City Council unanimously approves placing removal of Measure J sunset clause on November ballot

The Palm Springs City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to place a measure on the November 2024 ballot that would remove the sunset clause from the city’s Measure J sales tax.

If approved by voters, the 1% sales tax would continue indefinitely rather than expiring in 2037 as currently scheduled. Measure J provides over 10% of the city’s general fund revenue.

Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein and council members expressed strong support for extending Measure J, citing its transformative impact on Palm Springs since voters first approved it in 2011.

“Measure J has absolutely transformed our city,” said Councilmember Lisa Middleton. “What we have seen as a result of the transformation of our downtown and the transformation of so many different amenities in the city that have made this the quality of life so much better within our city is new businesses have moved into the city that would not have moved in otherwise, and existing businesses have grown.”

The tax generates approximately $20 million annually for Palm Springs and has raised over $180 million since its inception. Funds have supported major projects including the $45 million downtown revitalization, annual street maintenance, park improvements, and public safety facility upgrades.

Upcoming projects slated to use Measure J funding include renovations to the main library and construction of a new fire station. City officials plan to issue bonds for these projects, using future Measure J revenues to pay off the debt.

“If this goes away in 2037, it’s basically we are essentially having to cut our budget by more than 10%,” Bernstein said. “Even though we can decide what that does, it will affect every department if we do not have that revenue.”

Kris Mooney, the city’s director of finance and treasurer, explained that issuing debt allows the city to complete projects sooner while spreading costs across multiple generations of residents who will benefit from the improvements.

Council members emphasized that extending Measure J would not increase taxes but simply remove the 2037 expiration date. The ballot measure requires majority approval from voters to pass.

“This is not an increase. This is just continuing what voters voted for,” said Councilmember Christy Holstege. “It will go back to the voters to decide.”

Officials noted broad community support for extending Measure J, including from business groups, public safety unions, and neighborhood organizations. Bernstein said he’s heard backing from the hospitality industry, realtors, fire and police unions, animal shelter, the Boys and Girls Club, and Palm Springs Unified School District.

The council’s vote allows the measure to appear on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot. It required a two-thirds majority of the council to place the item before voters.

If approved, the measure would take effect April 1, 2025. The tax rate would remain at 1%, with revenues continuing to fund general city services and capital projects.

An independent commission oversees Measure J spending, and expenses are subject to annual audits. Project details and financial information are available to the public online.

Middleton noted that nearly 60% of voters supported Measure J when it was first approved. She said eliminating the sunset clause would benefit Palm Springs “for multiple generations to come.”

“We are so fortunate to have the kind of business community that we have in this city,” Middleton added, praising local leaders for championing Measure J since its inception.

While the council vote was unanimous, members emphasized that extending Measure J is ultimately up to Palm Springs voters.

“This is up to the voters,” Holstege said. “And by and large we’ve seen that Palm Springs residents and businesses and public safety labor groups and so much more – I mean everyone supports Measure J and wants to see the revitalization of Palm Springs continue.”

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