City Hall ⋆ Page 2 of 20 ⋆ The Palm Springs Post

Vacation rental owners surprised by proposed state tax aimed at their properties; city officials fear it could negatively impact local economy

By Kendall Balchan ● Business ● June 8, 2023

Senate Bill 584 would impose a 15% tax on short-term rentals for stays 30 days or less. Its aim is to help the housing crisis. Some predict it would hurt the Palm Springs tourism industry.

Latest in City Hall

Sidewalk vendor regulations inch closer to final approval; City Council split on some issues

By Mark Talkington ● City Hall ● June 6, 2023

Advocates for street food vendors expressed support for the overall goal of the regulations but are concerned that limiting when and where in the city they can operate goes against state laws.

Compromise reached allowing Dream Hotel project to move forward toward hopeful 2026 completion

By Mark Talkington ● Land Use & Development ● June 5, 2023

The amended plans reflect a height reduction of more than 22 feet for buildings within approximately 200 feet of an adjacent condominium complex.

‘I’m going to give this all I got’: Roberts reflects as Plaza Theatre Foundation nears goal, wraps up open houses

By Kendall Balchan ● Arts & Culture ● June 1, 2023

As the fundraising finish line appears closer and the start of construction looms, the president of the foundation hoping to return the venue to its former glory reflects on how this moment came to be and what lies ahead.

City Council approves $1.2 million contract for homeless encampment cleanup services

By Mark Talkington ● Homelessness ● May 25, 2023

Encampments have appeared in multiple areas throughout the city but are somewhat nomadic. One in the wash that abuts the Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort is believed to be the biggest in the Coachella Valley.

City aims to improve licensing, permit process with newly-launched online portal

By Post Staff ● City Hall ● May 23, 2023

The portal, launched this week, will help residents apply for permits, search public records, renew business licenses, pay invoices and more.

Public comments drive changes to draft land use guidelines working their way through City Hall

By Post Staff ● Land Use & Development ● May 18, 2023

The nine-person committee met for nearly three hours Thursday evening to review the land use draft changes. No action was taken, but consultants working on the draft were on hand for quesitons.

Dream Hotel decision delayed as some on City Council share neighbors’ concerns over heights

By Mark Talkington ● City Hall ● May 11, 2023

Designs for a building on the northeast corner of the development were “a stretch too far” according to one councilmember.

Draft budgets for coming fiscal years reflect increased revenue, spending, and a focus on quality of life

By Kendall Balchan ● City Hall ● May 9, 2023

Faced with a July 1 deadline to adopt next year’s budget, the Palm Springs City Council dived into the spreadsheets Monday evening during a three-hour special session with city staff.

$1.3 million approved for Victoria, Demuth park projects, but work will require closures until 2024

By Mark Talkington ● City Hall ● May 3, 2023

Two decades after playground equipment was first installed at two popular parks, the City Council unanimously approved the purchase and installation of new playground equipment and shade structures.

City Council declines to approve proposed $500,000 contract for Section 14 reparations consultant

By Mark Talkington ● City Hall ● April 27, 2023

During an hour-long discussion that followed an hour of public comments, a majority of councilmembers expressed doubts that the organization eyed for the contract could be unbiased.

City taps Long Beach assistant fire chief as new head of Palm Springs Fire Department

By Post Staff ● City Hall ● April 17, 2023

Paul Alvarado will step into the role currently occupied by Deputy Fire Chief Jason Loya, who became the interim fire chief following Kevin Nalder’s resignation last August.