Nov. 20 Daily Briefing: ‘Defining moment,’ state of the city, inside the Plaza Theatre, and more

Welcome to Thursday, where it’s time to get crafty for a great cause — the annual Holiday Wreath Auction is back, continuing a 30-year legacy started by late community advocate Dick Haskamp to benefit The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert and Palm Springs Animal Shelter. If you’re a maker with holiday spirit, fill out the online form here, then be prepared to drop off your handmade wreath at The Center, 1301 North Palm Canyon Dr., by 4 p.m. this Friday. It could be featured in the online silent auction or the live auction at Eight4Nine on Dec. 3 — where the patio transforms into what organizers call a magical, holiday wonderland! Make your reservations for the event now by calling 760-325-8490.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root

LEADING OFF

‘Defining moment’ as plan to break city free from tourism dependence goes up for discussion

Palm Springs leaders will review a sweeping economic development plan Monday that aims to transform the city’s tourism-reliant economy as tax revenue continues to decline. The framework proposes dozens of actions to diversify the economy over the next decade.

Driving the news: The Palm Springs Economic Development Strategic Framework — the city’s first formal economic plan — comes as Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collections dropped 3.6% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025-26, falling to $6.62 million from $6.87 million in the same period last year.

• The accommodation and food services sector contracted 13.2% between 2019 and 2023, with workers earning just $32,620 annually on average.

Why it matters: Business surveys revealed significant dissatisfaction with the city’s regulatory environment. Among respondents, 68% reported difficulty navigating permitting requirements, while 34% have considered closing down entirely — with 48% citing local regulations as the primary reason.

What’s proposed: The framework calls for establishing Palm Springs as a health and wellness technology hub, creating a Convention Center District, and launching nighttime business zones during hot summer months. 

• The plan also emphasizes workforce housing expansion as median home prices exceed $1 million while average annual wages hover around $46,000.

What’s next: The City Council will discuss the framework at a special study session Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. Implementation will require future budget allocations beyond the current $1.3 million economic development budget.

Dive deeper with our full story

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BRIEFLY

🎤 State of the City planned for Dec. 2; public invited

• Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte will deliver the annual State of the City address on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. This year’s theme is “Palm Springs Forward… We Can… Plan Smarter, Build Stronger with a City that works for everyone!”
  
• The event begins with a 2 p.m. Community Fair featuring city departments and local non-profits, followed by Mayor deHarte’s presentation at 3 p.m. A free community ice cream social will take place after the address at the Convention Center, 277 North Avenida Caballeros.
  
• Details: The State of the City is free and open to the public. Residents unable to attend can watch the broadcast on the city’s YouTube channel and Palm Springs Community Television.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Preschool and Baby Story Times
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Public Library at Rimrock Plaza
Children’s Librarian Nancy reads stories, sings songs, and shares early learning concepts. Preschool story time is from 10-11 AM and Baby story time is at 11 AM – 12 PM each Thursday morning, unless otherwise noted.

Jonathan Bennett Walk of the Stars Dedication Ceremony
11 a.m. | Welwood Memorial Library
Actor, television host, producer, and LGBTQI+ advocate Jonathan Bennett will be honored with the 483rd star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars in the category of Entertainment.

Nonesuch Nonfiction Book Club
2 p.m. | Welwood Memorial Library
Members of the book club will discuss this month’s pick: Cher: The Memoir, Part One by Cher. Next month they’ll tackle The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. Find out how to join the book club here.

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. 

Transgender Day of Remembrance
5 p.m. | Palm Springs City Hall
Join us as we honor and remember the lives of transgender individuals who have been lost to violence and discrimination.

Measure J Oversight Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Commission was created to review and make recommendations to the City Council on the use of funds generated by the implementation of Measure “J,” a 1% transactions, sales, and use tax.

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs  
The street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food. 

Thursday Night Vibes
6 p.m. | Hyatt Palm Springs – HooDoo Lounge
Every Thursday, Leanna & Miguel on Congas turn up the entertainment energy with an electrifying mix of Pop, Soft-Rock, Disco, Jazz, Classic Covers, and those irresistible dance & sing-along hits from the 70s & 80s!

RENT the Musical
7 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company
Johnathon Larson’s award winning musical live on stage. ($33)

View all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• McCormick’s 79th Auto Auction starts Friday at Palm Springs Convention Center.
  
• Coachella Valley Filipino Festival on Saturday.
  
• Plaza Theatre Community Open House and Block Party on Saturday.
  
• For the Heroic, Bright and Beautiful Desert Winds Freedom Band concert at Jewish Community Center on Saturday and Sunday.
  
• Art in the Park in the Dark on Nov. 29.
  
• AIDS Memorial ceremonial groundbreaking on Dec. 1 at Downtown Park.

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AND FINALLY …

The nearly 90-year-old Plaza Theatre is days away from reopening after a $34 million restoration that preserved its historic character while upgrading it for modern performances. The 700-seat venue will offer a dramatically different experience than its sister property, the 11,000-seat Acrisure Arena.

Driving the news: Oak View Group General Manager John Bolton said during media tours Wednesday that the Plaza’s intimate size makes it one of the most unique properties in the company’s worldwide portfolio of several hundred facilities, though the small capacity creates booking challenges.

• “We needed artists whose financial requirements made sense with 700 seats,” Bolton said during a media tour Wednesday. “Some need a bigger room, but many love this vibe.”

Why it matters: The restored theater will serve as home base for eight to ten resident performance groups, including the Palm Springs Symphony, Gay Men’s Chorus, Jazz Festival and Film Festival, anchoring the city’s cultural programming in an intimate downtown setting.

What’s new: Upgrades include a state-of-the-art sound system and projection screen donated by the team behind Las Vegas’ Sphere, plus a programmable LED “Starfield” ceiling that reimagines the original 1936 hand-punched design.

What’s next: A free community block party on Saturday (Nov. 22) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will feature guided tours and performances by local arts groups.

Dive deeper and see more pictures in our online story