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CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: ADOPTION OF THE ENVISION PALM DESERT -� FORWARD
TOGETHER STRATEGIC PLAN AS PRESENTED
SUBMITTED BY: John M. Wohimuth, City Manager
DATE: February 27, 2014
CONTENTS: Envision Palm Desert � Forward Together Strategic Pian
Recommendation
By Minute Motion:
1. Adopt the Envision Palm Desert � Forward Together strategic plan as
presented and direct staff to utilize the plan going forward as an aid in
setting City priorities and policies.
Executive Summary
On February 14, 2013, the City Council approved an agreement with the National Civic
League in the amount of $80,000 for facilitation and preparation of a new City of Palm
Desert Strategic Plan.
As outlined by the National Civic League, the strategic planning process involves three
phases: initiation, stakeholder planning, and implementation. Over the last 12 months,
staff has worked with the National Civic League and a group of more than 130
community volunteers to successfully complete the first two of these phases. The result
is the strategic plan document that is before the Council today.
The first step in accomplishing the third and final phase, implementation, is adoption of
the strategic plan by the City Council. If the Council adopts the plan, staff will work to
implement the plan's goals and objectives as prioritized by the Council during its annual
review of the City budget.
Back�round
Following approval of the agreement with the National Civic League in February 2013,
staff coordinated the formation of a Strategic Plan Initiating Committee made up of
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Staff Report
Envision Palm Desert Strategic Pian
February 27, 2014
Page 2 of 3
community members representing various key entities and sectors in Palm Desert
including College of the Desert, the McCallum Theatre, and the Palm Desert Area
Chamber of Commerce, among others.
The Initiating Committee directed the logistics of the strategic planning process,
including establishing a meeting schedule and naming the effort. The Initiating
Committee also helped identify key community stakeholders who should be invited to
participate in the strategic planning process. All Palm Desert residents and business
people were also invited, via an article in the BrightSide newsletter, to share their input
by nominating themselves and others as volunteer stakeholders.
As a result of these outreach efforts, more than 130 community members representing
Palm Desert's diverse interests, backgrounds, and viewpoints served as volunteer
stakeholders sharing their knowledge, experience, and insight.
On May 22, 2013, these stakeholders met with National Civic League representatives
and select City staff at Desert Willow Golf Resort as part of an initial kick-off meeting to
learn about the process and discuss issues affecting the City's future. The City Council,
along with community stakeholders and participating staff, were also invited to complete
an online survey to identify opportunities and challenges facing Palm Desert.
Between May and December, volunteer stakeholders met with National Civic League
facilitators and City staff nine times. Stakeholders were divided into task forces that
were assigned important community topics including Economic Development; Land
Use; Education; Tourism and Marketing; Energy and Sustainability; Parks and
Recreation; Transportation; Arts and Culture; and Public Safety. City staff worked with
these task forces to answer stakeholder questions and provide context.
The National Civic League, in coordination with City staff and the Strategic Plan
Steering Committee, used the input generated during the stakeholder meetings to
create the Envision Palm Desert � Forward Together strategic plan document that is
before the Council today.
The process was designed to build consensus about Palm Desert's direction and
priorities for the future, and encourage community-wide ownership of the strategic plan.
This is the fourth strategic plan since the City's incorporation. The first plan was drafted
in 1983. Also known as the "Palm Desert 2000 Strategic Plan," this first included goals
such as the purchase of parcels for the Palm Desert Civic Center/Civic Center Park and
Desert Willow Golf Resort as well as more than $23 million in flood control
improvements.
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Staff Report
Envision Palm Desert Strategic Pian
February 27, 2014
Page 3 of 3
Initiated in 1994 after almost all of the 2000 Plan's goals had been attained, the second
strategic plan, also known as the "2010 Strategic Plan," outlined objectives including the
creation of a City Charter and placement of a Charter City referendum on the ballot.
The third plan was completed in 2008 following a City Council Strategic Planning retreat
at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. Its goals included the completion of a
community pool/aquatic center and gaining recognition for Palm Desert as a leader in
energy efficiency.
Some of the goals identified in the Envision Plan include the creation of a vibrant,
walkable downtown City core; cementing Palm Desert's position as the Coachella
Valley's cultural center; and developing Palm Desert into an education destination
through the creation of a community-based education coalition.
In addition to identifying these and other community goals and objectives for the next 20
years, it is anticipated that the Envision Palm Desert strategic plan formation will also
benefit the General Plan, which is scheduled to be updated over the next 18 to 24
months.
Fiscal Analvsis
Adoption of the Envision Palm Desert � Forward Together strategic plan has no direct
financial impact on the City or its General Fund. The costs of implementing the goals
identified in the plan will vary greatly, from staff time alone to, potentially, tens of millions
of dollars. It is anticipated that the Council will consider and prioritize the plan's goals
and their costs each year as part of the annual budget process.
CTTY COUNCIL�CTION
APPROVED �' D�
ApprovaL � RECEIVED OTHER
� MEET G D, ` � U� ,,
��'�� � AYES: �� �
NOES: -
P�a . ibson, Director of Finance pBSENT: j
ABSTAIN:
�` VERIFIED BY: � �
Original on File with City rk's Office
n M. Wohlmuth, City Manager �
A:: amerded - EILLSIDF.. 4--1
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Palm Desert Community Vision
Palm D�sert is the heart of California's Coach�lla VaNey.
Palm Desert's outstanding quality of life offers residents and visitors of all ages a wide array
of recreational, educational, shopping, housing and entertainment opportunities as well as
arts and cultural activities and world-class events in a uniquely beautiful desert
environment. This premier resort destination is a thriving, safe and sustainable community
that attracts innovative employers by virtue of its diverse, highly qualified workforce and
synergistic business, civic and educational partnerships.
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• ' �- • • ••- � � 1 " III page3'
Executive Summary
Envision Palm Desert -� Forward Together, 2013-2033 Strategic Plan
In 2013, more than 100 Palm Desert citizens met over several months to develop a community
vision and to plan action steps to achieve it. Representing a diverse cross section of the
community,the participants developed a vision that recognizes the critical role that Palm Desert
plays in the Coachella Valley, its exceptional quality of life, commitment to sustainability and
importance as a generator of jobs and economic activity. It envisions a new energy and
excitement in a year-round destination with world-class institutions and events, a vibrant city
that is attractive to innovative employers because of its educational excellence, cultural
richness, civic engagement and community passion.
The plan is made up of nine Strategic Results Areas ranging from arts and culture to transporta-
tion. Each sets out mini-visions, priorities, strategies, action plans, and measures of success.
Below are highlights from all nine.
Arts&Culture:The plan envisions Palm Desert as the cultural core of the Coachella Valley.
Priorities are to assess the current arts and cultural landscape, explore the viability of creating
an arts and culture district, and develop secure and sustainable funding for arts and culture.
Economic Development:The vision builds on Palm Desert's strengths in business, education,
arts, and tourism to provide an inviting economic climate offering lifestyle, education, and
investment opportunities. Priorities are to increase job and business opportunities, expand
quality education to ensure that residents are prepared to serve in a workforce of the future, to
create and attract entertainment and events that grow the economy and improve the quality of
life, and enhance and raise awareness of business-friendly services to retain and attract
business.
Education: The plan envisions an education destination offering world-class programs providing
lifelong learning opportunities and an engaged and informed community. Priorities are to
create and support a community-based education coalition that will focus on graduation rates,
attract and retain students of all ages by providing outstanding academic and cultural programs,
and create community awareness of, and support for, the building blocks of student and career
success.
Energy&Sustainability:The vision is to be a responsible steward of the city's natural resources.
Priorities are to reduce per-capita consumption of energy and water, promote greater use of
sustainable materials with an eye upon the needs of future generations, encourage all new
construction to be net zero energy in design and exceed the Coachella Valley Water District's
efficiency standards, and encourage property owners to reduce energy and water consumption.
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Land Use, Housing&Open Space: The vision is a well-planned and developed city with a
vibrant city core; natural open space; and housing, business, and community revitalization
opportunities. Priorities are to enhance Palm Desert as a first-class destination for premier
shopping and national, regional, and neighborhood retail businesses, to expand Palm Desert as
an �ducational hub,to fa�ilitate cJ�v�lQpment of high-quality housing for p�ople af�II income
levels, and to develop creative and innovative zoning and incentives that promote education
and high-quality residences that also encourages a balance between housing and jobs.
Parks & Recreation:The plan envisions parks, open spaces, and recreational opportunities as
drivers of innovation and a high quality of life. Priorities are to fund park maintenance and plan
for future replacement and growth, assure a continuing flow of innovative ideas through
creative partnerships, and provide adequate staffing. Other priorities include encouraging
resident input, promoting healthy community principles by incorporating recreational and
exercise opportunities in all public spaces, planning and developing the North Sphere Regional
Park, and evaluating the need for expansion of the Palm Desert Aquatic Center.
Public Safety& Emergency Services:The vision is for a high quality of life for Palm Desert as a
result of its comprehensive public satety services. Priorities are to continually enhance the
delivery of public safety services, increase methods of crime prevention through expanded
community participation, and help the community be more prepared for disasters and public
safety emergencies.
Tourism & Marketing:The plan envisions a year-round international resort destination offering
a wellness lifestyle, exemplary hotels, arts, entertainment, shopping, recreational, and
education opportunities for all ages. Priorities are to improve access to the city and its
attractions, grow existing events and develop new events to enhance the desirability of Palm
Desert year-round, attract new and developing markets (culinary, medical, cultural tourism,
business, sports,film industry, emerging international markets and those for younger
demographics), and support Palm Desert tourism through enhanced marketing.
Transportation:The vision is of a community with safe, convenient, and efficient transportation
options for residents and visitors. Priorities are to create walkable neighborhoods in residential,
retail, and open space areas to reduce the use of low occupancy vehicles; revitalize the Highway
111 corridor through land use and other improvements; and emphasize multiple modes of
travel including carpooling, bus riding, cycling and walking.
The plan's audience is Palm Desert's City Council, residents, and the Coachella Valley region of
California. Once the plan is reviewed and approved, we anticipate that this 20-year plan will be
implemented through the cooperation and participation of the entire community.
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�� • • �- • • •� � � " ' III PageS'
Ta b l e of Co nte nts
VisionStatement...................................................................................................................2
ExecutiveSummary...............................................................................................................3
Letterfrom the Co-Chairs.......................................................................................................8
Envision Palm Desert Leadership ...........................................................................................9
Overview.............................................................................................................................11
StrategicPlan.......................................................................................................................12
Arts&Culture..........................................................................................................13
1.Assess the current arts and cultural landscape.
2. Explore the viability of creating and designating a Palm Desert arts and cultural
district, whether it be geographic or economic.
3. Develop and secure a sustainable source of funding for arts and culture.
EconomicDevelopment.................................................................................................17
1. Expand job and business creation opportunities.
2. Expand quality education so that people are prepared for the workplace of the
future.
3. Create and attract entertainment and events to enhance and expand the Palm
Desert economy and lifestyle.
4. Expand and raise awareness of business-friendly services in order to retain and
attract business.
Education ........................................................................................................................23
1.Create and support a community-based Education Coalition in which all necessary
community organizations come together to coordinate and focus their efforts on
improving measures of student success such as graduation rates and achievement
levels.
2. Become an "education destination" that is successful in attracting and retaining
students of all ages by providing outstanding academic and cultural programs and
demonstrating high levels of career readiness.
3. Create community awareness of, and support for,the building blocks of student
success, including academic, vocational and career success.
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Energy&Sustainability..................................................................................................31
1. Reduce per capita consumption of energy and water.
2. Promote greater usage of more sustainable materials.
3. Encourage all new construction to be net zero energy in design and exceed the
current Coachella Valley Water District(CVWD) efficiency standards.
4. Encourage owners of all existing properties to voluntarily retrofit them to obtain
reductions in energy and water usage.
Land Use, Housing&Open Space.............................................................................36
1. Enhance Palm Desert as a first-class destination for premier shopping and national
retail businesses.
2. Facilitate development of high-quality housing for people of all income levels.
3. Facilitate development of multiple universities and colleges with full campuses
including student housing.
4. Create a mixed-use city core integrating shopping, dining, lodging and housing.
5. Utilize progressive land use policies and standards to support ongoing and future
needs.
Parks&Recreation...................................................................................................42
1. Prepare for the financial requirements of maintaining existing parks at the highest
level of service. Planning efforts shall also address future costs of replacement and
growth of the parks capital improvement fund.
2.Assure a continuing flow of innovative ideas by seeking creative partnerships,
ensuring adequate staffing, and encouraging resident input.
3. Make recreational and exercise opportunities pervasive in all public spaces.
4. Develop the North Sphere Regional Park,which will be bordered by Portola Drive
to the west, Dinah Shore Drive to the south, and Interstate 10 to the north.
5. Examine the need for expansion of the Palm Desert Aquatic Center.
PublicSafety& Emergency Services..........................................................................49
1. Enhance the delivery of public safety services.
2. Increase methods of preventing crime, especially through expanded community
participation.
3. Help the community be more prepared for disasters and public safety emergencies.
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I • ' �- • • ••- 1 1
Tourism&Marketing................................................................................................53
1. Improve access to Palm Desert and its attractions to enhance the ease of lifestyle.
2. Grow existing events and develop new events to enhance the desirability of Palm
Des�rt as a y€�r-round d�stination.
3.Attract new and developing travel and tourism markets.
4.Support the city's tourism industry through enhancement of its marketing efforts
with an allocation of additional city resources,the development of partnerships,
and coordination of existing efforts.
Transportation .........................................................................................................62
1. Create walkable neighborhoods and areas within Palm Desert that would include
residential; retail; services and employment centers; and parks, recreation and
open space to reduce the use of low occupancy vehicles.
2. Revitalize the Highway 111 corridor through land use and travel corridor evolution
and visual improvement.
3. De-emphasize the use of single/low occupancy vehicles and optimize multiple
modes of travel (bus, carpool,golf cart, bicycle and pedestrian).
Conclusion............................................................................................................................68
Addenda...............................................................................................................................69
A.Acknowledgements
B. List of Stakeholders by Task Force
C. Project Calendar
D.Resources
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�� • ' �- • • •• � � „ ' �II Page8'
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Letter from the Envision Palm Desert
Co-Chairs
Dear Council and Community,
It has been an honor to serve as co-chairs of the Envision Palm Desert strategic planning
process. We began this process with the aim of sustaining a high quality of life for the future of
Palm Desert.This document outlines ideas that a broad diversity of residents suggest we
implement to move Palm Desert forward as the premier destination to live,work and visit in the
Coachella Valley.
The widespread participation in this strategic planning process has been astounding. The city
extended a community-wide invitation to join in the process and all who applied were accepted
as stakeholders. In the end, more than 130 community members participated — a group
reflecting the Palm Desert community's diverse perspectives with representatives from private
and public groups, people of all ages, and all cultures. This group reflects the pride community
members have in Palm Desert and their dedication to keep the city moving forward. We thank
all of the stakeholders for the investment of their time and talents in this important project.
We were able to identify emerging needs and engage community stakeholders in addressing
these priorities in an effective and measurable way. We have identified goals, strategies, and
action steps to make Palm Desert an even better place.This plan will help guide the direction of
Palm Desert for years to come.
Our original Steering Committee went above and beyond to provide the foundation for this
process to occur. Their visionary leadership was responsible for guiding this positive,
community-wide effort.
We also thank the city officials and staff for their support and efforts to make our time together
more comfortable and enjoyable, as well as productive.
Dr. William "Bill" Kroonen—Co-Chair
Retired Educator& Council Member
Raymond "Ray" Rodriguez—Co-Chair
Business Owner, Parks and Recreation Commissioner
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�� • ' �- • • ••- � � � „ ' III Page9'
Envision Palm Desert Leadership
Envision Palm Desert Steering Committee
Dr.William "Bill" Kroonen—Co-Chair
Retired Educator&Council Member
Raymond " Ray" Rodriguez—Co-Chair
Business Owner, Parks and Recreation Commissioner
Barbara deBoom
President and CEO, Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce
1oe Dikdan
Retired Sales Manager
Mitch Gershenfeld
President and CEO, McCallum Theatre
Mark Greenwood
Director of Public Works, City of Palm Desert
Jan Harnik
Mayor and Council Member, City of Palm Desert
Cory Hutchinson
Member, Palm Desert Youth Committee
Student, Palm Desert High School
SabbyJonathan
CPA-Jonathan and Associates
Dr.Joel Kinnamon
President, College of the Desert
Ricardo Loretta
Rotary President
Tom Noble
Developer, Noble & Company LLC
�� � �. �- - • . . .:- - � � . ' • " ' III Page10'
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Peter Rittenhouse
Consultant, Senior Issues
Natalie Russo
Senior Vic� Pr��id�nt, Fir�tBank
Housing Commissioner
Judy Vossler
Senior Vice President of Administration
Greater Palm Springs Convention &Visitors Bureau
Josie Ygnatowiz
Member, Palm Desert Youth Committee
Student, Palm Desert High School
City of Palm Desert
John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager
David Hermann, Public Information Officer
National Civic League Team
Bev Perry, Lead Facilitator
Gloria Rubio-Cortes, Facilitator
Bill Schechter, Facilitator
Mike McGrath, Report Writer/Editor
Sarah Lipscomb, Report Writer/Editor
� � • • �- • • �• � � „ ' I I I Page 11'
Envision Palm Desert Overview
Following a January 2013 Study Session, the Palm Desert City Council approved an agreement in
February 2013 with the National Civic League for facilitation and preparation of a new City of
Palm Desert Strategic Plan. The National Civic League is a national good-government and civic
engagement nonpartisan nonprofit founded in 1894.
The strategic plan process involved three phases: initiation, stakeholder planning, and imple-
mentation. This document represents completion of the first two phases. Keys to success
included broad based community participation throughout the project and a focus on specific
and implementable recommendations.
The Steering Committee, formed in early 2013, planned and participated in the year-long
process. In response to a call for stakeholders (posted on the city's website, in the City's
BrightSide newsletter and through mailed invitations), more than 130 individuals representing
the city's diversity of skills, experiences, and opinions met from May to December 2013.
Together the stakeholders developed an overall community vision. In their Strategic Results
Areas task forces,the community stakeholders developed mini-visions, priorities, strategies,
action steps, and measures of success. City staff assisted the stakeholders throughout the
process.
This strategic plan will be presented to the community and the City Council of Palm Desert in
2014. Implementation wil) be the next step. Going forward, the Strategic Plan will serve as a
mechanism to align community goals with the budget on an annual basis. City staff
recommended to City Council that the strategic plan process precede completion of an
amended General Plan as that process should be informed by objectives articulated in the
Strategic Plan.
Envision Palm Desert is the city's fourth strategic plan. The first plan, drafted in 1983, was
known as the "Palm Desert 2000 Strategic Plan" and included goals such as the purchase of
parcels for the Palm Desert Civic Center/Civic Center Park and Desert Willow Golf Resort as well
as more than $23 million in flood control improvements. The second, initiated in 1994 after
almost all of the 2000 Plan's goals had been attained, outlined objectives including the creation
of a city charter and placement of a charter city referendum on the ballot. The third plan was
completed in 2008 as a result of a City Council strategic planning retreat and included goals such
as completion of a community pool/aquatic center and gaining recognition for Palm Desert as a
leader in energy efficiency.
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Strategic Plan
This 2013-2033 strategic plan, Envision Palm Desert � Forward Together, is the product of
significant community participation; a y€ar-long proc�ss involving mor€than 130 individuals
representing all walks of life in the City of Palm Desert and in the region. The plan builds on the
tremendous assets of Palm Desert and is intended to improve the city's already high quality of
life. The plan is intended for the community and the City Council of Palm Desert. The overall
community vision (below) set the tone for the plan, which is divided into nine Strategic Results
Areas:Arts & Culture; Economic Development; Education; Energy&Sustainability; Land Use,
Housing& Open Space; Parks& Recreation; Public Safety& Emergency Services;Tourism &
Marketing; and Transportation. Each Strategic Results Area has its own mini-vision, priorities,
strategies, action steps, and measures of success. After this plan is reviewed and approved by
the City Council of Palm Desert,the 20-year plan will move into the implementation stage. We
thank the many individuals who took time from their busy schedules to dream about and plan
for the future Palm Desert.
Palm Desert Community Vision
Palm Desert is rhe heart of California's Coachella Ualley.
Palm Desert's outstanding quality of life offers residents and visitors of all ages a wide array
of recreational, educational, shopping, housing and entertainment opportunities as well as
arts and cultural activities and world-class events in a uniquely beautiful desert
environment. This premier resort destination is a thriving, safe and sustainable community
that attracts innovative employers by virtue of its diverse, highly qualified workforce and
synergistic business, civic and educational partnerships.
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Arts & Culture Introduction �
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Cultural amenities and the arts play an important role in the life of any community.This is
especially true in Palm Desert. With its large retirement community and reliance on tourism as a
major source of jobs and economic vitality, Palm Desert benefits in important ways by having a
thriving arts scene with world-class cultural attractions, not to mention the educational
opportunities for area youth from local institutions such as the McCallum Theatre,The Living
Desert and the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert. When you add to that list the
approximately two dozen commercial art galleries in the EI Paseo shopping district alone, it is
clear that Palm Desert has become a cultural center for the entire Coachella Valley.
To preserve and maximize benefits from these invaluable community assets, it will be important
to address a number of challenges.These include helping the public to recognize and appreciate
the critical role of arts and culture in sustaining our community.Another challenge is finding
new sources of funding for the arts as an older generation of philanthropic families and
foundations fades from the local scene.A first step identified by the task force would be to
assess the local cultural landscape and its value to the community. Following that, the next step
would be the possibility of creating a more formal mechanism for recognizing and identifying
the importance of the cultural sector. Finally, the group identified the need to develop new and
more sustainable sources of funding for arts and culture.
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Arts & Culture Mini-Vision �
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Arts and culture give a community its soul. Palm Desert is the cultural core of the Coachella ¢
Valley. Cultural tourism drives economic growth in Palm Desert. The community is host to inter-
nationally recognized cultural events that bring significant economic benefits to the city. Palm
Desert is a leader in arts education, ensuring a well-rounded population that possesses high
levels of creativity and critical thinking skills.
Arts & Culture Priorities
Priority 1: Assess the current arts and cultural landscape.
Rationale: Understand the scope of the current arts and culture community and its
social and economic impact. We can't understand where we are going until we know
where we are.
Strategy: Engage/hire an organization such as Americans for the Arts to do a community
economic impact study.
Action Steps:
• Assess the current cultural landscape of Palm Desert.
> Parties Involved: City staff in concert with staff from Americans for the Arts
or similar organizations (lead), local arts/culture community,Art in Public
Places Commission, any organization that engages with the arts, art
consumers
> Timeline: One year
> Resource Options: Public funding, foundations, private philanthropy
• Conduct economic impact study.
> Parties Involved:Americans for the Arts or similar organization (lead), city
staff, local arts/culture community, Art in Public Places Commission, any
organization that engages with the arts, art consumers
> Timeline: One year
> Resource Options: Public funding, foundations, private philanthropy
Measures of Success:
• A full understanding of the arts and culture sector, specifically demographic and
economic impact and a quantification of the sector.
• Having a completed assessment to distribute to stakeholders.
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Priority 2: Explore the viability of creating and designating a Palm Desert arts and cuiturai �
district,whether it be geographic or economic. �
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Rationale:An economic impact study may show that an arts and cultural district is a a
powerful economic engine that brings attention to the city.
Strategy: Gain support for the district from City Council,the business community, the
community at large, and arts and cultural stakeholders.
Action Steps:
• Present evidence of how arts and cultural districts affect cities.
> Parties Involved: City staff(lead), Western States Arts Foundation (WESTAF),
Americans for the Arts, National Assembly of Arts Agencies, California Arts
Council, arts councils, National Endowment for the Arts- Our Town grant
> Timeline: One to two years
> Resource Options: City staff to present to City Council
• Create an arts and culture map.
> Parties Involved: City staff(lead),Art in Public Places (AIPP) Commission
(AIPP), Geographic Information Systems(GIS)
> Timeline:Two years
> Resource Options: Funding is needed. Secure funds from the city or a grant
for city staff and/or a consultant
• Define what kind of district it will be, i.e. funding, marketing, etc.
> Parties Involved: City staff(lead),form a task force composed of representa-
tives from the art institutions, AIPP Commission member, City Council
members
> Timeline:Two and one-half years
> Resource Options: Government or foundation grants
• Publicize that an evaluation is being done.
> Parties Involved:City marketing department& public art department
> Timeline:Two and one-half years
> Resource Options: City staff time
Measure of Success:
• The City Council embraces the creation of the district. There is a greater
understanding of art and culture by the business community and arts and cultural
stakeholders for the district.
• Support from 80 percent of the Palm Desert arts and culture organizations, as
illustrated by participation through letters,emails and support at City Council
meetings, etc.
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Priority 3: Develop and secure a sustainable source of funding for arts and culture. �
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Rationale: By its nature, an arts and culture sector often needs outside sources of �
funding including recognition and support from the city. �
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Strategy:The city will investigate additional methodologies for funding the arts and
culture sector.
Action Steps:
• Determine what type of district it would be, i.e. an assessment district, a
geographic district, or some other mechanism.
> Parties Involved: City staff& city attorney(lead), a consultant, arts and
culture nonprofits, all groups identified through the study (Step 1)
> Timeline:Two and one-half to three years
> Resource Options: National Endowment for the Arts, foundations, local
philanthropic organizations, Berger Foundation, city
• Create oversight committee to oversee distribution of funds and marketing (this
would be the model if these are public fundsj.
> Parties Involved: City Council (lead), staff members:AIPP Commission,
Council representatives, Arts & Culture reps or expand the AIPP Commission
> Timeline:Three to four years
> Resource Options: City staff and City General Fund
• If an assessment district, there would be an oversight board comprised of those
who are assessed.
> Parties Involved: Members of the assessment district and a city
representative
> Timeline:Three to four years
> Resource Options: Oversight board contributions
• Implement a law, election, or some kind of inechanism to put the funding source in
place.
> Parties Involved: City staff& City Council (lead), City Clerk, consultant, entire
voting population
> Timeline:Within five years
> Resource Options: Dependent on the mechanism that is selected by the city
Measure of Success:
• As a result of the formation of a district there is a steady funding stream that will
potentially create available spaces for live and outdoor music, community events
and festivals, a local multipurpose theater/arts center, and creative connections
and partnerships which impact the economy through increased tourism and
revenue.
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Economic Development Introduction °
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" `�� With a 2013 population of 49,949, Palm Desert is the third Z
'' largest city in the Coachella Valley. During the 2007-2009 0
����� ' recession Palm Desert remained financially stable and "'
�,r�'=� �,��,�,t�, s,_,�-�.1� ° � � maintained a superior credit rating. Median income, per
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capita income, and average household income were all
'' significantly higher than in the rest of the Coachella
Valley.l The city has been able to maintain high revenues
from tourism and has maximized economic opportunities,
,�..�;,` ,�„�,,.,,,,;,,,� such as revitalizing the Westfield mall. Palm Desert's key
� � 'F- ��4��� industries include hospitality and tourism, service support,
� � and retail trade. This strategic plan aims to continue
r� "" �"� fostering and improving those key industries to ensure
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�,: � ' , continued economic success. Attracting qualified new
N ,F. ,. . ` businesses while retaming and supporting existing
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Palm Desert aims to improve on its economic success by
emphasizing collaboration between the business
community and local educational institutions to assure a trained workforce to meet future
needs and increase the number of high-paying local jobs. Another priority is the creation of a
city center, a concept also cited by other taskforce groups. A dedicated city center will attract
visitors and residents to a central locale for shopping, dining, and events while fostering a
climate of social interaction. Also, a city center will help expand nightlife options, especially
important as the city works to attract and retain youth.
The task force identified maintaining and strengthening the city's business-friendly environment
as another priority. Local government is viewed as very responsive to business needs;this
taskforce recommends building on that good relationship by streamlining processes and
creating centralized resources for business. Energy efficiency and sustainability are very
important to the Palm Desert community and its economic development, though some
businesses may view this as a barrier. Palm Desert sees an opportunity to attract"clean energy"
businesses and provide energy tourism opportunities by becoming a model for sustainability.
Finally,the seasonality of work in Palm Desert is the greatest challenge facing the city when it
comes to economic development, a priority this group hopes to address in collaboration with
other taskforces through creating attractive events for the summer months.
�Husing,J.E.(2012).City of Palm Desert 2012 Annua!Economic Report. Palm Desert:Coachella Valley Economic
Partnership.
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Palm Desert is a diverse business community that e . �f, �
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tourism industries to provide an inviting climate f -S � '�° ;
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Priorities
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Priority 1: Expand job and business creation opportunities.
Rationale: Without jobs we have no economic growth. Expanded opportunities make
Palm Desert an attractive relocation destination and provide a direct way to fill jobs and
attract better/larger companies which will in turn help/enrich our residents.Job
opportunities are a magnet for attracting residents, and bring increased revenues to the
city while enhancing the overall quality of life.
Strategy:The City of Palm Desert will develop a plan to gather information on how to fill
gaps in jobs, seasonality and industry, identify higher paying jobs and increase already
strong businesses.
Action Steps:
• Inventory existing jobs to find what current categories exist,what gaps to fill and
the best categories for high-paying jobs.
> Parties Involved: Economic Development Department city staff(lead),
business licenses, public records
> Timeline:Within first year and periodically when Palm Desert's Economic
Strategic Plan is revised
> Resource Options: City staff, funding for analysis, General Fund
• Develop a plan to encourage businesses to relocate to Palm Desert to bridge the
gap between June and September with year-round residents and jobs.
> Parties Involved: Economic Development Department city staff(lead),
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Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP), Hotel Committee, industry p
leaders, Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce �
> Timeline:Two years o
> Resource Options: City staff& marketing, General Fund v
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• Attract businesses that generate additional revenue for city programs. (Transient o
Occupancy Tax [TOT] and retail sales tax.) W
> Parties Involved: Economic Development Department city staff(lead),
local/national brokers, developers, Industry leaders- hotels, retail,
restaurants
> Timeline: immediately and ongoing
> Resource Options: City staff, marketing
• Revitalize Highway 111. Look at the possibility of creating a "City Center"
atmosphere.
> Parties Involved: Development community(lead), Planning Department city
staff
> Timeline: Five to 10 years
> Resource Options: Fa�ade enhancement, General Fund
Measures of Success:
• Create a spreadsheet of inventory and monitor growth in chosen categories.
• Increase of two to three percent sales and TOT growth each year over the next 10 years.
Priority 2: Expand quality education so that people are prepared for the workplace of the future.
Rationale:To educate a workforce that will attract businesses.
Strategy: Palm Desert will focus on expanding educational opportunities based on the
needs of the business community and growth opportunities in the economic
environment.
Action Steps:
• Develop incubators for medical and agriculture industries.
> Parties Involved: CVEP (lead), farmers, medical community, Economic
Development Development city staff and universities
> Timeline: 24 months
> Resource Options:State and federal grants
• Partner with two-year schools and workforce development groups—focus on key
industries like energy and medical, interior design/decor.
> Parties Involved: College of the Desert(lead), partnerships,workforce
development centers
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> Timeline: Five years �
> Resource Options: Business community, state and federal grants, Community �
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• Partner with four-year schools to focus on key industries like business, medical, o
and research specifically related to agriculture. z
> Parties Involved: Universities (lead), Coachella Valley Economic Partnerships, �
and key industry leaders W
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: business community, state and federal grants, Community
Development Block Grants
• Develop plan to increase college enrollment, completion rates and opportunities
that will keep our local students here after graduation.
> Parties Involved: Coachella Valley Economic Partnership/workforce
development(lead), Business community, College of the Desert, universities
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: Business community, Clinton Foundation, Berger
Foundation,federal and state grants
Measures of Success:
• The expansion of university campuses over the next 20 years.
• Increased school enrollments in key industries.
Priority 3: Create and attract entertainment and events to enhance and expand the Palm
Desert economy and lifestyle.
Rationale: Enhances existing businesses which attracts tourists. Those tourists spend
money which then employs people and increases the quality of life in Palm Desert.
Strategy: Palm Desert will take an aggressive approach to creating events and
entertainment choices through partnerships with hotels, retailers, and existing venues.
Action Steps:
• Create a task force/committee to bridge the summer gap and market to families
and youth by identifying other attractions in addition to golf, exploring nighttime
and youth-oriented activities, creating a monthly signature event during the spring
and summer seasons, and assisting hotels in attracting conventions and tourist
groups (possibly through installing a waterpark).
> Parties Involved: Economic Development Department city staff(lead), Hotel
Committee, Marketing Committee, Greater Palm Springs Convention and
Visitors Bureau (GPSCVB), chamber of commerce
> Timeline: Form group immediately to work on programs and projects over
the next five years.
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> Resource Options: Dedicate a portion of TOT to special events p
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• Explore the possibility of creating a venue. Determine whether underground o
parking will be needed for events. v
� Parti�s Involved: €conomic Development Department city staff(lead), �
Planning, Building &Safety, and Public Works Departments z�
> Timeline: One year �u
> Resource Options: City staff and possible design, additional construction
funding, General Fund
• Make event permit fees competitive with other cities.
> Parties Involved: Planning Department city staff
> Timeline:Six months
> Resource Options: City staff and then the cost of reduction in fees
Measures of Success:
• Hote) occupancy increases.
• A cost benefit analysis template for review of events by committees and City
Council is created.
Priority 4: Expand and raise awareness of business-friendly services in order to retain and
attract business.
Rationale: Being business-friendly is vital for retaining and expanding existing business
and attracting new business. It helps with branding and reputation. It is a balance
between what we want(i.e. having energy efficiency or low density) and what creates a
barrier to doing business.
Strategy: Reaffirm Palm Desert's business-friendly climate and promote it aggressively.
Staff will support businesses with resources and flexible processes.
Action Steps:
• Develop a five-point creed focused on supporting business and economic vitality
that all departments in city hall embrace.
> Parties Involved: City Council, city manager and staff(lead), Palm Desert
Chamber of Commerce
> Timeline: 12 months
> Resource Options: City staff
• Streamline permit process. Palm Desert's Building &Safety Department will
review the city's permit processing for comparisons with other California cities.
> Parties Involved: Planning, Building&Safety, and Public Works Departments
(leads)
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> Timeline: 12 months °'
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> Resource Options: City staff �
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• Prepare resource information and make it accessible to local businesses and to v
attract new businesses. Market that resource and the �ity's business-friendly 0
atmosphere to the community. z
> Parties Involved: Economic Development Department city staff(lead), �
Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Administration, Small Business W
Development Centers, Palm Desert Score (PDS), CVEP, brokerage community
and other business groups
> Timeline: 24 months
> Resource Options: City staff, collaterals, General Fund
• Develop a small business expo for new and expanding businesses. Include existing
business.
> Parties Involved: Economic Development Department city staff(lead),
Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Administration, Small Business
Development Centers, PDS, CVEP, brokerage community and other business
groups
> Timeline: 36 months
> Resource Options: City staff
• Develop additional Business Area Network Systems (BANS).
> Parties Involved: Sheriff's Department(lead) and the targeted commercial
areas
> Timeline: 36 months
> Resource Options: Sheriff's staff time
Measure of Success:
• Conduct business customer satisfaction surveys to establish a benchmark,then
repeat in 24 months.
• Have Business Area Network Systems in place for the city's three major business
districts.
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� �,.� � Palm Desert ranks in the top 20
r'�y � �`° ��`�» � » *' percent of California
VL � ,
�. �;-; "� communities when it comes to
' �� - math and English test scores.z
� � , � ' The Desert Sands Unified School
�� ��- ' A� District has the top high school
��` � exit testing scores of the three
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Coachella Valley districts3.At the
M� ^� �� same time, it must be recognized
4 + � that California as a whole ranks
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, lower than most states in
a ���,. �... , ` ;�y
• , G .,�"' m4.� � educational performance, and
������� � a� n:
Y � despite its relatively good
�,�.�� `� �
-, ������ '� � �-� . performance, Palm Desert faces
���.�---_
-�s_: � `�?��' ,�Y��` a number of difficult educational
.
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�,,� >��r� ,?;��� � � �,, � � challenges.
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:��'��� �..;� � � �� `'' The cit is home to a full ran e of
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traditional educational
opportunities including three elementary schools, one charter elementary 5chool, one charter
middle school, one high school, 13 private schools, and four post-secondary options.There are
also local vocational learning opportunities,which Palm Desert hopes to expand in order to
attract more businesses that require a highly skilled and educated workforce. In-school learning
is critically important, but the education task force also recognizes the importance of
broadening the definition of education to include the whole community. Residents of all ages
have access to learning programs offered by the local fine arts theater, museum, zoo, and
community centers.
Community partnerships are invaluable in furthering local educational goals. For example,
robotics classes are offered in the local middle schoot and the McCallum Theatre delivers a
curriculum to increase critical thinking and creative problem-solving in some local schools. Palm
Desert aims to continue its support for education by proactively addressing education standards
to ensure that students are prepared to enter the workforce and to establish the city as an
education destination.
The taskforce aims to improve the alignment of all educational opportunities and increase
partnerships around education with the development of a community-based Education
Coalition.This coalition would help the community assess what is currently available in Palm
Desert and anticipate educational needs going forward to ensure Palm Desert's future success.
z http://www.schooldigger.com/go/CA/cityrank.aspx
3 Husing,l.E.(2012).�ity of Pa/m Desert 2012 Annua!Economic Report. Palm Desert:Coachella Valley Economic
Partnership.
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Education Mini-Vision
Palm Desert provides lifelong, world-class educational opportunities allowing all residents, from
pre-kindergarten to senior citizens, to reach their full potential. Palm Desert is an education
destination offering world class programs in signature areas.
Palm Desert is recognized as a national leader and model for best practices in innovative,
unique collaborations preparing students for the workforce and engaged citizenship.
Palm Desert supports and encourages an engaged and informed community that values its
educational and cultural opportunities.
Education Priorities
Priority 1: Create and support a community-based Education Coalition in which all necessary
community organizations come together to coordinate and focus their efforts on improving
measures of student success such as graduation rates and achievement levels.
Rationale: Coordination of existing resources in kindergarten to grade 12 (K-12), higher
education, private education, and non-profit groups (i.e., Living Desert, McCallum
Theatre Institute) will provide greater services to all residents as well as identify areas of
need.
Strategy:The city can act as a convening force to get the ball rolling and bring the
various parties to the table. The resulting entity would be similar to the example
provided by the Alignment Nashville program (http://www.ali�nmentnashville.or�, that
helps students succeed and youth to live healthier lives.
Action Steps:
• Convene the parties to kick off the program.
> Parties Involved: Under the leadership of the city: school districts (Desert
Sands Unified School District, Palm Springs Unified School District), post-
secondary schools (College Of the Desert, California State University San
Bernardino, University of California Riverside, Brandman, etc.), private
vocational schools, private primary schools/high schools, pre-kindergarten
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(Pre-K) service providers (public & private), library,YMCA, Boys and Girls �
Club, McCallum Theatre Institute,The Living Desert, Palm Springs Art �
Museum in Palm Desert, private dance and music schools, historical society,
Regional Access Project,Joslyn Center, Coachella Valley Economic
Partnership (CV€P), €isenhower Medical Center(community health
education)
> Timeline: Within 12 months
> Resource Options: Institutional grants, private sector grants, Regional Access
Project, CVEP, Berger Foundation, Annenberg Foundation, private
endowments, city facilities and limited staff involvement would be needed at
the formation
• Create the organization as a 501(c)3 with a board of directors.
> Parties Involved: Under the leadership of the city: school districts (DSUSD,
PSUSD), post-secondary schools(COD, CSUSB, UCR, Brandman, etc.), private
vocational schools, private primary schools/high schools, Pre-K providers
(public& private), library, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, McCallum Theatre
Institute,The Living Desert, Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert, private
dance and music schools, historical society, Regional Access Project,Joslyn
Center, CVEP, Eisenhower Medical Center(community health education)
> Timeline: Within 18 months
> Resource Options: Institutional grants, private sector grants, Regional Access
Project, CVEP, Berger Foundation,Annenberg Foundation, private
endowments, city facilities and limited staff involvement would be needed at
the formation
• Inventory what's available right now in the community; who are the partners?
> Parties Involved: Under the leadership of the city: school districts (DSUSD,
PSUSD), post-secondary schools(COD, CSUSB, UCR, Brandman, etc.), private
vocational schools, private primary schools/high schools, Pre-K providers
(public & private), library,YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, McCallum Theatre
Institute,The Living Desert, Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert, private
dance and music schools, historical society, Regional Access Project,Joslyn
Center, CVEP, Eisenhower Medical Center(community health education)
> Timeline: One to two years, and then routinely and ongoing
> Resource Options: Institutional grants, private sector grants, Regional Access
Project, CVEP, Berger Foundation,Annenberg Foundation, private
endowments, city facilities and limited staff involvement would be needed at
the formation
• Host an education summit/symposium to bring regional and national speakers to
the Coachella Valley.This will spread recognition of what Palm Desert has to offer
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and bring new, innovative ideas to our community. �
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> Parties Involved: Under the leadership of the city: school districts (DSUSD, �
PSUSD), post-secondary schools (COD, CSUS6, UCR, Brandman, etc.), private
vocational schools, private primary schools/high schools, Pre-K providers
(public& privat�), library,YMCA, �oys and Girls Club, McCallum Theatre
Institute,The Living Desert, Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert, private
dance and music schools, historical society, Regional Access Project,Joslyn
Center, CVEP, Eisenhower Medical Center(community health education)
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: Initially, limited staff involvement would be needed. Other
resources: Institutional grants, private sector grants, Regional Access Project,
CVEP, Berger Foundation, Annenberg Foundation, private endowments, and
city facilities
• Encourage advanced cooperation and coordination of information among all levels
of educational entities.
> Parties Involved: Under the leadership of the city: school districts (DSUSD,
PSUSD), post-secondary schools (COD, CSUSB, UCR, Brandman, etc.), private
vocational schools, private primary schools/high schools, Pre-K providers
(public& private), library,YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, McCallum Theatre
Institute,The Living Desert, Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert, private
dance and music schools, historical society, Regional Access Project,Joslyn
Center, CVEP, Eisenhower Medical Center(community health education)
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: Initially, limited staff involvement would be needed. Other
resources: Institutional grants, private sector grants, Regional Access Project,
CVEP, Berger Foundation, Annenberg Foundation, private endowments, and
city facilities
• Provide public access to technological resources in libraries, civic buildings, public
spaces, schools, community centers etc.
> Parties Involved: Under the leadership of the city: School Districts(DSUSD,
PSUSD), Post-Secondary schools (COD, CSUSB, UCR, Brandman, etc.), private
vocational schools, private primary schools/high schools, Pre-K providers
(public& private), library, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, McCallum Theatre
Institute,The Living Desert, Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert, private
dance and music schools, historical society, Regional Access Project,Joslyn
Center, CVEP, Eisenhower Medical Center(community health education)
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: Initially, limited staff involvement would be needed. Other
resources: Institutional grants, private sector grants, Regional Access Project,
CVEP, Berger Foundation, Annenberg Foundation, private endowments, and
city facilities
. .. _: ; _ . �
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Measures of Success: �''
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• Within 24 months, create a Palm Desert-based Coachella Valley Education �
Coalition with broad membership and regular meetings.
• Within 12 months of the Education Coalition creation, it will host the first
successful educatian summit. Attendance and quality of sp�akers will be measur�d
to provide a baseline for future summits.
• Within 12 months of creation of the Education Coalition, the ongoing attendance
and participation of inember groups will be assessed at 80 percent.
• There will be a demonstrated increase in public access to and usage of
technological resources by local schools and community centers such as the Palm
Desert Library.
Priority 2: Become an "education destination"which is successful in attracting and retaining
students of all ages by providing outstanding academic and cultural programs and
demonstrating high levels of career readiness.
Rationale: We need to attract high quality employers in order to ensure the
community's viability. In order to do this we must have an educated, quality workforce.
This will provide opportunities for individual growth and ensure the highest possible
quality of life for community members.
Strategy: Develop educational conferences and meetings, along with educational
programs,that will highlight Palm Desert as a community that takes education and job
readiness seriously.
Action Steps:
• Host a periodic education summit/symposium with regional and national level
speakers. Develop an iconic event that draws educators from outside the region.
> Parties Involved: Under the leadership of the city: school districts (DSUSD,
PSUSD), post-secondary schools (COD, CSUSB, UCR, Brandman, etc.), private
vocational schools, private primary schools/high schools, Pre-K providers
(public& private), library,YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, McCallum Theatre
Institute,The Living Desert, Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert,
private dance and music schools, historical society, Regional Access Project,
Joslyn Center, CVEP, Eisenhower Medical Center (community health
education)
> Timeline: Within one to two years and then periodically and regularly
> Resource Options: Initially, limited staff involvement would be needed.
Other resources: Institutional grants, private sector grants, Regional Access
Project, CVEP, Berger Foundation,Annenberg Foundation, Gates Foundation,
private endowments, and city facilities
• Support existing signature education programs such as: arts&culture (including
programs in dance,theatre, etc.), medical (including pathways for physicians,
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nurses and medical technologists), energy (i.e., wind, geothermal, solar) and �
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including two-year technical and vocational programs. Explore the development of �
new programs.
> Parties Involved: City (including community development/affordable
housing), sch�ol districts, post-s�condary schools, pr�-school provider,
conference centers/hotels, private and public institutions of higher learning.
> Timeline: Ongoing-subject to regular review
> Resource Options: Initially, limited staff involvement would be needed. Other
resources: institutional grants, private sector grants, Regional Access Project,
CVEP, Berger Foundation, Annenberg Foundation, Gates Foundation, private
endowments, and city facilities
• Encourage development of incubators for research and development in
agriculture, medicine and alternative energy.
> Parties Involved: CVEP, COD, UCR
> Timeline: Within 18 months
> Resource Options: CVEP
• Support collegiate sports programs and facilities (i.e., CSUSB-PD could field a golf
team, tennis team, etc.).
> Parties Involved: CSUSB-PD, COD
> Timeline: Ongoing with COD, within six to 24 months for initiation at CSUSB-
PD
> Resource Options: CSU56/COD, city Parks & Recreation Committee, city
facilities (aquatic center, soccer fields, baseball diamonds)
• Encourage developers through city land use decisions to ensure that there is
adequate and affordable housing available for students and faculty.
> Parties Involved: city Planning Commission, CSUSB, COD, city, private
operators.
> Timeline: Ongoing, especially within the next 24 months as developments
come forward
> Resource Options: City Housing and Land Use staff, Planning Commission,
private operators, developers, city facilities, city land
• Encourage the community to create endowments for targeted professions such as
medicine, energy and agriculture (to fill needs as determined through annual
economic forecasts) by providing scholarships to those who commit to stay and
work in the valley.
> Parties Involved: CVEP's Pathways to Success, in cooperation with local
educational institutions and local industry(such as hospitals, energy
companies, etc.)
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> Timeline: Ongoing —reviewed annually �
> Resource Options: Federal grants, private endowments, local industry W
support
Measures of Success:
• Increase in the quality and quantity of students attending local institutions.
• Retention of a percentage of the top local students, measured by their attendance
at local institutions.
• Increase local job placements from local educational systems by 20 percent as
determined through review of job placement programs at educational institutions.
• Reduce the unemployment rate of young adults(ages 18—26) by 10-20 percent.
• Increase employer satisfaction with locally hired employees measured through a
bi-annual survey of local employers.
Priority 3: Create community awareness of, and support for,the building blocks of student
success, including academic,vocational and career success.
Rationale: We need opportunities for all students to succeed in order to avoid the social
problems associated with dropping-out, underachievement, low academic achievement
and an inadequately trained and educated workforce. The city and Coachella Valley will
benefit from the retention of the best and brightest young people who will bring energy
and innovation to the community.
Strategy: Develop an "esprit de corps" in which the community understands,values and
supports programs such as tutoring, parent education, charter schools, scholarships,
vocational academies, cultural programs, after-school programs and nutrition services.
Action Steps:
• Facilitate partnerships between COD/CSUSB and K-12 to provide innovative
tutoring programs.
> Parties Involved: COD/CSUSB/UCR& K-12 educational systems (DSUSD &
Private) city 2x2 Committee expanded to include colleges and universities
> Timeline:ASAP—within one year
> Resource Options: Volunteers, service organizations,faith-based
organizations, institutional foundations, COD Foundation, Gates Foundation
• Expand the Guided Pathways High School Academies by providing more access and
new fields of concentration.
> Parties Involved: CVEP, local industries, K-12
> Timeline: Continue to expand as funding becomes available
> Resource Options: CVEP, local industries, K-12 districts
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• Encourage the development and implementation of parent education programs. �
> Parties Involved: Parent and teacher associations, foundations, locai �
kindergarten to 12th grade schools, YMCA, service organizations,faith-based
organizations,Joslyn Center
> Timeline: Continuous—reinforce and review within 12 months
> Resource Options: Use of public and private facilities at little or no cost,
Riverside County Office on Aging, Riverside County Department of Public
Health,Joslyn Center, faith-based organizations
• Encourage organized tours of local institutions for primary- and middle-school
students. Get them excited about college and local schools.
> Parties Involved: COD/CSSB/UCR/DSUSD, other valley school districts, private
schools, CVEP Academies, McCallum Theatre
> Timeline: Increase the number of tours within 12 months, and then assess
annually
> Resource Options: City grants—funding for transportation; private and
institutional grants for transportation
Measures of Success:
• Reduction in high school dropout rates, by 10 percent initially and then increasing
reductions.
• Increase the number of students with a-g completion (eligibility to enter the Cal
State/UCR systems).
• Increase the number of people who complete academic/vocational programs (i.e.,
certificate, AA, BA, B5, etc.).
• Measure the variety and quality of vocational/trade opportunities.
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Energy & Sustainability Introduction Q
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Affordable and available sources of energy �
and water are critical to the future of any " , '' `" `' ' � '-"' z
community, especially a desert community. "'
Palm Desert has been described as a
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"pioneer" in offering programs for more ,,.,,� � � q �f�� a i m,��`� `
efficient energy use;for example, `:�. ���� � �;�. ��' � � �� ' y
fr��. � �. , s � ',Y�,
establishing a water efficient landscape �;.,,�,, -� fi.� ��,� .�.,,
°,�t ��,
ordinance, creating golf cart lanes on �°" ' � ''�'"� a ' �"°a �',a,;��`
public roads, and constructing LEED- ' �T µ
certified government buildings such as the �-- '� R ,�,,,�, �`�r," , ;�
�.2_ � �
Henderson Community Building and the ;,' �`:"� - '�=r - ;_- .� -'
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Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert. ` '�e.. �` �� ,�^-' ��.�.
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Palm Desert's Set to Save partnership with �•r -�= ,:::.. .�; `" ".
Southern California Edison, the Energy �... �F ,� . .�.,n�M � ,
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Coalition and SoCal Gas sou ht to reduce ;��\;`�"'"'"`��������� ���` �,, .
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energy consumption among business and ""°;;;;,���� `\��� � ���
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residents by 30 percent. Palm Desert was ��u�« ����, ,����, � �„'"�...
also one of the first cities in the nation to �1UI1111H ''�� '� "
«t�,, _, ��
establish a Property Assessed Clean Energy ���� \``,
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(PACE)financing program to encourage `` �'� ��� '"�
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residents and businesses to invest in � uu►" �� ��\ ; �
alternative ener and efficiency upgrades. �,,,�"'�11 1,�,,\\\!1.\\\��.�
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Building on this record,the Energy and Sus-
tainability task force developed a number of priorities. Among them were finding ways of
reducing per capita consumption of energy and water by focusing on education and public
awareness.
In 2010, the City Council approved an environmental sustainability plan and greenhouse gas
inventory to encourage the effective management and conservation of local resources. Another
priority will be to focus on greater use of sustainable building materials and practices.
Going forward,the community can work to ensure that new construction matches or exceeds
the energy efficiency standards of area utilities and governmental agencies. More of a challenge
will be the need to retrofit those existing commercial and residential buildings that were built
during earlier years when such standards were much lower. To ensure that these goals are met,
new sources of funding for expanding city services may be required. Working collaboratively
with residents, youth, builders, developers, property-owners, utilities and schools will be
important as the community moves forward to ensure that its energy and water supplies are
sustainable.
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Energy & Sustainability Mini-Vision Z
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In 2033, Palm D�sert will b@n�fit from sustainabl� practices h�ving b@�n implement@d ov@r th� "�
�
preceding 20 years. �
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Energy & Sustainability Priorities
Priority 1: Reduce per capita consumption of energy and water.
Rationale:The well-being of future generations depends on the availability of energy
and water.
Strategy: Develop educational and funding sources to achieve the reduction desired.
Action Steps:
• Enact education programs encouraging schools to teach water and energy
conservation.
> Parties Involved: City, county, schools and utilities
> Timeline: Launch by fall of 2015; ongoing
> Resource Options: California Public Utilities Commission,grants, schools
• Increase awareness and expand incentives for energy and water conservation for
all.
> Parties Involved: City, county, schools utilities
> Timeline: Six months after plan adoption
> Resource Options: City, utilities and grants
Measure of Success:
• 2013 per capita consumption of energy and water is reduced 30 percent by 2033.
Priority 2: Promote greater usage of more sustainable materials.°
Rationale:The well-being of future generations depends on a healthy environment.
Strategy: Develop policies and programs to discourage waste, increase renewable
energy production and increase the use of environmentally responsible materials.
"Definition of sustainable:Action which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs.
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Action Steps: Z
• Encourage use of building and paving materials that are sustainable and rapidly �
renewable. `^
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> Parties Involved: City, builders "'
> Timeline: Ongoing �
� > Resource Options: Staff time o�c
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• Develop early youth education outreach programs.
> Parties Involved: City, schools,YMCA, media
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: Staff time
• Explore community renewable generation of electricity.
> Parties Involved: City, schools,YMCA, media
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: Staff time
• Pursue feed-in tariff adoption by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
> Parties Involved: CPUC, city staff
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: Staff time
Measure of Success:
• Revisions to the city's building codes and California law/regulations requiring the
desired actions have been completed.
Priority 3: Encourage all new construction to be net zero energy in design and exceed the
current Coachella Valley Water District(CVWD)efficiency standards.
Rationale:The well-being of future generations depends on availability of energy and
water.
Strategy: Work with the city, public agencies and the building industry to ensure the
adoption of sustainable standards.
Action Steps:
• Require the use of renewable energy sources in operation of new properties.
> Parties Involved: City, builders, private sector, county, state law and
regulations
> Timeline:Within five years of adoption of strategic plan
> Resource Options: Financing available
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• Require water efficient fixtures, appliances and landscaping. Z
> Parties Involved: City, water district �
> Timeline: 2015 �
> Resource Options: Staff time `"
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• Require all golf courses and public areas to use reclaimed water as it becomes o�c
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available. z
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> Parties Involved: Hotels, building industry, homeowners associations
> Timeline: 2014
> Resource Options: Ratepayers
• Require new hotel rooms and new timeshare units to have occupancy sensors
(motion sensors that control lights and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning).
> Parties Involved: CVWD, city, private sector
> Timeline: 2014
> Resource Options: City staff time
• Work with CVWD to develop more rigorous efficiency standards.
> Parties Involved: City and CVWD
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: City staff time
Measure of Success:
• All new construction will be net zero energy in design and exceed the current
CVWD water efficiency standards.
Priority 4: Encourage owners of all existing -� ��er- °-�.� a
properties to voluntarily retrofit them to -�-'�� �
obtain reductions in energy and water usage. �� ' � J' ` � T
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Rationale:The well-being of future , �,�, , A,:�� ��;�
generations depends on availability of ,� •_� �� � �'` ��{��
energy and water. � ` — _,_____�'� i _ ''6� ,��;�
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�.;
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Strategy: Outreach to existing property ��, �
owners with details of expected \ �
monetary savings on utility costs as well ' ��
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as increased property values.
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Action Steps: z
• Develop education and outreach programs with the building industry. �
> Parties Involved: Residents, property owners, city, utilities, private sector, �
school districts, chamber of commerce, Property Assessed Clean Energy �
(PACE) Admini�trator �-
> Timeline: Launch by fall 2015, then ongoing W
> Resource Options: City funds, utility company funds,grants W
• Find funding for retrofits and energy audits.
> Parties Involved: City staff and utilities
> Timeline: 2018 and ongoing
> Resource Options: Utility company funds
• Develop funding sources for continuing and expanding existing city programs for
sustainability.
> Parties Involved: City staff and utilities
> Timeline: 2018 and ongoing
> Resource Options: City and utility company funds
• Encourage schools to develop energy education programs.
> Parties Involved: City and the school district
> Timeline: 2018 and ongoing
> Resource Options: School district and city funds
• Require existing hotels to have occupancy sensors.
> Parties Involved: City and Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors
Bureau
> Timeline: 2018
> Resource Options: City staff time, building industry costs
Measures of Success:
• Compared to 2013 levels, 50 percent of existing properties have been voluntarily
retrofitted for energy and water reduction.
• Compared to 2013 levels, 50 percent of existing hotel rooms and timeshare units
currently not equipped with occupancy sensors have been retrofitted.
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Land Use, Housing & Open Space Z
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Introduction �
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The City of Palm Desert has created a livable and workable community for its nearly 50,000
residents and its many visitors through careful planning of land use, housing and commercial
spaces, and preservation of the natural desert landscape. Palm Desert offers a full range of
housing opportunities including rental apartments, condominiums, single-family home
subdivisions, and multi-million dollar estates. A key draw for permanent and seasonal residents
is relatively low housing cost as compared to other major cities in Southern California. Palm
Desert is also home to commercial areas such as the EI Paseo shopping district,the Westfield
mall, and the Highway 111 corridor, among others.The City of Palm Desert has created and
maintained intentional natural open space and has developed appropriate housing and
commercial spaces for the community.
These issues are addressed periodically through the General Plan process, but this group hopes
to further the city's development with a solution to the lack of a city center, helping the city to
age gracefully, and continue to plan appropriately for changes in demographics.
Palm Desert is home to multiple retail areas: e.g. EI Paseo shopping district, Desert Crossing,
Waring Plaza, and Westfield mall, among others. This group proposes to create and implement
a plan for a Palm Desert city core to serve as a central location for shopping, dining, and
entertainment. Being proactive about aging infrastructure is very important to the City of Palm
Desert to ensure its continued economic prosperity.
Finally, the city also plans to accommodate expansion of the higher education institutions in
town in the near future and wants to ensure there is appropriate space and housing to
accommodate students and faculty,while also tending to current residents' needs.
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Land Use, Housing & Open Space Mini-Vision a
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In the next 20 years, Palm Desert will be a well-developed community with natural open space, j
high quality housing for all income levels, a wide variety of high-end and other retail businesses, _
well planned office, light industrial, and business facilities, a variety of lodging options, high
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quality education including colleges and universities, and effective community revitalization �
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Land Use, Housing & Open Space Priorities
Priority 1: Enhance Palm Desert as a first-class destination for premier shopping and national
retail businesses.
Rationale:Allows Palm Desert to maintain its dominant market position, it enhances
Palm Desert's identity as a desirable place to live, and provides financial stability and
serves as an economic driver for the city and its residents.
Strategy: Focus on retail business retention and redevelopment of underutilized
commercial areas in order to protect and grow Palm Desert's market position.
Action Steps:
• Develop a specific plan for the Highway 111 corridor that includes residential and
retail uses in greater intensities with separate planning areas on the north and
south sides of the road, connected by pedestrian bridges and public transporta-
tion.
> Parties Involved: General Plan Advisory Committee, staff, private developers,
planning consultants
> Timeline:Two years to develop specific plan and 20 years to build out
> Resource Options: Grants for smart growth planning, plus General Fund -
budget for update of the General Plan
• Implement a comprehensive incentive program including business retention
programs, cooperative marketing programs,flexible design standards, coordinated
sign programs, and retailer education resources.
> Parties Involved: Property managers, Economic Development Department
city staff, developers, commercial brokers, business owners
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> Timeline: One to three years z
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Measures of Success: �
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• Addition of new r�tail�r5. H
• Increased sales tax generation. p
• Increase in lease rates on Highway 111. _
• Increased tourist traffic in the Highway 111 corridor. ?
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Priority 2: Facilitate development of high-quality housing for people of all income levels. Z
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Rationale:To maintain and enhance Palm Desert's quality of life as an inclusive
community which supports and expands a strong economic base.
Strategy: Develop creative and innovative zoning and incentives to promote a variety of
high-quality residential developments that will also encourage a balance between
housing and jobs.
Action Steps:
• Review development fees to identify opportunities for incentivizing `small'
development.
> Parties Involved: City staff(lead) & City Council
> Timeline: Six months
> Resource Options: No funds needed/staff time
• Review design and approval processes to identify ways to expedite developments
through entitlements.
> Parties Involved: City staff(lead) &the development community
> Timeline: Six months to one year
> Resource Options: No funds needed/staff time
• Review and revise zoning to encourage inclusive residential housing products.
> Parties Involved: City staff(lead), Planning Commission and City Council
> Timeline: One to two years
> Resource Options: No funds needed/staff time
• Rehabilitate aging and substandard existing housing.
> Parties Involved: Private developers (lead), city staff, nonprofit organizations
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: Housing funds (if made available by the state)
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Measures of Success: Z
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• An increase in the number of residential building permits issued. Increase in �
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• Reduction or elimination of substandard housing. �
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Priority 3: Facilitate development of multiple universities and colleges with full campuses p
including student housing. _
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Rationale: Enhances the work force, attracts young adults with great potential to expand o
our culture, and draws desirable employers. g
Strategy: Continue to partner with California State University, San Bernardino; University
of California, Riverside; the College of the Desert and private schools to fully implement
campus master plans.
Action Steps:
• Encourage and facilitate the expansion of the college campuses and promote
campus life through the University Planning Committee (UPC).
> Parties Involved: UPC (lead), private developers, city and college representa-
tives
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: Nominal staff time
• The city will allow flexible development standards in the university area to
encourage a campus community.
> Parties Involved: Private developers (lead), city staff, Planning Commission,
City Council
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: Nominal staff time
• Encourage development of on-campus dormitories through the UPC.
> Parties Involved: UPC(lead), city staff, City Council
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: Nominal staff time
Measure of Success:
• Significantly increased student enrollment and expanded curriculum and degree
offerings.
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Priority 4: Create a mixed-use city core integrating shopping, dining, lodging and housing. W
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Rationale: Creating a city center gives a sense of place and identity, serves as an ,�
economic driver, reduces energy consumption and improves quality of life by improving Z
h�alth and r�ducing tim��pent in the car. �,
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Strategy: Promote the concept by engaging stakeholders and interested parties. _
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Action Steps: o
• Form a City Core Commission to begin the planning process. Q
> Parties Involved: City Council (lead), city staff, business owners, property J
owners, developers, residents, leaders in transportation, education,tourism,
energy and the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce
> Timeline:Two to three months to form the commission
> Resource Options: Nominal staff time
• Define the vision, including the core's location, elements, and pedestrian and
vehicular circulation.
> Parties Involved: City Core Commission
> Timeline: Nine to 10 months for the commission to define the vision
> Resource Options: Funds for facilitators, conceptual drawings, feasibility
analyses, use planning grants for 56375 planning
• Implement the plan.
> Parties Involved: Private developers (lead), city planners and engineers
> Timeline: Five to 10 years to make meaningful progress on construction
> Resource Options: Private funds, sales tax or transient occupancy tax (like
Palm Springs' Measure J and grants)
Measures of Success:
• Build out is complete.
• Economy is robust with low vacancy rates.
• Energy use (especially gasoline) is reduced.
• Community health is improved.
• Residents and visitors alike have a strong sense of where the heart of Palm Desert is.
Priority 5: Utilize progressive land use policies and standards to support ongoing and future
needs.
Rationale:The General Plan is 10 years old and needs to be updated to reflect current
and future economic, demographic, and development trends and needs.
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Strategy: The city will provide clear Q� - W
guidelines and encourage development that ��Y�,�"�"�^� " O
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Action S#eps: ,� � �� ?
• Update tne General Plan. '� ' �. �� '� =� ' O
> Parties Involved: City staff(lead), '�'' �`�' �� ;, _
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> Timeline:Two years �., '' ! g
> Resource Options: Appraximately �= ���� r - � �
$1 million, capital budget, Smart
Growth planning grants
• Preserve open space, view corridors and recreation areas.
> Parties Involved: City staff(lead), PC,Architectural Review Commission
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: Can be accomplished without capital expenses.
• Hotel development that includes family, boutique and resort hotels.
> Parties Involved: Private developers (lead), Economic Development
Department city staff, City Council, PC, Greater Palm Springs Convention &
Visitors Bureau
> Timeline: Five to 10 years
> Resource Options: Funds needed to incentivize development can come from
TOT rebates.
• Repurpose existing development including golf courses.
> Parties Involved: Private developers (lead), planning staff, GPAC, PC, City
Council
> Timeline: Five to 20 years
> Resource Options: Private dollars to fund project work. Planning funds for
General Plan revision/update can come from Southern California Association
of Governments Smart Growth funds.
Measure of Success:
• Requests for property rezoning are reduced by 50 percent from the base year.
• Vacancy rates in all sectors are at acceptable levels.
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Parks & Recreation introduction �
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Palm Desert prides itself on its well-kept and heavily-used parks and recreation facilities that
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serve residents and visitors alike. Included in the recreation services of Palm Desert are
playgrounds, extensive sports facilities, a trail system, the new aquatic center, dog parks, an
amphitheater, public art, community gardens, a rose garden, and Desert Willow Golf Resort.
Due to its scenic nature and year-round warm weather, Palm Desert attracts many outdoor
enthusiasts making the upkeep of these facilities vital to the Palm Desert culture and economy.
Therefore, the top priority of the strategic plan is to secure funding to sustain and enhance the
community's parks and recreation areas and activities. Diversifying the revenue funds to
support parks is particularly important to Palm Desert due to the loss of funds that previously
covered many of the associated costs.
In addition to addressing funding issues, an important outcome from this process is the
creation of recreation opportunities for residents and tourists of all ages. Palm Desert wants its
parks to serve all ages as well as all geographic areas in the community. To that end, increasing
facilities in the northern section of the city is also a priority. Another goal is to provide
recreational and exercise opportunities that are pervasive throughout the community's public
spaces.
Parks and recreation are essential to the quality of life for all residents and the task force
recognizes the importance of working together with other groups to increase the impact of
their efforts. This includes incorporating educational opportunities with recreation,
coordinating with land use groups to utilize areas to their fullest potential, collaborating with
finance and economic development agencies to leverage limited funds effectively to further
common goals, and working with transportation entities to ensure everyone has access to
recreational opportunities.
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Palm Desert's parks, open spaces and recreational opportunities continue to be innovative, and Y
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Parks & Recreation Priorities
Priority 1: Prepare for the financial requirements of maintaining existing parks to the highest
level of service. Planning efforts shall also address future costs of replacement and growth of
the parks capital improvement fund.
Rationale: Parks are an integral part of Palm Desert's quality of life and, as such, we wish
to maintain our parks at the highest level possible.
Strategy:The way we fund parks has changed with the loss of precious funding sources,
therefore we must develop new ways to build park capital funds to sustainable levels.
Action Steps:
• Make conversation of aging park facilities part of the annual budget process.
> Parties Involved: Staff, Parks& Recreation Commission, City Council,
community input
> Timeline: Annually
> Resource Options: Staff time
• Explore the creation of a foundation for fundraising and promotion.
> Parties Involved: Staff, Parks& Recreation Commission, City Council,
community input
> Timeline: Annually
> Resource Options: General Fund
• Identify new partners, including private and corporate partnerships.
> Parties Involved:Staff, Parks Commission, City Council, community Input
> Timeline:Annually
> Resource Options: General Fund
• Explore events at parks:food festivals,vintage car festivals, etc.
> Parties Involved:Staff, Parks& Recreation Commission, City Council,
community input
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> Timeline: Annually �
> Resource Options: Staff, marketing u�,
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� Parti�5 Involved; Staff, ParkS& R�creation Commissi0n, City�ouncil, �
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community input a
> Timeline: Annually
> Resource Options: General Fund
• Explore the appropriateness and amount of use fees.
> Parties Involved: Staff, Parks & Recreation Commission, City Council,
community input
> Timeline: Annually
> Resource Options: General Fund
• Make staffing resources part of the annual budget process.
> Parties Involved: Staff, Parks Commission, City Council, community input
> Timeline: Annually
> Resource Options: General Fund
Measures of Success:
• The parks are being maintained at the highest level of service.
• New sources of revenue have been created.
• At least one signature event has been developed within a park facility.
• The Park and Recreational Facilities Fund (for capital improvement) is growing.
Priority 2: Assure a continuing flow of innovative ideas by seeking creative partnerships,
ensuring adequate staffing, and encouraging resident input.
Rationale: With less land to be developed, it becomes critical to continually generate
innovative ideas to provide recreation to the community.
Strategy: Make the importance of innovation widely known.
Action Steps:
• Create a culture of openness to new ideas.
> Parties Involved: Staff, partner agencies
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: No funding required
• Create a collaborative process with all partner agencies focused on innovation.
> Parties Involved: Staff, partner agencies
> Timeline:Annually
> Resource Options: No funding required
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• Ensure that staff continues to participate in parks and recreation professional �
organizations. �
> Parties Involved: Staff, partner agencies o�
> Timeline: Annually Y
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• Keep parks and recreation in a prominent leadership position, focused on
community, and providing top-notch customer service.
> Parties Involved: City manager, City Council
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: No funding required
Measures of Success:
• Palm Desert facilities and program opportunities are regarded as innovative.
• The Palm Desert community demonstrates a supportive and open attitude to new
ideas.
Priority 3: Make recreational and exercise opportunities pervasive in all public spaces.
Rationale:We believe the people of Palm Desert desire an active lifestyle, therefore
additional recreational opportunities will assist them in achieving that goal. One
positive outcome is that pervasive recreation promotes itself and creates a "snowball"
effect.
Strategy: Make recreation/health/wellness part of all planning functions in the city.
Action Steps:
• Integrate cultural and environmental awareness into parks.
> Parties Involved: Staff, commissions, partner agencies
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: General Fund
• Integrate recreation opportunities into areas such as public spaces, residential
subdivisions, or additional areas where feasible and they make sense.
> Parties Involved: City staff, Planning Department, commissions, City Council
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: General Fund
• Promote recreational awareness throughout the community.
> Parties Involved: Marketing&Tourism, partner agencies, school districts
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: General Fund and budget
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• Encourage recreational opportunities in the EI Paseo corridor. �
> Parties Involved: EI Paseo merchants W
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> Timeline: Evaluate in January, 2016, and ongoing afterwards �
> Resource Options: General Fund �n
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Measures of Success:
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• The Parks & Recreation Commission has developed criteria to annually assess
recreation within Palm Desert.
• Demonstrated integration of culture and environmental awareness into parks.
• Specific examples of integrating recreation and exercise opportunities into public
spaces have been identified including initial constraints, how they were addressed
and how successful each area has been.
• There are concrete examples that recreation opportunities have been successfully
implemented in the EI Paseo corridor.
Priority 4: Develop the North Sphere Regional Park, which will be bordered by Portola Drive
to the west, Dinah Shore Drive to the south, and Interstate 10 to the north.
Rationale:To serve the recreational needs of the growing population in the North
Sphere as a regional park.
Strategy: Staff will need to work collaboratively with commissions,the public, partner
agencies, devetopers and possible funders.
Action Steps:
• Identify revenue generators for the North Sphere Regional Park.
> Parties Involved: City staff, partners, commissions, City Council
> Timeline: During the development phase
> Resource Options: Quimby fees (California State Quimby Act fees can be
used for parks in neighborhoods, Oct 2013), unspent redevelopment agency
bond funding
• Identify recreational needs and wants, by engaging the community.
> Parties Involved:Staff and Parks & Recreation Commission, survey
conference atendees
> Timeline: During the development phase
> Resource Options: Quimby fees, unspent redevelopment agency bond
funding
• Identify environmental constraints.
> Parties Involved:Staff and Parks & Recreation Commission, survey
conference attendees
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> Timeline: During the development phase �
> Resource Options: Quimby fees, unspent redevelopment agency bond �
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facilities.
> Parties Involved: Staff and Parks & Recreation Commission, survey
I conference attendees, land use staff
> Timeline: During the development phase
> Resource Options: Quimby fees, unspent redevelopment agency bond
funding
• Break ground on the park.
> Parties Involved: Staff, commissions, City Council
> Timeline: When growth in the north area justifies the need for the facility.
> Resource Options: Quimby fees, unspent redevelopment agency bond
funding
Measures of Success:
• The community was an integral part of the planning and development process for
this facility.
• The park is used by the surrounding community on a daily basis.
• The park has successfully been integrated with surrounding housing.
• Revenue generators included in the design of the facility have produced an income
stream used to maintain and operate the park.
Priority 5: Examine the need for expansion of the Palm Desert Aquatic Center.
Rationale: Currently the open times for scheduled activities are limited and demand for
water-based recreation will probably increase.
Strategy: Use historic program data to evaluate what any possible expansion would
entail. Any expansion will be based on the ability to increase cost recovery goals.
Action Steps:
• Chart and analyze usage data and track user groups that cannot be
accommodated.
> Parties Involved: Staff, partner agencies
> Timeline:Assess annually
> Resource Options: General Fund and marketing
• Examine whether other Coachella Valley cities or private developers plan to
develop aquatic centers to determine demand.
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> Parties Involved: Staff LL'
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> Timeline:Assess ""- �
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facilities.
> Parties I �- � �. �� . ;
nvolved: �,,. ,.%. � , f; .,al� 1
Consultants, city staff • �
> Timeline: Assess annually v� �� �
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input
> Timeline:Assess annually �
> Resource Options:
General Fund and �+r£ '
marketing
Measures of Success:
• The data collected clearly lays out the information needed to either support an
expansion of the facility, or not.
• The business/operations plan for any expansion clearly shows an increase in the
cost recovery goal to 60 percent of annual operations costs.
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Public Safety & Emergency Services �
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Introduction �
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Safety is extremely � � �� ���<. o�
important to the quality of ��� . � ,� , ��>1 �. ^ �
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life in Palm Desert, which is � � ;,.� ,,,�,;;r�� •, ,,;r��� Q
one of the safest ��r , v
communities in Southern � ,1�� "" • �+�� m
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California.s Police, Fire and ',�. •_�� ' ` ," ,`;:� ,,'��. ,�"' a
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Paramedic services for the �• � °�,' ,, �` ^
city are contracted through . ,� f
the County of Riverside. .. � r �`� ' , � `
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The Police Department is �.�. '�; �' �' �,,� �� - w�'��`
made up of specialty teams �* • ^��,�� 4 ;; '� "`' � �• k -
including a Traffic Division, ' ��'���4 �",t + , � �°� �`-k�4 ty ' A
Special Enforcement Team, ` � , �°��'s�
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Unit Bur lar Su ression �.'� � �� � �j �� n � / '� ���'�.
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Unit, K-9 Officer, Business �J: r. �„��;.` . ; �. , �, . � � � �
District Team, School
Resource Officers, and participates in the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang and Narcotics
Task Force. The Fire Department is an all-risk department whose operations include fire
suppression/prevention, paramedic services, hazardous materials response, and rescue
operations,with about 75 percent of calls related to medical needs.The safety services in Palm
Desert have been shown to be effective and responsive to community needs. In 2013,the
business district team reduced burglaries and break-ins by 30 percent. Palm Desert fire and
medical services have less than a five minute response time on 85 percent of calls. All Public
Safety Departments have firm support and are provided with the tools necessary to do their
jobs effectively through significant budget allocations.
This taskforce hopes to engage and educate the community about various safety issues
including disaster preparedness education, raise awareness of effective response times by the
departments and showcase new technology that departments are using to increase public
safety. Preventing crime through community input and participation is extremely important.The
Citizens on Patrol program (COPS) is one way citizens can become involved in the safety of Palm
Desert. This group is made up of nearly 40 volunteers who help deter crime with their visibility
and assist police during large events by providing crowd-control and traffic direction. Other
goals include increasing the community's participation in neighborhood watch, and crime-free
multi-housing and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) programs, which have also
proven effective locally in deterring crime and enhancing citizen preparedness.
5 http://www.cityofpalmdesert.org/Index.aspx?page=157
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Because comprehensive public safety services are the foundation for a good quality of life, Palm �
Desert is a community that continues to provide security and emergency services that exceed �
state and federal guidelines in all areas of public, retail, and personal needs. The city maintains a W
zero tolerance policy for all criminal activity. �
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Public Safety & Emergency Service Priorities a
Priority 1: Enhance the delivery of public safety services.
Rationale: Faster response times will improve the delivery of services in both medical,
fire, and crime related service calls, as well as improve the public's perception of these
departments' responsiveness and the Police Department's success in combating crime.
Strategy: Expand the existing superlative services provided by the fire and police
departments to address future growth and safety concerns.
Action Steps:
• Work with the fire and police departments, during the annual budget process, to
identify any new public safety needs to account for population growth. Consider
these needs: new equipment, facilities, training, technology, among others.
> Parties Involved: Risk manager(lead), Fire Department, Police Department,
city manager, director of finance, Public Safety Commission
> Timeline:As needed (annual review)
> Resource Options: Staffing and funding
• Communicate enhanced delivery of public safety services to the community.
> Parties Involved: Risk manager, public information officer(PIO) (lead), Fire
Department, Police Department
> Timeline:As Needed (annual review)
> Resource Options: Staffing
Measures of Success:
• Fire Department: Continue to respond to 85 percent of inedical and fire
emergencies within five minutes or less once the call is dispatched.
• Police Department: Strive for an annual decrease in all type of crimes as indicated
within the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Uniform Crime Report.
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Priority 2: Increase methods of preventing crime, especially through expanded community N
participation. �
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Rationale:The community's desire to continue maintaining a high quality of life and �
ensure a safe environment for residents, businesses, and visitors. �
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Strategy: Expand the Police Department's education, promotion, and training programs �
related to crime prevention by engaging the community. �
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Action Steps: c�
• Increase participation in community-based programs, such as Neighborhood m
Watch &Crime Free Multi-Housing Program. Also, take advantage of a
existing/developing technologies to enhance these programs.
> Parties Involved: Police Department(lead)., residents/businesses, city
manager, risk manager, PIO, director of housing, HOA Property Managers,
Public Safety Commission
> Timeline: 18-24 months
> Resource Options: Funding and staffing
• Expand Citizens on Patrol Program (COPS).
> Parties Involved: Director of Special Programs (lead), COPS Team, Police
Department, city manager& P10, Public Safety Commission
> Timeline: 12 months
> Resource Options: Funding, staffing/volunteers, equipment, marketing
• Increase participation in the Business Alert Networks(BANS} or similar programs.
> Parties Involved: Businesses/chamber of commerce and Police Department
(lead), city manager, risk manager, PIO, Public Safety Commission
> Timeline: 12-24 months
> Resource Options:Staffing, community participation, marketing
• Evaluate and make a recommendation to the City Council on a Security Camera
Incentive Program for businesses.
> Parties Involved: Risk manager, Public Safety Commission (lead),
businesses/chamber of commerce, Police Department, city manager, PIO
> Timeline: 24-36 months
> Resource Options: Funding, staffing, equipment, marketing
Measures of Success:
• Neighborhood Watch: Increase active participants by 10 percent annually.
• COPS Program: Increase COPS Program volunteers by 10 percent annually.
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Priority 3: Help the community become more prepared for disasters and public safety �
emergencies. �
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Rationale: With the threat of ; _,.-�'"`� �
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emergencies, a community ' - Q
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re aredness will enable �� i � LL
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emergency services are ,_ � a
deployed, but following a - �•,'� �,., .
disaster for up to seven to 10 �� $�'�� �
days.
Strategy: Expand the city's current disaster preparedness efforts through increased
education and public outreach.
Action Steps:
• Ensure a viable Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) program by hosting
a minimum of four CERT classes per year and examine program needs annually
based on population & community interest.
> Parties Involved: Fire Department and risk manager(lead),
residents/businesses, County Office of Emergency Services (OES), city
manager, PIO
> Timeline: Six months once funding is secured within the budget
> Resource Options: Funding, staffing, facility, equipment
• Expand cardiopulmonary resuscitation/automated external defibrillator(CPR/AED)
and fire safety training available for residents and business as needed.
> Parties Involved: Fire Department and risk manager(lead),
residents/businesses, OES, city manager, PIO
> Timeline: Six months once funding is secured within the budget
> Resource Options: Funding, staffing, facility, equipment
Measure of Success:
• CERT and CPR/AED certify a minimum of 40-60 community members annually.
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Tourism is the top industry in Palm Desert and accounts for about 45 percent of local jobs.b It 0
also helps generate the city's largest sources of revenue through sales tax and Transient ►—
Occupancy Tax(TOT}. Warm weather in winter months, scenic views, signature events, and a
robust set of outdoor activities such as golfing,tennis, hiking and biking all contribute to the
high tourism rates in Palm Desert. Signature events such as Fashion Week EI Paseo attract
thousands of visitors as do the nearby BNP Paribas Open (one of the top five tournaments in
professional tennis),the PGA Tour's Humana Challenge, the LPGA's Kraft Nabisco Championship,
and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and the Stagecoach Festival.The EI Paseo
shopping district, another key attraction, has come to be known as the "Rodeo Drive of the
desert."
With tourism's high contribution to the overall economic health of Palm Desert, it is important
to be proactive in addressing identified issues of regional competition, the need to attract new
and emerging demographics and tourist markets, and the slackening of tourism during summer
months.
To tackle these issues, the taskforce proposes increasing access to attractions in Palm Desert as
well as to core commercial locations. It is also necessary to grow existing events and create new
signature events May through October to bridge the visitor gap in the summer months.
Attracting new visitors to Palm Desert by expanding tourism markets will further advance Palm
Desert's competitive edge in the region and increase revenues. Finally, expanding marketing
efforts to develop a strong message for Palm Desert will be fulfilled with dedicated staff,
collaboration among agencies, and local education through marketing seminars to help keep
Palm Desert the premier travel location in the Coachella Valley.
6 Husing,l.E.(2012).City of Palm Desert 2012 Annual Economic Report. Palm Desert:Coachella Valley Economic
Partnership.
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Palm Desert is a year-round international resort destination offering a wellness lifestyle, g
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Tourism & Marketing Priorities
Priority 1: Improve access to Palm Desert and its attractions to enhance the ease of lifestyle.
Rationale: If access and lifestyle are not maintained and enhanced, Palm Desert risks
losing its market share to competitive locations thus reducing its revenue stream.
Strategy: Call for an annual meeting held jointly with applicable city committees, staff
and community stakeholders to address how best to achieve the goals as outlined. First
meeting to be held in 2014 and continue as needed.
Action Steps:
• Investigate the use of clean transportation options to support ease of access to
critical tourist areas (e.g. golf carts, Vespas, bicycles, etc.).
> Parties Involved: City of Palm Desert(Lead), Coachella Valley Association of
Governments (CVAG), Sunline, private industry,taxi services, Caltrans, Palm
Springs Airport, Greater Palm Springs Convention &Visitors Bureau
(GPSCVB), students, education, Palm Desert Visitor Center, chamber of
commerce, city marketing, city transportation & land planning representa-
tives, hospitality industry
> Timeline: Complete an action plan within two years and implement the
action steps within five years
> Resource Options: Public grants, public/private partnerships, hospitality
industry contributions, establish fee-based programs, public/private
partnerships, economic development funds
• Further develop EI Paseo and core commercial areas as tourist clusters; providing
an array of businesses that allow for hotel visitors to easily access needed
amenities and activities while reducing use of personal vehicles.
> Parties Involved: City of Palm Desert (Lead), CVAG, Sunline, private industry,
taxi services, Caltrans, Palm Springs Airport, GPSCVB, students, education,
Palm Desert Visitor Center, chamber of commerce, city marketing, city trans-
portation & land planning representatives, hospitality industry
> Timeline: Complete an action plan within two years and implement the
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action step within five years Q
> Resource Options: Public grants, public/private partnerships, hospitality �
industry contributions, establish fee-based programs, public/private o�
partnerships, economic development funds N
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• Initiate and support efforts to increase ease of access to Palm Desert from areas p
inside and outside the Coachella Valley. This could include air access, passenger ~
rail, directional and image signage.
> Parties Involved: City of Palm Desert(Lead), CVAG, Sunline, private industry,
taxi services, Caltrans, Palm Springs Airport, GPSCVB, students, education,
Palm Desert Visitor Center, chamber of commerce, city marketing, city trans-
portation & land planning representatives, hospitality industry
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: Public grants, public/private partnerships, hospitality
industry contributions, establish fee-based programs, public/private
partnerships, economic development funds
Measures of Success:
• Increase in sales tax and TOT.
• Increase in permits for street licensed golf carts and other alternative modes of
transportation.
• Increase in flights to Palm Springs International Airport and expanded passenger
rail service.
Priority 2: Grow existing events and develop new events to enhance the desirability of Palm
Desert as a year-round destination.
Rationale: Palm Desert's economic base needs to be strengthened and supported
through attraction of new customers.
Strategy: By late 2014, create a local committee to serve as a resource for establishing
priorities, developing partnerships, identifying venues, researching desired events,
acquiring funding, etc.
Action Steps:
• Hire an events consultant to help identify appropriate signature events for Palm
Desert.
> Parties Involved: Consultant(lead), City of Palm Desert and a new committee
(lead),golf courses, schools, hospitality industry, hospitals, city staff,
chamber of commerce, nonprofits, industry leaders (e.g. event promoters
and healthcare), GPSCVB
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> Timeline: By late 2015 �
> Resource Options: City funding a
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• Identify& better utilize existing venues/areas for potential events. �
> Parti�s Involv�d; CanSultant (I�ad), City of Palm D�s�rk and a n�w committ�� �
(lead),golf courses, schools, hospitality industry, hospitals, city staff, �
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chamber of commerce, retail, nonprofits, industry leaders (e.g. event ~
promoters and healthcare), GPSCVB
> Timeline: List of potential venues prepared by end of 2015
> Resource Options: No funding required
• Develop one signature event each month from May to October.
> Parties Involved: Consultant (lead), City of Palm Desert and a new committee
(leadj,golf courses, schools, hospitality industry, hospitals, city staff,
chamber of commerce, retail, nonprofits, industry leaders (e.g. event
promoters and healthcare), GPSCVB
> Timeline:Add one event every two years beginning in 2016
> Resource Options: Possible seed money from city, private organizers, private
sponsors
• Identify permanent home for Fashion Week that allows for future growth.
> Parties Involved: Consultant(lead), City of Palm Desert and a new committee
(lead),golf courses, schools, hospitality industry, hospitals, city staff,
chamber of commerce, retail, nonprofits, industry leaders (e.g. event
promoters and healthcare), GPSCVB
> Timeline: Mid 2014
> Resource Options: Possible seed money from city, private organizers, private
sponsors
• Dedicate staff to support the concepts developed above.
> Parties Involved: Consultant(lead), City of Palm Desert and a new committee
(lead),golf courses, schools, hospitality industry, hospitals, city staff,
chamber of commerce, retail, nonprofits, industry leaders (e.g. event
promoters and healthcare), GPSCVB
> Timeline: Mid 2014
> Resource Options: May require hiring of city staff—funding necessary
Measures of Success:
• Adding annual year-round events on the established schedule,
• Increase in sales tax and TOT.
• Growth in attendance at existing events.
• Solidified city funding and staffing resources.
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Priority 3: Attract new and developing travei/tourism markets. Q
Rationale: Palm Desert has focused on traditionally proven markets, which tends to limit �
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our reach.The city is in need of expanding its reach into new and emerging markets �
(e.g.: culinary, medical, cultural tourism, business, sports and film), younger `^
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demographic entities and emerging international tourism markets. �
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Strategy: Engage city's Marketing Committee and experts in the tourism sales industry to
develop this concept and a specific plan of action.
Action Steps:
• Dedicate staff and resources as needed.
> Parties Involved: City of Palm Desert(lead) and the Marketing Committee
(lead), Hotel and Signature Events Committee, Media, GPSCVB,Art in Public
Places, Visit California, sales organizations, marketing agencies, hotels,
restaurants, local attractions,travel writers/bloggers, chamber of commerce
> Timeline: 18 months
> Resource Options: City funding, hospitality industry, media and targeted
industries
• Prioritize the developing markets in order of importance.
> Parties Involved: City of Palm Desert(lead) and the Marketing Committee
(lead), Hotel and Signature Events Committee, Media, GPSCVB,Art in Public
Places,Visit California, sales organizations, marketing agencies, hotels,
restaurants, local attractions, travel writers/bloggers, chamber of commerce
> Timeline: 24 months
> Resource Options: City of Palm Desert funding, hospitality industry, media
and targeted industries
• Identify and establish partnerships with committees and organizations in order to
implement identified priorities.
> Parties Involved: City(lead) and the Marketing Committee (lead), Hotel and
Signature Events Committee, media, GPSCVB, Art in Public Places,Visit
California, sales organizations, marketing agencies, hotels, restaurants, local
attractions, travel writers/bloggers, chamber of commerce
> Timeline: 36 months
> Resource Options: City of Palm Desert funding, hospitality industry, media
and targeted industries
• Develop and utilize supporting marketing materials.
> Parties Involved: City(lead) and the Marketing Committee (lead), Hotel and
Signature Events Committee, media, GPSCVB,Art in Public Places,Visit
California, sales organizations, marketing agencies, hotels, restaurants, local
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> Timeline: 36 months a
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> Resource Options: City funding, hospitality industry, media, targeted �
industries �
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• Identify and attract education and medical symposia. �
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> Parties Involved: Consultant(lead), City of Palm Desert& a new committee ~
(lead),golf courses, schools, hospitality industry, hospitals, city staff,
chamber of commerce, retailers, nonprofits, industry leaders (e.g. event
promoters, healthcare), GPSCVB
> Timeline: Within five years and ongoing after that
> Resource Options: Possible seed money from city, private organizers, private
sponsors
• Engage travel writers and bloggers that can reach the prioritized new and
developing markets.
> Parties Involved: City of Palm Desert (lead) and the Marketing Committee
(lead), Hotel and Signature Events Committee, media, GPSCVB, Art in Public
Places, Visit California, sales organizations, marketing agencies, hotels,
restaurants, local attractions, travel writers/bloggers, chamber of commerce
> Timeline: 36 months
> Resource Options: City funding, hospitality Industry, media, targeted
industries
Measures of Success:
• Increased sales tax and TOT.
• Increased city staff and budget.
• Completed Plan of Action.
• Community stakeholder participation and sponsorships.
Priority 4: Support the city's tourism industry through enhancement of its marketing efforts
with an allocation of additional city resources,the development of partnerships, and
coordination of existing efforts.
Rationale:Tourism is the number one industry in the Coachella Valley. The city should
invest in its marketing efforts to support and protect the growth and vitality of its largest
revenue generator.
Strategy: Commit staff time and financial resources to support the city's expanded
Marketing Plan, which is designed to develop and implement marketing opportunities
that support the growth and strengthening of the city's tourism industry.
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Action Steps: Q
• Ensure appropriate staff resources to take advantage of the opportunities as �
outlined within this plan. o�
> Parties Involved: City of Palm Desert(lead), GPSCVB,Visit California, �
chamber Qf�omm�rc�, lOcal organization�,ev�nt v�nue�, �etail c�nters, oc
Marketing Committee, EI Paseo Business Improvement District, local �
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attractions ~
> Timeline: Early 2015
> Resource Options: City funding, related industry partners, sponsors, co-ops
• Budget additional resources to fund the goals as outlined.
> Parties Involved: City of Palm Desert (lead), GPSCVB,Visit California,
chamber of commerce, local organizations,event venues, retail centers,
Marketing Committee, EI Paseo Business Improvement District, loca)
attractions
> Timeline: Fiscal Year 2015/2016 budget
> Resource Options: City funding, related industry partners, sponsors, co-ops
• Work with local agencies to develop marketing seminars to educate local
businesses on community branding, cooperative marketing opportunities, etc.
> Parties Involved: City of Palm Desert(lead), GPSCVB, Visit California,
chamber of commerce, local organizations,event venues, retail centers,
Marketing Committee, EI Paseo Business Improvement District, local
attractions
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: City funding, related industry partners, sponsors, co-ops
• Strengthen relationships with the Greater Palm Springs Convention &Visitors
Bureau (GPSCVB),state tourism, and other travel industry partners in order to
develop complementary marketing programs.
> Parties Involved: City of Patm Desert(lead), GPSCVB,Visit California,
chamber of commerce, local organizations, event venues, retail centers,
Marketing Committee, EI Paseo Business Improvement District, local
attractions
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: City funding, related industry partners, sponsors, co-ops
• Utilize opportunities to partner with existing agencies to promote Palm Desert
(e.g. state tourism, GPSCVB, national tourism agencies).
> Parties Involved: City of Palm Desert(lead), GPSCVB,Visit California,
chamber of commerce, local organizations, event venues, retail centers,
Marketing Committee, EI Paseo Business Improvement District, local
attractions
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> Resource Options: City funding, related industry partners, sponsors, co-ops a
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• Develop additional cooperative marketing programs for local businesses and �
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di5trict5. �
> Parties Involved: City of Palm Desert (lead), GPSCVB, Visit California, �
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chamber of commerce, local organizations, event venues, retail centers,
Marketing Committee, EI Paseo Business Improvement District, local
attractions
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: City funding, related industry partners, sponsors, co-ops
• Implement an annual strategy which outlines the city's participation in local
tourist- driven events and at regional and national level travel industry shows.
> Parties Involved: City of Palm Desert (lead), GPSCVB, Visit California,
chamber of commerce, local organizations, event venues, retail centers,
Marketing Committee, EI Paseo Business Improvement District, local
attractions
> Timeline: Ongoing annually
> Resource Options: City funding, related industry partners, sponsors, co-ops
• Better utilize existing volunteer resources to support marketing outreach efforts.
> Parties Involved: City of Palm Desert(lead), GPSCVB,Visit California, Palm
Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, local organizations, event venues, retail
centers, Marketing Committee, EI Paseo Business Improvement District, local
attractions
> Timeline: Ongoing
> Resource Options: City funding, related industry partners, sponsors, co-ops
• Create a plan that leverages the success of the existing Palm Desert Visitor Center
location and allows for innovative and flexible methods of information delivery to
our visitors, including mobile outreach concepts.
> Parties Involved: City of Palm Desert(lead), GPSCVB,Visit California,
chamber of commerce, local organizations, event venues, retail centers,
Marketing Committee, EI Paseo Business District, local attractions
> Timeline: Develop an action plan by end of 2015 and implement transition
within five years
> Resource Options: City funding, related industry partners, sponsors, co-ops
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organizations,
event venues, retail centers, Marketing Committee, EI Paseo Business
Improvement District, (ocal attractions
> Timeline: Develop an action plan by end of 2015 and implement transition
within five years
> Resource Options: City funding, related industry partners, sponsors, co-ops
• Make an ongoing commitment to embracing and utilizing technological
advancements to enhance the city's tourism website and other marketing
resources.
> Parties Involved: City of Palm Desert(lead), GPSCVB,Visit California,
chamber of commerce, local organizations, event venues, retail centers,
Marketing Committee, EI Paseo Business Improvement District, local
attractions
> Timeline: Develop an action plan by end of 2015 and implement transition
within five years
> Resource Options: City funding, related industry partners, sponsors, co-ops
Measures of Success:
• Increase in sales tax and TOT.
• Increase in activity with regional, state and national tourism partners.
• City's marketing budget is sustained or increases with market trend in order to
support the goals.
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New technologies and changing attitudes about neighborhood cohesion, health and quality of
life require new ideas about how people and goods are moved around and through the city.
They also require new approaches to planning and policy-making. Palm Desert was planned and
built to accommodate the use of automobiles. Residential areas are often separated from
commercial areas and community amenities. Safe and functional sidewalks and pathways aren't
always available.These land use patterns and design elements discourage more active forms of
transportation such as walking or biking.The Highway 111 corridor, for instance, would be more
usable and inviting with a greater emphasis on mixed-use development patterns that include
bike paths and walkways. The challenge for Palm Desert is how to get more people out of their
cars so they can enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. Integrating land use and transporta-
tion planning with better information sharing and community education will be the keys to
achieving these community goals. Other opportunities exist or may arise, such as the CV Link
project,to connect Coachella Valley communities with paths for cyclists, pedestrians and low-
speed electric vehicles such as golf carts.The possibility of expanding rail service in Palm Desert
and nearby cities should also be pursued. Encouraging alternative modes of transportation
would ease the parking problems that exist in some parts of the city.
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By 2033, each resident and visitor will have safe, convenient and efficient transportation �
options.
Transportation Priorities
Priority 1: Create walkable neighborhoods and areas within Palm Desert that would include
residential, retail,services and employment centers,and parks, recreation and open space to
reduce the use of low occupancy vehicles.
Rationale: Integrates complementary land uses and enhances their accessibility, reduces
the need for vehicles and shortens vehicle trips, and reduces the need for added roads,
highways, parking, etc. Integrated land use and transportation planning helps create a
cohesive neighborhood, enhances community health and serves all age groups and
socio-economic sectors.
Strategy: Modify the city's attitude and approach toward mixed-use development in
neighborhoods in the under-developed and undeveloped north corporate and sphere
area, and in the areas adjacent to Highway 111. Allow four-or five-story buildings with
retail on ground floor, and residential, hotel or office/professional above. Support
parking standards that recognize the synergies of complementary land uses.
Action Steps:
• Modify Zoning& Land Use Maps, standards and guidelines to encourage mixed-
use development immediately and on an ongoing basis.
> Parties Involved: City, development and business community, chamber of
commerce, community at large
> Timeline: Immediate and ongoing
> Resource Options: City revenues, planning fees, state or federal grants
• Change city development policies to encourage and facilitate mixed-use
development, such as tax incentives, city participation,fee reductions.
> Parties Involved: City, development community, business owners
> Timeline:Two years
> Resource Options: City revenues
• Provide height and density bonuses to developments based on the services and
amenities they provide to residents and the neighborhood.
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> Timeline: Immediate and ongoing a
> Resource Options: City revenues, planning fees, development bonuses,tax z
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• Educate the public about the advantages of mixed-use development.
> Parties Involved: City, development community, chamber of commerce
> Timeline: Immediate and ongoing
> Resource Options: City revenues, planning fees, state or federal grants
• Facilitate establishment of a Highway 111 business district as a self-funded and
self-managed business promotion entity.
> Parties Involved: City, chamber of commerce, business community
> Timeline: Immediate and ongoing
> Resource Options: Chamber of commerce, district membership dues, city
revenues, planning fees, state or federal grants
• Evaluate and map potential transit-oriented development(TOD) sites along major
arterials, including Highway 111.
> Parties Involved: City Planning& Public Works Departments
> Timeline:Two years
> Resource Options: City revenues, state and federal grants
Measures of Success:
• Mixed use and TOD has appeared in identified areas.
• Land use changes have reduced vehicle trips and have made serving the
redesigned neighborhoods/nodes with buses more effective and efficient.
• There is greater walking and bicycling throughout the city.
• A Highway 111 Business District has been established.
Priority 2: Revitalize the Highway ili corridor through land use and travel corridor evolution
and visual improvement.
Rationale: The current model for Highway 111 is not efficient, effective or attractive.
There is existing tension between the corridor's two primary functions as a significant
retail area and as a major intra-regional transportation corridor.Alternative routes for
east-west through-traffic(such as Fred Waring Drive, Country Club Drive, Dinah Shore
Drive, Interstate-10) may make possible the further evolution of the Highway 111
corridor as a mixed-use destination.This high profile roadway warrants more attention
to appearance, location identification and "placemaking."
Strategy: Identify potential revitalization opportunity sites along the corridor, assign
mixed-use and TOD-land use designations, and create mixed-use developments along
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open space and recreational amenities. In the aggregate they will result in fewer vehicle Q
trips. �
Action Steps:
• Evaluate Highway 111 land use, ownership and roadway network pattern, and
identify areas for redesignation for mixed-use and/or TOD development.
> Parties Involved: Planning and Public Works Departments, property and
business owners, chamber of commerce
> Timeline: Immediate and ongoing
> Resource Options: Grants, city sponsored planning and design charettes
• Aggregate or assemble properties along Highway 111 to allow for the creation of
mixed-use and TOD developments.
> Parties Involved: Property owners and developers
> Timeline: Five years
> Resource Options: Bond funding, city sponsored facilitation, private financing
• Assist/incentivize developers willing to pursue mixed-use developments through
sales tax rebates,vested entitlements that would lock-in long-term rights and re-
sponsibilities to facilitate such developments.
> Parties Involved: Economic Development Department
> Timeline: Immediate and ongoing
> Resource Options: Staffing, community participation, marketing
• Provide better bus service along Highway 111 corridor—Express Bus(Bus Rapid
Transit-BRT) between Palm Desert and neighboring communities. Take action
immediately to be completed within five years.
> Parties Involved: SunLine Transit Agency, Public Works Department and
Economic Development Department
> Timeline: Immediate and within five years
> Resource Options: State and federal grants,JPA, etc.
• Explore creation of a merchants group on Highway 111.
> Parties Involved: City and chamber of commerce, property& business
owners
> Timeline: Immediate and ongoing
> Resource Options: chamber of commerce, Economic Development
Department
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Measures of Success: F"
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• Land Use assemblage has occurred within and adjacent to mapped mixed-use a
H
development opportunity sites. Z
• Developer Incentive Program has been specifically designed to appeal to mixed- �
us� d�velap�r�.
• There is a TOD Bus Rapid Transit route along Highway 111 corridor with average
one-mile station spacing.
• The establishment of the Highway 111 Corridor Business District, a self-funded
business promotion group under the auspices of the Palm Desert Area Chamber of
Commerce.
Priority 3: De-emphasize single/low-occupancy vehicles and optimize multiple modes of
travel (bus, carpool, golf cart, bicycle and pedestrian).
Rationale: Acknowledges trend in general public's decreasing use of cars for transporta-
tion. Ongoing community land use and transportation planning can enhance the trend
by facilitating mixed-use and transit-oriented development. Reduces demand for
roadway capacity and associated expense, and improves public health.
Strategy:To reduce vehicles and vehicle miles traveled, utilize projects with evolved land
use and transportation planning, promote the CV Link pathway and other routes that can
be used by golf carts, bicycles and pedestrians, and seek expanded rail service.
Action Steps:
• Assist in and facilitate development of CV Link project.
> Parties Involved: Coachella Valley Associations of Governments (CVAG) and
the city
> Timeline: Immediate and ongoing
> Resource Options: Federal, state and regional grants, CVAG, Congestion
Mitigation &Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) funds, Sentinel Air Quality
funds
• Explore and assist in opportunities for expanded rail service in Palm Desert and
neighboring communities.
> Parties Involved: Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and
the city
> Timeline:Two years
> Resource Options: Federal, state and regional grants, CVAG, CMAQfunds,
Sentinel AQ funds
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• Conduct communiry education about the advantages of alternative transportation. O
> Parties Involved: City, CVAG, RCTC, SunLine Transit �
> Timeline: Immediate and ongoing Z
> Resource Options: City revenues; federal, state and regional grants �
• Facilitate development planning that integrates synergistic land uses and reduces
vehicle trips.
> Parties Involved: City Planning and Public Works Departments, Sunline
Transit
> Timeline: One year
> Resource Options: City revenues, state and federal grants
• Consult and coordinate with SunLine Transit,the Greater Palm Springs Convention
and Visitors Bureau (GSPCVB), hotels and others on the use of private and public
� para-transit services (smaller buses and shuttles)that connect residents and
visitors to major shopping, entertainment and recreational venues in the city.
> Parties Involved: City, SunLine Transit, GPSCVB, Marriott Desert Springs,
McCallum Theater, Westfield, Living Desert,gardens, etc.
> Timeline: One year
> Resource Options: City revenues, SunLine, GPSCVB
Measures of Success:
• CV Link and other non-motorized routes of travel are found throughout the
community.
• There is expanded passenger rail service serving the city.
• A community transportation education program established.
• Mixed-use and TOD development areas have been identified and mapped.
• Private and public para-transit system and facilities have been expanded and
coordinated.
• There is increased resident and visitor bus and para-transit ridership.
• There is train service with arrivals given alternative transportation mode options.
• There are increased bike and pedestrian promenades throughout the community,
especially at the commercial/residential interface.
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Conclusion �
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Envision Palm Desert � Forward Together (2013-2033) sets out a bold 20-year vision for the
City of�alm Desert. its development represents partnerships between the community, the city,
business, nonprofits and other institutions. The plan is a blueprint for the future which requires
the active involvement of the broad diversity of the community for its implementation to be
successful. Look for next steps and how you can be involved in making Palm Desert the heart of
California's Coachella Valley.
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Acknowledgements
We thank the Envision Palm Desert's Co-Chairs,Steering Committee, and stakeholders for their
many hours working together to develop this important blueprint for action for Palm Desert's
next 20 years.
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�ist of Stakeholders by Task Force
Arts & Culture
Mitch Gershenfeld—Chair
Cory Hutchinson—Vice Chair
Arlene Amick
Elyssa Goldberg
Debbie Green
Ann Greer
Jana Koroczynsky
Joan Simmons-Isaacs
Maureen Thompson
CITY STAFF
Deborah Schwartz
Lauri Aylaian
Economic Development
Natalie Russo—Chair
Ricardo Loretta—Vice Chair
Amir Afsar
Ryan Brown
Bill Carver
Cathy Helmstadter
Andy Mueller
Naran Reitman
Meegan Sullivan
CITY STAFF
Ruth Ann Moore
Martin Alvarez
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Dr. William "Bill" Kroonen—Chair a
Dr.Joel Kinnamon—Vice Chair
Donna Jean Darby
Richard Folkers
Fred Jandt
Allan Lehmann
John Marman
Lesley Miller
Liberty Naud
Kajsa Thuresson-Frary
Anne Walker
CITY STAFF
Lori Carney
Frankie Riddle
Energy and Sustainability
Tom Noble—Chair
Dave Mourhess—Vice Chair
Russell Abeyratne
Ashley Hudgens
Deborah McGarrey
Marie Minnich
Rosemary Ortega
Joe Popper
Hal Rover
Madelaine Wolfe
CITY STAFF
Martin Alvarez
Tony Bagato
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Sabby Jonathan—Chair a
Maggie Montez—Vice Chair
Doug Balog
Jon-Marc Blalock
Nancy DeLuna
Stone James
Courtney Lingle
Scott Wilson
CITY STAFF
Lauri Aylaian
Janet Moore
Parks & Recreation
Peter Rittenhouse—Chair
Josie Y�natowiz—Vice Chair
Luisa Armijo
lan Helmstadter
Kim Housken
Kathleen Kelly
Ed Kraus
Steve Little
Andy Vossler
Pam Williams
CITY STAFF
Ryan Stendell
Pedro Rodriguez
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Public Safety& Emergency Services W
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1oe Dikdan—Chair
Barbara deBoom—Vice Chair
James Butzbach
Angelina Coe
Susan Francis
Sandy Hardin
Christian Hohmann
Jim Kane
Mary Helen Kelly
Brett Romer
Joy Whitehurst
CITY STAFF
Stephen Aryan
Pedro Rodriguez
Lieut. William Sullivan
Battalion Chief Casey Hartman
Tourism & Marketing
Ra�mond "Ray" Rodri�uez—Chair
Judy Vossler—Vice Chair
Lisa Ford
Melanie Hinrichs
Joe Litjens
Theresa Maggio
Sara O'Flynn
Lanay Salzer
Tim Skogen
Stan Sperling
CITY STAFF
Donna Gomez
Barbara Blythe
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Mark Greenwood—Chair Q
Joe Pradetto—Vice Chair
Merilee Colton
John Criste
Dennis Guinaw
Jan Harnik
Matt Johnson
lames Mclntosh
lason Robinson
Roger Snoble
Alana Townsend
Mario Zamora
CITY STAFF
Mark Diercks
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Envision Palm Desert Stakeholder Galendar
May 2013 Stakeholder Session 1 - Kickoff Town Hall -Outcomes:
Purpose,Concept,and Approach Clarified and Understood;
Stakeholder buy-in and commitment to the process and timetable;
Where have we been?Where are we now?Where do we want to be?
June 2013 Stakeholder Session 2-Community Vision -Outcomes:
Vision Themes for Community are Created;
Drafting Committee Formed.
Consensus on draft Re-Vision Statement Achieved
July 2013 Stakeholder Session 3- Environmental Scan � Current Trends and Realities-Outcomes:
Agreement and Understanding of the Outside Events,Trends,and Issues That Will Effect
Community's Future
Community Indicators Presented;
Community Civic Infrastructure Assessed.
Sept. 2013 Stakeholder Session 4-Selection of Key Performance Areas-Outcomes:
Past Work Reviewed;
Likely Future is Identified;
Strategic Results Area Identified;
Task Forces Formed and Responsibilities Agreed to.
Oct. 2013 Stakeholder Session 5 - Evaluating Strategic Results Area -Outcomes:
Stakeholders Agree to Task Force Work to Date;
Vision Statement Draft Presented, Edited and Agreed to;
Consensus Reached on Current Realities and Likely Future of Strategic Results Area
Oct. 2013 Stakenolder Session 6- Evaluating Straiegic Results Area -Outcomes:
Stakeholders Agree on Task Force Work to Date;
Preliminary Overlap Across Strategic Results Area is Identified;
Consensus Reached On Mini-visions;
Goals and Objectives of Strategic Results Area Developed by Task Forces
Nov. 2013 Stakeholder Session 7- Evaluating Strategic Results Area -Outcomes:
Stakeholders Agree on Task Force Work to Date;
Prioritization Discussion of Goals;
Integration and Coordination Begins;
Consensus Reached On Prioritized Goals/Objectives of Strategic Results Area Developed
by Task Forces;
Preliminary Action Steps
M� ��,
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Nov. 2013 Stakeholder Session 8-Action Planning & Implementation Strategies Outcomes: Z
Stakeholders Agree on Task Force Work to Date; "'
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Integration Continues; �
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Implementation Entity Developed;
Gonsensus Reached On Action Steps of Goal Areas;implementers and Timeline
Dec. 2013 Stakeholder Session 9- Presentation of the Final Report (Session 9)
Writing Begins, Reviewed,Completed, Printed,
Released to Community;
Implementation Begins.
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Resources
Americans for the Arts
http://www.allamericacityaward.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Americans-for-the-Arts.pdf
City of Palm Desert Five-Year Economic Development Plan
http://www.allamericacityaward.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Economic-Development-
Strategic-Plan-2013.pdf
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