HomeMy WebLinkAboutAutum 2025 - Civic Academy - City Council and Appointed BodiesPalm Desert: How Our
Local Government Works
City Clerk’s Office
Charter City Government:
Our voters adopted a City Charter on November 4, 1997, giving us greater
local control compared to General Law cities. This ‘home rule’ authority
allows Palm Desert to make decisions on important local matters such as:
Municipal Election Matters
(conducting elections, rules for local
offices)
Land Use and Zoning Decisions
(building heights, development
standards)
Police Power
(Ordinances protecting health, safety,
and welfare)
Processes Associated with Contracts
(competitive bidding rules)
City Council Organization
(Mayor selection, Council procedures)
Local Taxes & Revenue Measures
(flexibility in structuring tax measures)
Forms of City Government
Council-Manager (Palm Desert)
Council sets policy (laws, budget, priorities)
City Manager runs operations (manages staff, implements policy)
Mayor chosen by Council (ceremonial & presiding role)
Mayor-Council (Los Angeles, San Diego)
Mayor elected Citywide (chief executive of the city)
Mayor runs operations (departments, budget, daily management)
Council acts as legislature (laws, checks & balances)
Mayor & City Council
Mayor Pro TemThe Mayor
Serves in the Mayor’s absence,
participates in subcommittees, and
reviews proclamation requests
Presides over meetings, represents
the City, and performs ceremonial
duties
Elected to represent residents; all
members are equal; set policy and
provide direction to the City Manager
City Council
Transition to Council Districts
Five Councilmembers, each elected to four-year terms
Five-district map adopted January 11, 2024
November 2024: Elections for Districts 1, 2, and 3
November 2026: Elections for Districts 4 and 5
Incumbent Councilmembers serve out their terms
Councilmembers must live in their district while serving
To learn more, visit: https://redistrictpd.org/
City Council Meetings - 2 and 4 Thursdaysndth
1 2 3
Business Meetings:
Ceremonial items
Public Comment
Consent Calendar
Action Items
Public Hearings
Closed Session:
Real estate negotiations
Labor negotiations
Public employment matters
Litigation
Threats to public safety
Study Session:
Informational reports
Policy discussion and debate
No formal actions taken
Minute Order
The most common type of Council action
Simple motions, approvals, or direction recorded in the meeting minutes
Resolutions
Formal statements of policy or action by the Council
Often used for budget, fees, program guidelines, or policies
Ordinances
Local laws adopted by the City Council
Require two readings at separate meetings before becoming law
Boards & Committees (”Appointed Bodies”)
The City Council’s Role
Appointed members serve at the discretion of the City Council
Council reviews applications, interviews candidates, and appoints
members annually
Each body has a Council liaison to facilitate communication, but
liaisons are not voting members
The Appointed Body Member’s Role
Help build community consensus on projects and programs
Serve the community’s best interests as a whole
Develop recommendations that reflect community needs
Provide input to help guide Council policy decisions
Architectural Review Commission:
Reviews architecture and landscape
design
Cultural Arts Committee:
Oversees the City’s Public Art Program &
Collection
Building Board of Appeals:
Hears appeals on building code issues
El Paseo BID Board:
Promotes El Paseo as a premier, pedestrian-
friendly retail destination
Civic Engagement Committee:
Promotes civic education & engagement
Environmental Resources Committee:
Considers matters referred by the City Council
or staff and provides recommendations
Finance Committee:
Advises on audits, investments, debt,
and internal controls
Historic Preservation Committee:
Reviews preservation of culturally and
historically significant buildings
Public Affairs Marketing Panel:
Advises staff on the City’s marketing and
media plans
Homelessness Taskforce:
Advises on services and strategies to
address homelessness
Planning Commission:
Reviews land use applications and
recommends long-range planning policies
Public Safety Committee:
Reviews public safety and law enforcement
matters
Housing Commission:
Advises on housing policies, programs,
and strategies
Library Advisory Committee:
Advises on library programs and space use,
tracks performance, and connects staff with
community groups
Rent Review Board:
Adjudicates cases under the Mobile
Home Park Rent Review Ordinance
Regional & Partner Appointments
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
CV Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan
Trails Management Subcommittee:
The City has one appointee to this Committee
To apply, visit:
www.palmdesert.gov/volunteers