HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD Civic Academy 3-2025City Council &Appointed Bodies
Palm Desert Civic Academy
City Clerk's Office
Charter City Government
Charter City: Provides cities with
certain "home rule" prerogatives over
municipal affairs, including:
Municipal Election Matters Land Use and Zoning Decisions
“Police Power - To protect the public
health, safety, and welfare
Processes associated with City
Contracts
Palm Desert City Council
Five Members of City Council
Elected to four-year terms
On January 11, 2024, the City Council adopted a map
establishing five single-member districts.
Incumbent members will continue their existing term.
In December 2024, representatives of Districts 1, 2, and
3 will be elected.
In December 2026, representatives of Districts 4 and 5
will be elected.
A Councilmember must reside within the district for
the duration of their term.
To learn more, visit: https://redistrictpd.org/
Mayor & City Council
Mayor Pro TemThe Mayor
Serves in the absence of the Mayor;
serves on CM subcommittee,
reviews proclamation requests with
Mayor
The Mayor serves as the presiding
officer, helps resolve internal conflicts,
performs ceremonial duties
Elected to represent residents, all
members are equal, set policy and
directives, approves City Manager's
work plan
City Council
City Council Meetings
1 2 3
Business Meetings
Proclamations/Ceremonial
City Council/CM Activities
Public Comment
Non-Agenda vs Agenda
Consent Calendar
Action Items
Public Hearings
Meeting are typically held on the 2nd
and 4th Thursday of each month
Closed Session:
Real Estate Negotiations
Labor Negotiations
Public Employment
Litigation
Threats to Public Security
Study Session:
Informational Reports
Review, discuss, & debate
No official actions taken
Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Taskforces
(”Appointed Bodies”)
The City Council’s Role
The Appointed Body Member’s Role
All members of appointed bodies serve at the pleasure of the City Council.
Annually, the City Council reviews applications, conducts interviews, and
appoints members to the City’s appointed bodies.
Each appointed body has an assigned City Council Liaison who facilitates
communication between the City Council and appointed body, but is not a
voting member of the body.
Strive to build community consensus regarding projects and programs
Serve the best interest of the community as a whole
Develop recommendations reflective of the community
Provide the City Council with new perspectives relative to policy decisions
Appointed Bodies
Architectural Review Commission:
Reviews building architecture and
landscape design
Cultural Arts Committee:
Reviews and serves as stewards of the City’s
Public Art Program & Collection
Building Board of Appeals:
Hears appeals related to the building code,
condemnations, and abatement.
Cultural Resources Preservation Committee:
Reviews the preservation of buildings with
cultural, social, and historic significance
El Paseo BID Board:
Promotes El Paseo as a world class, pedestrian
friendly, & upscale retail destination
Civic Engagement Committee:
Promote civic education & engagement to
foster a positive sense of community
Appointed Bodies
Finance Committee:
Reviews and advises on auditing &
internal controls, investments, and debt
Marketing Committee:
Evaluates the City’s marketing and media
plans.
Homelessness Taskforce:
Review and advise on services and efforts
to address homelessness.
Planning Commission:
Reviews all land use applications and
recommends long-range planning policies
Public Safety Committee:
Reviews law enforcement and public safety
matters
Housing Commission:
Advise on housing policies & procedures,
programs, and strategies
Appointed Bodies & Other Volunteer Opportunities
Rent Review Board:
Adjudicates the Mobile Home Park Rent
Review Ordinance
Resource Preservation & Enhancement
Committee: Reviews & recommends policies
to meet the Environmental Sustainability Plan
CV Mosquito & Vector Control District:
The City has one appointee to this Board
Joslyn Cove Senior Center:
The City has one appointee to this Board
Palm Springs International Airport:
The City has one appointee to this
Commission
Library Advisory Committee
Library Advisory Committee:
This committee will provide recommendations to the City
Council on matters pertaining to programming and space
planning; monitor performance indicators, activities, and
outcomes; connect staff to community groups. The specific
duties and powers have not yet been defined.
To apply, visit:
www.palmdesert.gov/volunteers