June 26 Daily Briefing: Budget adopted, flood zone decreased, residents honored, and more

Welcome to Thursday, everyone. Palm Springs officials on Wednesday unanimously approved displaying the POW‑MIA flag at city buildings on designated holidays, including Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and National POW‑MIA Recognition Day. It’s a meaningful way to honor those who served and sacrificed, but it can also create space constraints when following the required order of flags: the U.S. flag first, then the POW‑MIA, followed by the state flag and any other flags, such as those representing Pride or Juneteenth. Since some city flagpoles can’t accommodate four flags, you should know that there may be days when certain flags aren’t flown because special observance days overlap.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Lose Control” by Missy Elliot (feat. Ciara & Fat Man Scoop)

LEADING OFF

Council approves budget with economic development boost despite concerns

The Palm Springs City Council approved a biennial budget Wednesday night, increasing economic development funding by $500,000 annually. The 3-2 vote came despite concerns from Mayor Ron deHarte and Councilmember David Ready about uncertain revenue projections.

Driving the news: As the planned Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out restaurants work their way through the development process, the budget increases economic development investment in hopes of attracting even more major businesses and the revenue they bring.

• City staff projected these restaurants could generate $400,000 to $500,000 in combined annual sales tax revenue.

The big picture: City leaders are also hoping for revenue from planned fulfillment centers, with one 700,000-square-foot facility potentially generating $7.6 million in annual sales tax revenue.

Budget mechanics: The council moved $5.2 million in projects from the general fund to Measure J sales tax revenue and shifted six public safety positions to safety augmentation funds, providing $1.9 million in general fund relief.

The opposition: Mayor deHarte warned against overly optimistic revenue projections, saying the approach “invites challenges for us in three months, six months that are potentially greater than where we are today.”

• Public speakers raised sustainability concerns, with resident Philip Hodges warning of a structural deficit where expenses grow faster than revenues and former councilmember Ginny Foat cautioning, “We are looking at how we used to be and not looking at what our future looks like right now, which is not good.”

What’s next: The budget takes effect July 1, with quarterly financial reviews planned throughout the two-year period to monitor revenue and expense trends.

Dive deeper with our full story

---

BRIEFLY

💧 Some city sections removed from flood zone after $16M project

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a map revision that reclassifies some Palm Springs properties as lower flood risk, potentially saving homeowners and businesses in one portion of the city hundreds of dollars annually in flood insurance costs, Riverside County officials said this week.

• The map revision stems from the Palm Springs Line 41 storm drain project completed by the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, which included over one mile of underground storm drain and a flood basin that protected the Safari Mobile Home Park and Backstreet Art District during Hurricane Hilary in August 2023.
  
• The updated flood map takes effect July 18. Property owners can contact their lenders to determine if flood insurance remains required and may adjust their coverage with insurance providers accordingly.
  
• Bottom line: The average flood insurance cost in Palm Springs is $784 per year, according to FEMA data, though residents are advised to consult insurance agents to evaluate their residual risk before deciding to reduce coverage.

Read our complete story and see the revised map here

---

TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Palm Springs International ShortFest
11 a.m. | Festival Theaters
Hosted by the Palm Springs International Film Society, this week-long event features both national and international short films. Awards handed out at this festival are academy-qualifying. ($20) 

Art Museum Free Admission
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Art Museum 
From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy free admission to galleries and exhibitions, and explore the collection at your own pace. 

Swim Center Community Meeting
5 p.m. | Leisure Center
The City’s Parks and Recreation team will hold a community meeting for the public to review schematic designs for facilities at the Palm Springs Swim Center. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Traffic Signal Installation Meeting
5:30 p.m. | Virtual
City officials are holding an informational meeting to inform the public on a new traffic signal installation at Indian Canyon Drive and Via Escuela. It will be held on Zoom at the link here. 

VillageFest
7 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs  
The street fair features a variety of art, entertainment, shopping, and food options. 

View all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• 4th Saturday Chamber Music at Mizell Center on Saturday
  
• 2025 All American 4th of July Weekend July 3-5 in Palm Springs
  
• Falsettos begins at Palm Canyon Theatre on July 11
  
• Your Extraordinary Mind on July 12 at the Cultural Center
  
• PSUSD classified job fair on July 16 at the school district office

Submit your event here

---

AND FINALLY …

Six local LGBTQIA+ business leaders received the Spirit of Palm Springs Awards Wednesday in a ceremony at City Hall, with Mayor Ron deHarte recognizing entrepreneurs who have helped establish the city’s reputation as a destination for both business innovation and inclusivity.

The honorees and their achievements:

• Jennifer Seymour of Hunters Palm Springs was recognized for innovative hospitality leadership and community engagement.
  
• Bill Sanderson of Townie Bagels received honors for culinary entrepreneurship and neighborhood business development.
  
• Tony Marchese of Trio Restaurant was celebrated for restaurant excellence and commitment to local dining culture.
  
• Lucy DeBardelaben of The Palm Springs Women’s Jazz and Blues Association was acknowledged for artistic leadership and cultural community building.
  
• Shann Carr of A Lesbian Concierge In The Desert was recognized for unique service innovation and LGBTQIA+ tourism advocacy.
  
• Tai Spendley, owner and chef of Rooster and the Pig, was honored for culinary excellence and farm-to-table business leadership.

Why it matters: According to a city news release, the Pride Month recognition “underscores Palm Springs’ commitment to celebrating the diverse business community that makes our city a destination for entrepreneurship, creativity, and inclusion.” broader conversation about how small businesses are supported across the state.”