Palm Springs welcomes new mayor, councilmembers during mostly ceremonial meeting

Ron deHarte was sworn in as the newest mayor of Palm Springs Thursday evening, ushering in a new era of leadership that reflects the city’s diversity. The City Council now boasts a Hispanic majority for the first time in its history.

Joining deHarte on the dais, along with Councilmember Grace Garner and Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein — who deHarte replaced in the mayor’s role — were newly elected councilmembers Naomi Soto and David Ready, replacing outgoing members Christy Holstege and Lisa Middleton.

In his address to the audience in Council Chambers, deHarte called for a reassessment of the city’s numerous ongoing projects and initiatives.

“My big, bold initiative is to put the brakes on,” deHarte said. “I’m calling on a prioritization of current projects while delivering constituent services at a level we can all be proud of.”

The new mayor emphasized three main priorities: quality of life, economic development, and becoming a “we can” city. He stressed the need to focus on homelessness, crime reduction, and housing issues.

“I’ll lead the effort to support solutions to lower crime and ensure safe neighborhoods for all,” deHarte said. “I’m committed to reach and maintain fully staffed police and fire to serve our residents and the 100,000 visitors we have during the season.”

To boost economic development, deHarte announced the creation of a Mayor’s Council for Economic Development. He also highlighted plans to establish a green energy zone in northern Palm Springs and position the city as a cultural and artistic attraction.

The new mayor acknowledged the city’s ambitious agenda, which includes over $3 billion in commercial and municipal development projects. However, he cautioned against overextension.

“We’re trying to do too much,” deHarte said. “Let’s align the strategic work of City Council, all our city departments and all our commissions to achieve our stated priorities.”

Before the transition, outgoing councilmembers Holstege and Middleton reflected on their two terms of service.

Holstege highlighted the city’s progress during her tenure, including the construction of a $40 million navigation center for homeless services and the development of 200 units of affordable housing.

“We’ve really invested in people,” Holstege said. “We’ve hired staff to provide services that didn’t exist before we got on council.”

Middleton, the first transgender person elected to political office in California, expressed gratitude for the city’s welcoming spirit.

“Because of Palm Springs, I have been judged in this city by what I could do and how hard I was willing to work,” Middleton said. She also noted significant increases in the city’s budget, reserves, and public safety funding during her time on the council.

Both departing councilmembers received praise from their colleagues and the public for their service.

Councilmember Grace Garner commended Holstege for her policy analysis skills and ability to explain complex issues to the public. She praised Middleton for her expertise in budgets and transportation issues.

“Lisa and I probably disagree more than anyone else on this dais” Garner said. “But we are also I think the most alike, because we both care deeply about what we’re doing up here.”

The new council faces numerous challenges, including managing the city’s rapid growth, addressing housing affordability, and maintaining Palm Springs’ status as a premier tourist destination.

DeHarte called for civility and respect in public discourse, acknowledging recent incidents of retaliation and intimidation in the community.

“I pledge to fight any form of retaliation and intimidation and restore trust in the process during the challenging times ahead,” he said.

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