Palm Springs airport partners with Desert Arc to create life-changing opportunities

Representatives from Palm Springs International Airport and Desert Arc, a nonprofit that creates opportunities for people with disabilities, gathered with city officials on Wednesday to celebrate a new partnership between the airport and the local nonprofit, creating meaningful job opportunities for adults with disabilities.

The partnership, approved by the Palm Springs City Council in September 2024 and launched in November, marks the start of a five-year agreement in which a dedicated crew of individuals with disabilities will work year-round at the airport, providing ground maintenance, landscaping, and trash removal services. Currently, there are five employees and one supervisor.

According to Harry Barrett Jr., executive director of aviation at Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), the partnership helps maintain the airport’s appearance through trash hauling, weed abatement, bush trimming, and sprinkler repairs. At the same time, it supports sustainable and meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities, reinforcing the airport’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity.

“It means a lot to the airport,” Barrett said. “It takes a lot of time to maintain this facility, and it takes a lot of effort and manpower. Part of what we’ve tried to do, not only citywide but at the airport, is make sure we’re being inclusive in our workforce, bringing people in, and giving them an opportunity to experience what it’s like to work at an airport.”

Richard Balocco, president and CEO of Desert Arc, described the partnership as a monumental moment for the nonprofit and the community it serves. He emphasized that it provides an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

“I think it does a couple of things,” Balocco said. “One, it showcases the kind of work we can do, and it removes stigmas about people with developmental disabilities. I don’t think anybody who comes here would think that any one of these people is developmentally disabled. They’re certainly capable. They do great work. They show up every day and just do their job. They don’t complain. It’s an amazing thing.”

The five-year agreement allocates $320,000 annually for labor and materials such as flowers, soil, and mulch. The airport self-funded the project using no taxpayer dollars. Overall, the partnership will direct well over $1 million toward necessary maintenance projects Desert Arc manages.

Mayor Ron deHarte, who spoke at the event, said the partnership reflects the airport’s mission and the city’s broader commitment to supporting social enterprises that provide meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Palm Springs City Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein also praised the initiative, noting its impact on the airport’s landscape and maintenance.

“This project, in particular, is something I’ve helped champion from the beginning because I really believe in it,” Bernstein said. “And the proof is in what you see here. The Desert Arc crew is doing an amazing job, and you can see it by looking around. And I probably shouldn’t say this, but the airport looks better than it ever has. So thank you to Desert Arc and all the workers.”

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