Measure J Oversight Commission recommends funding 14 community projects, rejects 19 others

The Palm Springs Measure J Oversight Commission voted Thursday night to reject funding for 19 community project applications while identifying 14 priority projects for potential funding, marking the next step in allocating a portion of the city’s special sales tax revenue.

The commission’s recommendations, which require final approval from the City Council, come after months of reviewing 52 total project applications. Chairman Peter Sipkins emphasized that the commission’s role is purely advisory.

“We do not fund a project. We don’t deny funding to projects,” he said during a meeting at City Hall. “The City Council has ultimate authority.”

Among other things, Measure J — a one-cent sales tax approved by Palm Springs voters — provides funding for various projects proposed by members of the community. The tax is set to continue indefinitely following a recent ballot measure removing its sunset clause.

Among the 14 projects recommended for potential funding (see the vote totals here) are solar projects at the Palm Springs Women’s Club and The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, elevator replacement at the Palm Springs Art Museum, trees for the Desert Art Center, and lighting upgrades at Cerritos Park. Only one project received a unanimous, 9-0, recommendation for funding – maintenance projects at Palm Springs Stadium.

Projects that failed to receive commission support included several neighborhood infrastructure proposals, such as the Little Tuscany sewers project and multiple sidewalk construction requests. The commission also voted against funding for street resurfacing in Canyon Estates and utility undergrounding in Old Las Palmas. A request to help pay for the relocation of the “Forever Marilyn” status also failed to receive support.

The total funding requests for the 14 recommended projects currently exceed the commission’s $6 million budget, according to city staff. The commission will meet again in February to determine specific funding amounts for each project.

“We will not only be discussing whether to recommend funding those 14, but also how much to recommend funding because we want to get the number within the $6 million that we have budgeted,” Sipkins explained.

The commission’s decision-making process included input from other city commissions, including the Public Arts Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Sustainability Commission. Commissioners also conducted site visits to various proposed projects.

The remaining 19 applications that weren’t rejected or prioritized will be considered for future funding if additional resources become available.

The City Council is expected to review the commission’s recommendations during a joint meeting this spring, where they can accept, reject, or modify the funding proposals.

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