywide services and capital improvement projects, including the Downtown Revitalization Project and public improvements, the new Downtown Park, hundreds of miles of city street paving, new bathrooms in the parks at Demuth and Desert Highland, the renovation of the Welwood Murray Memorial Library, the fire station on LaVerne Way, the dog park behind City Hall, and a much-needed new kitchen at Mizell Center. Coming soon, Measure J tax dollars will fund improvements at Palm Springs International Airport, help expand pickleball courts at Demuth, improve playground park
equipment, fund new field lighting at Demuth and Sunrise parks, a new shade structure at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, and help fund important renovations of the Palm Springs Public Library and the historic Plaza Theatre. Visit PSMeasureJ.com for information.
Juniper Pickleball 1579 E. San Lorenzo Road Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (541)282-4589 www.juniper.brown@spoton.com
Tail Waggers Pet Food & Supplies 1124 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (323)464-9600 www.tailwaggerspets.com
David Perry & Associates 1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (415)767-1067 www.davidperry.com
LGBTQ+ Ride 34920 Vaquero Drive Cathedral City, CA, 92234 (760)239-8245
PS Ventures LLC dba Dunes 390 S. Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (949)689-1895
PlanIT Print Works 39350 Berkey Drive Palm Desert, CA, 92211 (760)345-2500 www.PlanItPrintWorks.com
Palm Springs Vitamin Infusions 242 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)285-8763
1-800-GOT-JUNK? 19345 N. Indian Canyon Drive Desert Hot Springs, CA, 92240 (323)448-1710 www.1800gotjunk.com
Platinum Star Properties
610 S. Belardo Road Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (762)275-2974
MOGO Silent Disco LLC
PO Box 4782
Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (917)442-2596 www.mogosilentdisco.com
Disco Dog
1345 N Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (408)375-4775 lynnae@discodog.shop
Michele Fine Art, Inc.
314 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)567-9795
Stone Roofing
730 N. Coney Avenue Azusa, CA, 91702 (626)969-6515 www.stoneroof.com
Teserra
38822 El Desierto Road
Palm Desert, CA, 92211 (760)398-9222 www.teserraoutdoors.com
Ambitious Supply Co.
2304 E. Bellamy Road Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (866)312-4435 www.ambitioussupplyco.com
HMC (I Heart Mac & Cheese) 190 S. Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)424-8012 www.ihmccorp.com
The Velvet Rope Palm Springs 120 W. Veredasur Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)285-5074 www.thevelvetropeps.com
MelinaMade Residential Design + Interiors 1143 Linda Vista Road Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (650)392-4100 www.melinamadeinteriors.com
Bali Breeze
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive Ste. 5 Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (442)677-0398
Blue Elephant Wellness
333 N. Palm Canyon Drive Ste. 32 Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (424)571-0283
Bridge Home Health and Hospice
777 E Tahquitz Canyon Way Suite 341 Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)327-5317 www.brisgehh.com
Rise Artworks LLC 1414 6th Street Santa Monica, CA, 90401 (310)394-7111 www.riseartworksllc@gmail.com
Living Out, Palm Springs
1122 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (833)548-3688 www.livingout.com
The Modernist Travel
2388 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way #80 Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (714)458-7266
Scan to view the full directory of Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce members
