1 PALM SPRINGS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK: A BLUEPRINT FOR MODERN INNOVATION, SUSTAINABLE GROWTH, AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING NOVEMBER 5, 2025 • VERSION 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Palm Springs faces a defining moment. What began as success—a powerful brand, thriving tourism, cultural cachet—has created new pressures that threaten long-term viability. The city's economic foundation rests on a narrow set of industries, its workforce and housing markets are out of balance, and its infrastructure is strained by climate, cost, and growth. Between its celebrated past and uncertain future, Palm Springs faces a choice that goes beyond economics. The question is not whether the city will change; external forces guarantee that it will. The question is whether Palm Springs will direct that change or be reshaped by it. This framework argues for the former: a deliberate, community-driven transformation that preserves what makes Palm Springs distinctive while building the fiscal and organizational capacity to meet 21st-century challenges. The Economic Development Strategic Framework (EDSF) charts a decade-long path to rebalance the local economy, strengthen public capacity, and reimagine the city as a year-round hub for creativity, health, and innovation. This is not about abandoning Palm Springs' identity. It is about reclaiming the experimental, forward-looking spirit that created that identity in the first place. Developed through extensive stakeholder engagement (including interviews with business leaders, multiple surveys, several community meetings, and collaboration with regional partners) this framework reflects both data-driven analysis and community priorities. The EDSF organizes the city's approach around five guiding principles, each crafted to directly address a core structural challenge:1 PROBLEM RESPONSE OUTCOME Principle A: Expand the City's economic development capacity Limited capacity to manage growth: City systems, permitting processes, and administrative coordination have not kept pace with development demands, slowing investment and eroding confidence.
Strengthen internal capacity, digital systems, and interdepartmental coordination to improve service delivery, accelerate project timelines, and enhance accountability.
A city that operates at the speed of business—efficient, transparent, and responsive.
Principle B: Reinvigorate the business climate Fragmented business environment: Entrepreneurs and investors face a fragmented landscape — Create a unified business environment through targeted incentives, technical assistance, and partnerships A more dynamic, inclusive, and growth-oriented business ecosystem that supports both small 1 The framework encompasses 93 specific actions across three implementation phases: 38 short-term actions (1-2 years), 43 medium-term actions (3-5 years), and 22 long-term transformational investments (5-10 years).
2 limited incentives, inconsistent communication, and uneven access to resources. with chambers, tourism organizations, and Tribal enterprises. enterprises and strategic investment.
Principle C: Bolster core industries Overreliance on tourism: Palm Springs' economic base is overly reliant on tourism, hospitality, and events, leaving the city vulnerable to seasonality and shocks.
Modernize the tourism and cultural economy by expanding group business, live performance, and nighttime activity; leverage arts, design, and LGBTQ+ identity as competitive advantages.
A year-round economy rooted in creativity, experience, and cultural distinction.
Principle D: Seed and nurture emerging clusters Underdeveloped emerging sectors: The city's future-facing industries — health, wellness, creative technology, and climate innovation — remain underdeveloped due to limited coordination and educational pathways.
Partner with colleges, health providers, and private investors to grow new clusters in creative economy, climate adaptation, and healthcare and wellness technology, and; align training and workforce programs with these sectors.
A diversified economy that offers higher-wage jobs, attracts next-generation talent, and strengthens regional competitiveness.
Principle E: Strengthen community assets and infrastructure Strained infrastructure and livability: Rising housing costs, transportation gaps, and heat exposure threaten livability, workforce retention, and business continuity.
Invest in workforce housing, multimodal mobility, renewable energy, broadband, and shade infrastructure to support year-round activity.
A city built for the future—equitable, connected, and resilient in the face of climate and demographic change.
These five principles are interdependent: institutional capacity enables business growth; business growth funds infrastructure; infrastructure supports emerging industries; and emerging industries create the year-round economy that strengthens the city's core assets. The result is a future where Palm Springs is not only a world-class destination, but a community where residents can build lives, careers, and belonging. WHAT SUCCESS REQUIRES This framework will succeed or fail based on three factors that transcend policy design: § INSTITUTIONAL WILL: The City must maintain focus across electoral cycles, staff transitions, and competing priorities. Economic development operates on timelines that exceed political calendars, and momentum lost is rarely recovered. § RESOURCE ALIGNMENT: Many initiatives in this framework require no new funding—only coordination and reprioritization. Others demand significant investment. The City must make
3 hard choices about where to deploy limited capital and staff capacity, recognizing that attempting everything guarantees achieving nothing. § COMMUNITY TOLERANCE FOR EXPERIMENTATION: Not every initiative will succeed. Some partnerships will disappoint. Some businesses will fail despite support. The framework's value lies not in eliminating risk but in creating systematic approaches to manage it. Progress requires permission to try, fail, learn, and adjust. THE PATH FORWARD Together, these principles form a cohesive strategy: build institutional capacity, unlock business growth, elevate cultural assets, diversify into emerging industries, and sustain livability. The framework comprises 21 initiatives and 93 actions, each with defined timelines, lead entities, and measurable outcomes. Early wins in years 1-2 will build momentum; sustained progress in years 3-5 will establish new programs; and transformational investments in years 5-10 will define Palm Springs' economic future. Palm Springs once led the world in redefining modern living. With this framework, it can do so again — not by recreating mid-century optimism, but by applying that era's experimental spirit to contemporary challenges. The city that pioneered new ways of living in the desert can pioneer new models for economic resilience, climate adaptation, and inclusive prosperity. But only if it acts with the same courage that built its reputation in the first place.
4 INTRODUCTION In 1963, architect Albert Frey designed a house that seemed to float impossibly above the desert floor, its steel frame and glass walls framing the San Jacinto Mountains like a living photograph. The structure embodied everything Palm Springs represented: bold innovation, seamless integration with the natural environment, and an unwavering belief that thoughtful design could transform how people lived. The house still stands today, a testament to Palm Springs' identity as fundamentally rooted in modernism—an approach that celebrates the power of human beings to create, improve, and reshape their environment through practical experimentation, scientific knowledge, and technology. Palm Springs emerged into the public consciousness in the 1930s as a glamorous escape for Hollywood stars, but there was so much more incubating behind that facade. What started as a convenient desert retreat evolved into America's first experiment in modern living, where venues like the Chi Chi Club and Racquet Club the alongside Frank Sinatra's Twin Palms residence signaled a place where culture, leisure, and new ways of life converged. By the mid-century, Palm Springs had blossomed into the undisputed capital of American modernism. The movement's core principles—infectious optimism, function-driven design, and democratic accessibility—found their fullest expression in the desert city's architecture and lifestyle. This embodied a radical belief that good design could democratize comfort and connect people more deeply to their environment as well as to each other. That legacy made Palm Springs a global icon, not just in design circles, but among the LGBTQ+ community, outdoor enthusiasts, and creatives of all stripes. [CALLOUT BOX #1]. Yet a cultural brand alone does not translate to sustained economic prosperity, and a sense of complacency eventually set in. Over time the city shifted toward a tourism-dominated economy, leaving behind much of the innovation ethos that fueled its rise. Today, Palm Springs stands at a crossroads. If mid-century modernism was born from a desire for renewal, reinvention, and progress in the post-war era, that same philosophy must be embraced as the city faces significant contemporary challenges. Palm Springs can remain a showcase of mid-century dreams or reassert itself as a living laboratory for redesigning modern life. This strategy seeks to rekindle the city's founding spirit—not by preserving it in amber, but by building a resilient economy, modernizing its systems, and creating space for a new generation of thinkers and creators to redefine what the good life looks like in the desert. PURPOSE In 2024, the Palm Springs City Council approved a motion to produce the city’s first Economic Development Strategic Framework (EDSF) under the direction of its newly appointed Chief Economic Development Officer [CALLOUT BOX #2]. This initiative emerges from a critical need to shift from reactive governance to proactive leadership. The city must address the multifaceted challenges that have emerged in recent years through coordinated, strategic action rather than constant crisis management.
5 The framework provides an overarching vision for Palm Springs' short-, medium-, and long-term future, serving as a coordination mechanism among public and private sector entities, regional bodies, and residents. The development of the EDSF represents a collaborative and systematic process designed to set priorities, allocate resources, and develop policies, programs, and initiatives that improve resident wellbeing while promoting sustainable growth. Rather than accepting the constraints of the current economic model, this framework charts a path toward diversification, innovation, and year-round vitality that honors Palm Springs' unique character while preparing it for future challenges. WHY NOW? Palm Springs faces mounting pressures that threaten its long-term economic viability and stability. While the city benefits from a strong identity as a premier leisure destination, these pressures—ranging from housing and workforce issues to climate change, business conditions, and regional competition—underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategic planning: § ECONOMIC CONCENTRATION AND VULNERABILITY: Palm Springs' economy continues to rely heavily on tourism, hospitality, and events. While these sectors remain pillars of the city's identity, overdependence exposes Palm Springs to seasonal volatility and external shocks such as recessions, pandemics, and shifts in travel patterns. In a survey of Palm Springs businesses conducted in the summer of 2025, 82% of respondents said tourism is important to their bottom line, with 68% stating that tourism was either “essential” or “very important”. This concentration limits resilience and constrains opportunities for year-round economic stability. [CALLOUT BOX #3] § EVOLVING MARKET DYNAMICS: Travelers' preferences continue to evolve toward flexible, experience-driven offerings, while competing destinations both in the Coachella Valley and beyond are innovating to capture these markets. Both vacation rentals and hotels showed declining tax revenue in May 2025. Short-term rental taxes dropped to $942,525, nearly $160,000 below the prior year and the lowest collection in five years. Hotel taxes, at approximately $3 million, fell to their weakest level in four years. Without strategic adaptation, Palm Springs risks losing market share to more agile competitors. § CHALLENGING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT: Local businesses frequently cite difficulties navigating permitting, compliance, and regulatory processes. Over two-thirds (68%) of respondents in the business survey stated they have difficulty navigating permitting or licensing requirements, and 50% said the high costs associated with regulatory compliance were major challenges. Complex rules and overly restrictive policies slow expansion, discourage entrepreneurship, and place Palm Springs at a competitive disadvantage compared to neighboring cities with more streamlined systems. This regulatory burden undermines the city's ability to retain existing businesses and attract new investment. § HOUSING CRISIS AND WORKFORCE CHALLENGES: Housing costs increased by 83% between 2018 and 2023, fueled in part by demand for short-term rentals and speculative investment, while
6 wages rose by just under 30%. Many workers are priced out of living local—the median home price in Palm Springs exceeds $1.0 million, compared to an average annual wage of around $46,000—creating persistent labor shortages, long commutes, and retention issues across key industries. Indeed, only 15.5% of Palms Springs workers actually live in Palm Springs. This housing-workforce disconnect threatens the sustainability of the local economy and quality of life for residents. § CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESSURES: Extreme heat, drought, and rising energy costs present pressing concerns for residents, businesses, and the tourism sector alike. These climate-driven challenges threaten livability, increase operational costs, and require proactive investment in resilience and sustainability infrastructure. [CALLOUT BOX #4] § REGIONAL COMPETITION: Nearby cities are pursuing aggressive economic development strategies, investing in new infrastructure, and cultivating reputations as business-friendly hubs. Without a comprehensive plan, Palm Springs risks losing investment, talent, and visitors to regional competitors who are actively courting these opportunities. § DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITIONS: An influx of retirees, remote workers, and creative professionals is reshaping Palm Springs' economic and social landscape. While these groups bring new opportunities, they also increase housing demand and reveal gaps in career pathways for younger residents and mid-career workers seeking local employment. [CALLOUT BOX #5]. § INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICITS: Aging infrastructure, limited mobility options, and uneven downtown recovery remain barriers to inclusive growth. Strategic investment and coordination are needed to ensure revitalization benefits both residents and small businesses while supporting broader economic development goals. § EXTERNAL UNCERTAINTIES: Finally, ongoing economic and policy uncertainty at the national level continue to create ripple effects in Palm Springs, influencing international tourism, driving up costs, and reshaping workforce availability in hospitality. These external pressures underscore the need for strong local and regional strategies to build resilience. Together, these pressures make clear that Palm Springs cannot rely on past strengths alone to secure its future. The city must act with urgency to diversify its economic base, modernize its operations, and create conditions that support year-round stability for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. UNDERSTANDING TRADE-OFFS To address these challenges effectively, stakeholders must acknowledge that meaningful progress requires difficult tradeoffs. Improving economic and social conditions for residents, workers, and businesses will not be possible without deliberate efforts to promote growth and development. Palm Springs confronts fiscal deficits and structural revenue constraints that limit its ability to invest in
7 infrastructure, housing, and quality-of-life improvements. Simply maintaining the status quo will not generate the resources necessary to tackle rising costs, climate adaptation, or workforce retention. The reality is stark: without proactive economic development, Palm Springs will lack the fiscal capacity to address its most pressing challenges. Housing affordability, infrastructure modernization, climate adaptation, and workforce development all require substantial public and private investment. These investments can only be sustained through a more diversified, resilient economic base that generates revenue throughout the year rather than relying primarily on seasonal tourism. [CALLOUT BOX #6] Expanding the city's revenue base is therefore essential, and stronger fiscal health cannot be achieved without embracing change. This means making strategic choices about land use, business regulations, and regional partnerships; welcoming new industries alongside tourism; and balancing preservation of Palm Springs' unique character with the flexibility needed to adapt to a shifting economy. By facing these tradeoffs directly, the city can chart a course that secures fiscal stability, strengthens resilience, and ensures long-term prosperity for the entire community. The alternative—maintaining the status quo while hoping external pressures will diminish—risks further erosion of the city's competitive position and, by extension, overall well-being. MAPPING THE PLANNING PROCESS The economic development strategic planning process began in September 2024 and spanned several distinct phases, each designed to gather comprehensive input and build consensus around strategic priorities. The process followed a systematic methodology that combined quantitative analysis with extensive stakeholder engagement to ensure the resulting plan reflects both data-driven insights and community priorities. The process began with a document review and several rounds of data analysis, which examined existing plans, policies, and economic indicators to establish baseline conditions. This phase included analysis of demographic trends, economic performance metrics, fiscal conditions, and regional comparative data to understand Palm Springs' current position and trajectory. Interviews and focus groups represented the core of the preliminary stakeholder engagement process, involving dozens of conversations with business leaders, residents, city staff, elected officials, and regional partners. These discussions identified key challenges, opportunities, and priorities from multiple perspectives, ensuring the plan addresses real-world concerns and builds on existing assets. The Office of Economic Development also administered surveys to local businesses and residents to capture broader community perspectives on economic challenges and opportunities. Additional surveys were conducted with participants at major Palm Springs events including Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival, Modernism Week, and VillageFest to understand visitor experiences, spending patterns, and perceptions of the city's economic offerings.
8 Findings from previous phases were finally synthesized into a coherent framework of principles, initiatives, and actions, with clear timelines and implementation pathways (see the “Strategic Framework Plan” that follows this narrative). This phase included examination of successful economic development strategies from comparable communities, identifying innovative approaches and proven methodologies that could be adapted to Palm Springs' unique context and challenges. Central to the strategic planning effort was the development of a comprehensive SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis. By examining internal advantages and limitations alongside external trends and risks, it provides a balanced picture of the factors shaping Palm Springs’ economy and identifies where the city can build on existing assets, address vulnerabilities, and position itself to seize emerging opportunities while mitigating potential challenges. Key stakeholder insights that frequently emerged included the following: § STRENGTHS: Palm Springs has a powerful brand and established tourism infrastructure that money can't buy. The airport connects directly to major markets. Festivals and cultural events create year-round activity. Demographic diversity and outdoor recreation access enhance quality of life for residents and visitors. § WEAKNESSES: Housing costs are pricing out essential workers. Tourism dependence creates seasonal volatility. Business owners cite permitting and regulatory challenges that neighboring cities have largely solved. Limited public transit and aging infrastructure constrain growth potential. § OPPORTUNITIES: Business tourism represents immediate revenue potential. Technology ecosystem development can capitalize on remote work trends. Creative economy initiatives can leverage the city's cultural assets. Regional partnerships can address shared challenges while reimagined zoning can unlock development potential. § THREATS: Climate change impacts are accelerating. Regional competition is intensifying. Consumer preferences continue shifting toward flexible, experience-driven options. Limited public sector capacity and fiscal pressures constrain response options. In short, the SWOT analysis reveals a city at an inflection point. Strengths provide a foundation for growth, but weaknesses and threats are gaining ground. The window for proactive change is open, but it won't stay open indefinitely. DEVELOPING THE STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK Building on SWOT analysis insights, the EDSF translates identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats into a clear set of initiatives and actions across short-, medium-, and long-term time horizons. The framework's purpose is to provide an actionable roadmap that responds to immediate challenges while positioning Palm Springs for long-term, inclusive prosperity. Organized around five guiding
9 principles, the framework balances the need to strengthen core industries with the imperative to diversify into emerging sectors, while enhancing community assets and institutional capacity: § PRINCIPLE A: EXPAND THE CITY'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CAPACITY focuses on building the organizational foundation necessary for effective economic development. This includes aligning city resources, modernizing policies and regulations, strengthening cross-departmental coordination, and developing the staffing and partnerships needed to implement ambitious economic development initiatives. § PRINCIPLE B: REINVIGORATE THE BUSINESS CLIMATE emphasizes creating conditions that support business formation, expansion, and retention. Key elements include streamlining permitting processes, expanding financial incentives for priority industries, establishing designated business districts, supporting nighttime economy development, and improving business resilience through emergency preparedness and recovery assistance. § PRINCIPLE C: BOLSTER EXISTING INDUSTRIES builds strategically on Palm Springs' established strengths in tourism, arts and culture, and hospitality. Rather than simply maintaining these sectors, this principle focuses on enhancing visitor experiences, leveraging key assets like the Convention Center and airport expansion, and developing Palm Springs' position as a premier destination for business tourism and cultural experiences. § PRINCIPLE D: SEED AND NURTURE EMERGING CLUSTERS represents the plan's most ambitious economic diversification component. This principle focuses on developing interconnected industry clusters in technology, climate innovation, health and wellness, and the creative economy. By leveraging geographic advantages, quality of life assets, and emerging remote work trends, these initiatives aim to create sustainable, year-round economic opportunities through cross-sector collaboration and inclusive growth strategies. § PRINCIPLE E: STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY ASSETS AND INFRASTRUCTURE recognizes that sustainable economic development requires supportive infrastructure and quality of life amenities. This principle addresses essential foundations including multimodal transportation, climate-adaptive infrastructure, expanded housing options with emphasis on workforce housing, upgraded telecommunications capabilities, enhanced energy resilience, and vibrant public spaces that support both community life and economic activity. The framework's five principles are divided into 21 initiatives, each with their own set of actions organized by implementation timeline: 38 short-term actions (1-2 years) provide immediate momentum and demonstrate progress, 43 medium-term actions (3-5 years) build capacity and establish new programs, while 22 long-term actions (5-10 years) represent transformational investments and institutional changes that will define Palm Springs' economic future. This comprehensive approach ensures that immediate needs are addressed while building toward long-term transformation, creating a balanced strategy that can adapt to changing conditions while maintaining focus on core objectives of economic diversification, fiscal sustainability, and inclusive prosperity.
10 WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOKING LIKE? A strategic framework should answer not just "what will we do?" but "what will be different?" The initiatives outlined in this framework span a decade and touch every aspect of Palm Springs' economy. To understand their cumulative impact, it helps to see them not as a checklist but as a transformation unfolding in stages—each phase delivering visible improvements while laying groundwork for what comes next. § YEARS 1-2: THE FOUNDATION | The first changes are practical but consequential. Business owners log into a redesigned permitting portal that cuts approval times from months to weeks, discover tax incentives explained in plain language, and access pre-approved permit packages for common business types. An entrepreneur pitches to a new angel investor network and secures early-stage funding. City Hall operates differently—an internal task force coordinates economic development across departments, and studies launch on workforce housing, heat resilience, and technology ecosystems, replacing guesswork with data. The Convention Center District gets formally defined through zoning updates. College of the Desert begins training programs for virtual production specialists and renewable energy technicians—jobs that don't exist in Palm Springs yet but will soon. The airport announces terminal expansion plans while Visit Greater Palm Springs secures commitments for new air routes. These aren't transformative yet, but the signal is clear: Palm Springs is building capacity to move at the speed of business. § YEARS 3-5: THE STRUCTURE | The investments compound visibly. The airport expansion opens with new direct routes extending the tourism season and bringing year-round business travelers. A graduate from new medical assistant training earns $23/hour at expanding healthcare facilities, made viable by workforce housing projects breaking ground citywide. Palm Canyon Drive transforms with complete streets—shade structures, wider sidewalks, better lighting—while an Entertainment Zone activates evening business. The Convention Center District hums with coordinated improvements and midweek bookings climb 35%. Streamlined permitting makes development predictable. A creative technology hub, climate innovation showcase, and arts accelerator open their doors. Innovation fund grants bridge startup financing gaps. The Office of Economic Development expands from one person to a full team managing partnerships across sectors. Summer no longer means shuttered businesses—nighttime incentives and climate-adapted programming create year-round vitality. § YEARS 5-10: THE LEGACY | By decade's end, transformation is undeniable. The airport's expanded terminal handles international traffic. A health innovation campus attracts medical tourists from Canada and Europe. A climate tech company with 50 employees has chosen Palm Springs for its headquarters, drawn by talent pipelines and renewable energy infrastructure. The Convention Center anchors a mixed-use district where conference attendees walk to restaurants and immersive evening experiences. Digital infrastructure upgrades support remote workers and tech businesses. Workforce housing near employment centers has stabilized labor markets. A high school senior faces a choice her older siblings didn't have: leave for opportunities elsewhere, or stay and build a career in health care, technology, or creative industries that didn't
11 exist when they graduated. That choice—the ability to build a life in Palm Springs beyond serving tourists—is the clearest measure of success. What hasn't changed: Palm Springs' identity is stronger than ever. Modernism Week, Greater Palm Springs Pride, and the LGBTQ+ community that defined the city's character continue to shape its economy and culture. The difference is that this foundation now supports an economy diverse enough to weather any shock. UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS This narrative is ambitious by necessity, and ambition carries risk. Not every initiative will succeed on the proposed timeline. Some partnerships may take longer to form than anticipated. Market conditions may shift. Political priorities may change. These are not reasons to avoid action—they are reasons to build adaptability into implementation. The framework balances quick wins (permitting reforms, business incentives) with longer-term bets (innovation campuses, new industry clusters). Early initiatives are designed to demonstrate progress and build momentum while the city develops capacity for more complex work. The goal of this framework is not to eliminate uncertainty but to manage it deliberately, acknowledging where obstacles are likely to arise and building the adaptive capacity to respond. If not proactively managed, impediments to progress may include: § INSTITUTIONAL RISKS: Implementation depends on consistent leadership, dedicated staff, and stable funding. Changes in priorities, turnover, or constrained budgets could slow progress. Strengthening interdepartmental coordination, diversifying revenue streams, and pursuing state, federal, and private partnerships will help sustain momentum. § ECONOMIC RISKS: Broader economic forces—rising costs, tourism shifts, or downturns—could alter project timelines and feasibility. Building flexibility into implementation, prioritizing quick wins, and stress-testing major investments against multiple scenarios will help maintain resilience. § COORDINATION RISKS: Many initiatives require collaboration with regional partners such as Visit Greater Palm Springs, SunLine Transit, and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments. Misalignment of priorities or unclear accountability could hinder progress. Establishing formal agreements and shared metrics can reduce this risk. § POLITICAL RISKS: Growth and change may generate public concern, particularly around affordability, housing, and preservation of local character. Transparent communication, visible early successes, and opportunities for residents to shape implementation will be essential for maintaining trust and support. § EQUITY RISKS: Without intentional design, new economic growth could bypass historically underserved communities and deepen disparities. Workforce programs, housing initiatives, and small-business supports must be structured to ensure broad access to opportunity and prevent further economic polarization.
12 MOVING FORWARD The path ahead requires more than good intentions—it demands collective action from every corner of the Palm Springs community. This strategic framework provides direction, but success depends on businesses willing to invest in local workforce development, residents who support balanced growth that strengthens the fiscal foundation, city leaders who prioritize implementation over politics, and regional partners who recognize shared challenges require coordinated solutions. By embracing the opportunities outlined in the following pages, Palm Springs can position itself as a model for cities facing similar challenges nationwide and around the world. It has the chance to pioneer climate-adaptive tourism, demonstrating how destinations can remain vibrant even as rising temperatures challenge the global travel industry. It can show how a community can evolve from a tourism-dependent economy to an innovation-driven economy that amplifies and complements its hospitality strengths rather than replacing them. Most importantly, it can illustrate how cultural and historical preservation can coexist with progress, ensuring that Palm Springs' unique identity is safeguarded while the city adapts to an evolving economic landscape. The modernist pioneers who shaped Palm Springs in the 1940s and 1950s didn't simply preserve what came before—they imagined something better and built it. They understood that respecting the past while embracing the future requires courage, creativity, and collaboration. Today's challenges are different, but the opportunity for transformational thinking remains the same. Economic development isn't a zero-sum game where growth comes at the expense of community character. Done thoughtfully, it can strengthen what residents value most: quality of life, cultural vibrancy, and fiscal stability that supports essential services. The choice isn't between change and preservation—it's between strategic change that serves community priorities or reactive change imposed by external forces. Palm Springs has the assets, the expertise, and the community engagement to succeed. The strategic framework provides direction. The timeline creates urgency without unrealistic expectations. The only missing ingredient is sustained commitment from stakeholders across the community to turn these plans into reality. This desert city that once pioneered modern living can pioneer sustainable, inclusive economic development for the 21st century. But that future won't create itself; it requires the same bold experimentation and collaborative spirit that built Palm Springs' original reputation as a place where innovation and the good life thrive.
13 CALLOUT BOXES 1. IDENTITY AS INFRASTRUCTURE: Palm Springs' cultural significance extends far beyond architecture. The city's LGBTQ+ identity represents its most distinctive competitive advantage—a joyful, creative, and inclusive community that attracts visitors, workers, and businesses seeking authenticity and belonging. This is not merely a social characteristic; it is an economic differentiator that drives medical tourism, supports specialized healthcare services, anchors cultural festivals, and creates an environment where creativity and innovation thrive. Any economic strategy that overlooks this asset risks losing what makes Palm Springs irreplaceable. 2. WHY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MATTERS: Economic development is how a city builds the foundation for long-term success. It is not a single program or department—it is the strategic approach dedicated to aligning a city’s businesses, workforce, land, infrastructure, and institutions toward a shared vision of opportunity. When done well, economic development ensures that progress in one area—housing, tourism, innovation—reinforces progress in others. For Palm Springs, expanding this capacity means moving from reaction to direction, from managing day-to-day challenges to intentionally shaping the city’s future. It is the work that makes every other kind of progress possible, turning creativity, investment, and collaboration into lasting public value. 3. FOUR SECTORS, HALF THE ECONOMY: More than half of Palm Springs' jobs concentrate in just four industries. three are growing: healthcare (+10.3% over four years, averaging $43,516) and government (+52.2%, averaging $79,938), and retail trade (+8.6%, averaging $38,082). However, the government sector's recent growth is unlikely to continue—revenue constraints and fiscal pressures will limit public sector expansion in the coming years. And while retail trade jobs may be on the rise, their low wages and seasonal nature do not provide strong economic security for industry workers. Meanwhile, the city’s second largest sector, accommodation and food services, contracted by 13.2% between 2019 and 2023, and worked only earned $32,620 in annual wages on average. When a city's economic foundation rests on four sectors—two of which pay below-median wages and face headwinds, and a third constrained by budget realities—a single shock can ripple through the entire workforce. This concentration amplifies the case for strategic diversification.
14 4. THE CLIMATE INFLECTION POINT: For four decades (1950-1990), Palm Springs experienced relatively stable extreme heat patterns—averaging 40-60 days per year with occasional spikes. Then, around 2000, the pattern shifted permanently. Extreme heat days jumped to 80-110 annually and have remained elevated ever since. This represents a fundamental change in Palm Springs' climate baseline, not cyclical variation. Businesses designed for 50 days of extreme heat now operate in an environment with twice that exposure. Economic development strategy must account for this new reality through infrastructure investment, programming adaptation, and industry diversification that works WITH extreme heat rather than against it. 5. A GRAYING ECONOMY: Palm Springs' age distribution diverges sharply from regional norms, creating both significant opportunity and urgent challenges. With nearly 40% of residents aged 65+—double Riverside County's rate—Palm Springs has one of the oldest populations in Southern California. While Riverside County's largest cohorts fall in the prime working years (40-54), Palm Springs concentrates heavily in the 70-84 age range, with the 70-79 cohort alone representing roughly 20% of the city's population. This demographic reality creates substantial economic opportunity. As 11,000 Americans turn 65 daily, demand for specialized healthcare, senior living, wellness services, and aging-in-place solutions will only intensify. But the opportunity comes with a structural challenge: Palm Springs shows a pronounced shortage of residents in their prime working years (25-44), the very cohort needed to staff healthcare facilities, hospitality businesses, and service industries that serve an aging population. Without strategic intervention (namely, workforce housing, career pathways, family-friendly amenities) Palm Springs risks becoming a retirement community unable to staff its own service economy. Economic diversification must simultaneously capture the silver economy opportunity while creating conditions that attract and retain younger workers essential to sustaining it.
15 6. THE FISCAL ROLLERCOASTER: Palm Springs' largest revenue source—transient occupancy tax from hotels and short-term rentals—swings wildly year to year. After plummeting to $32 million during the pandemic, TOT revenue spiked to $62 million in FY2021-22, then declined to $51 million by FY2024-25. These $10-30 million swings make long-term capital planning nearly impossible. Meanwhile, property tax—the most stable revenue source—has remained essentially flat at $31 million for seven years despite inflation and growing infrastructure needs. Aggregate tax revenue in FY2024-25 sits at $190 million in inflation-adjusted dollars—barely above pre-pandemic levels despite rising costs for climate adaptation, workforce housing, and infrastructure modernization. This volatility and stagnation explain why diversification isn't optional: the City cannot fund 21st-century challenges with a revenue base stuck in 2018.
16 HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT This Economic Development Strategic Framework is organized as a hierarchical structure designed to connect high-level vision with specific, actionable steps. Understanding this structure will help you navigate the document and see how individual actions contribute to broader economic goals. * * * Strategic Framework: The overarching structure that organizes the framework's vision, principles, initiatives, and actions into a coherent roadmap for advancing the Palm Springs economy. The framework provides the "big picture" and shows how different components work together. Principles: Five high-level goals that define what the City seeks to achieve in support of economic development. Each principle addresses a core need or opportunity: § Principle A: Expand the City's Economic Development Capacity § Principle B: Reinvigorate the Business Climate § Principle C: Bolster Core Industries § Principle D: Seed and Nurture Emerging Clusters § Principle E: Strengthen Community Assets and Infrastructure Initiatives: Focused approaches or methods for achieving each principle's objectives. The framework contains 21 initiatives that outline the "how" and provide thematic direction to guide implementation. For example, under Principle B (Reinvigorate the Business Climate), initiatives include "Simplify permitting and improve ongoing engagement with the business community" and "Expand incentives for businesses in priority industries." Actions: Specific, practical steps that implement each initiative. Actions are time-bound, measurable, and designed to drive tangible progress. The framework includes 93 actions distributed across three time horizons: § Short Term (1-2 years): 38 actions that provide immediate momentum and demonstrate progress § Medium Term (3-5 years): 43 actions that build capacity and establish new programs § Long Term (5-10 years): 22 actions representing transformational investments and institutional changes Each action in the Strategic Framework section includes a designated time horizon and identifies a lead entity responsible for implementation. This structure allows readers to understand both the strategic intent behind each action and the practical steps required to achieve it.
17 THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK VISION: Palm Springs aims to build an economic ecosystem that blends its legacy as a world-class tourism destination with emerging opportunities in technology, sustainability, and the creative sectors. By developing climate-resilient infrastructure, cultivating year-round economic activity, and promoting a business-friendly environment, Palm Springs will transform into a diverse, export-oriented economy where established local industries thrive alongside innovative clusters with global reach. This balanced approach will enhance the city's distinctive character while creating equitable opportunities and increased quality of life for residents of all ages, sustainable prosperity for businesses, and superlative experiences for visitors during both peak and off-peak seasons. PRINCIPLE A: EXPAND THE CITY’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CAPACITY | PAGE 19 Expanding economic development capacity involves aligning city resources, strengthening organizational infrastructure, and enhancing cross-departmental coordination. Improvements to regulatory frameworks, dedicated staffing investments, and public-private partnerships will build a strategic foundation for proactively shaping the city's economic future. Initiative A1: Streamline City services and permitting processes Initiative A2: Modernize municipal code and land use policies to support economic development Initiative A3: Develop internal coordination mechanisms and build staffing pipeline Initiative A4: Launch economic development website and marketing campaign Initiative A5: Scale economic development beyond City-funded staffing and investments PRINCIPLE B: REINVIGORATE THE BUSINESS CLIMATE | PAGE 23 Barriers to entry will be reduced while expanding economic incentives to foster a resilient commercial environment during both peak and off-peak seasons. Streamlined permitting processes, support for priority industries, enhanced nighttime business opportunities, and targeted marketing efforts will attract new businesses while strengthening existing enterprises throughout Palm Springs. Initiative B1: Simplify permitting and improve ongoing engagement with the business community Initiative B2: Expand incentives for businesses in priority industries Initiative B3: Establish designated business districts and support policies Initiative B4: Support and expand nighttime business opportunities Initiative B5: Improve business resilience through emergency preparedness, mitigation measures, and recovery assistance PRINCIPLE C: BOLSTER CORE INDUSTRIES | PAGE 27 Strengthening the tourism, arts and culture, and hospitality sectors remains a continued priority through expanded visitor engagement options and a commitment to promoting the city as an inclusive and
18 experiential destination. By leveraging key infrastructure investments, these initiatives will build upon existing foundations to support long-term growth while reinforcing Palm Springs' unique character and appeal. Initiative C1: Establish the Palm Springs Convention Center District Initiative C2: Promote Palm Springs as a premier destination for business tourism Initiative C3: Strengthen and activate the Palm Springs arts and culture Ecosystem Initiative C4: Leverage Palm Springs International Airport expansion Initiative C5: Expand Palm Springs' roster of visitor attractions and hospitality businesses PRINCIPLE D: SEED AND NURTURE EMERGING CLUSTERS | PAGE 32 The plan envisions diversifying the local economy through interconnected industry clusters in technology, climate innovation, health and wellness, and the creative economy. Leveraging geographic advantages and quality of life, Palm Springs aims to become an innovation hub addressing desert-specific challenges while creating sustainable, year-round opportunities through cross-sector collaboration and inclusive growth. Initiative D1: Build a robust technology ecosystem in Palm Springs Initiative D2: Build equitable talent pipelines and educational pathways to support emerging industries Initiative D3: Establish Palm Springs as a health and wellness technology hub Initiative D4: Expand Palm Springs' creative technology footprint Initiative D5: Promote Palm Springs as an industry leader in desert climate and energy innovation Initiative D6: Develop innovation funds and financing mechanisms PRINCIPLE E: STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY ASSETS AND INFRASTRUCTURE | PAGE 37 Essential infrastructure supporting sustainable economic development requires enhancement through improved transportation options, innovative cooling solutions, and expanded housing accessibility. Upgraded telecommunications, bolstered energy resilience, and vibrant community spaces will create a more livable, connected community that attracts and retains businesses, workers, and residents. Initiative E1: Improve multimodal transportation, circulation, and walkability to drive economic growth Initiative E2: Design, promote, and install climate-adaptive infrastructure citywide Initiative E3: Expand housing options with emphasis on workforce housing and live-work spaces Initiative E4: Upgrade telecommunications infrastructure to support business and community needs Initiative E5: Create vibrant public spaces that support community and economic activity SUMMARY OF ACTIONS BY TIME HORIZON | PAGE 42
19 PRINCIPLE A: EXPAND THE CITY’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CAPACITY These strategies focus on expanding Palm Springs’ economic development capacity by aligning city resources, strengthening organizational infrastructure, and enhancing coordination across departments and stakeholders. By improving regulatory frameworks, investing in dedicated economic development staffing, establishing a citywide calendar, and exploring the creation of an Economic Development Authority, these initiatives aim to build a more agile, strategic, and well-resourced foundation for long-term economic growth. Through these efforts, Palm Springs can better support businesses, attract investment, and proactively shape the city’s economic future. Initiative A1: Streamline City services and permitting processes To be an effective and responsive partner to the business community, City Hall must minimize procedural barriers to business development. Streamlined processes, digital systems, and specialized frameworks should provide City departments with efficient tools for consistent service delivery that support economic goals while maintaining necessary oversight. This alignment reduces friction between regulatory responsibilities and business formation, creating a municipal environment where compliance and growth operate as complementary rather than competing priorities. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action A1.1: Conduct a system, process, and technology audit to improve City service delivery and minimize ongoing costs of doing business. S Action A1.2: Implement an internal digital business licensing and permitting system that improves application processing times, automates routine approvals, and creates a centralized database of business information. S Action A1.3: Consolidate requirements across departments, reduce excessive fees, and enhance permitting portal user-friendliness for business owners with real-time tracking and digital submission. M Action A1.4: Implement a program to accelerate approvals for businesses in priority sectors, especially those that bolster sales tax revenues and foster high-quality local employment opportunities. M
20 Initiative A2: Modernize Municipal Code and land use policies to support economic development Modernizing the Municipal Code means identifying and removing unintentional regulatory barriers to development. This comprehensive approach addresses zoning, business regulations, and other ordinances that impact business attraction, formation, and operations. Updated codes, integrated incentives, and innovative land use policies provide clear direction for development decisions that support economic goals while maintaining community standards. This regulatory alignment reduces conflicts between Municipal Code requirements and economic objectives, creating an operating environment where regulations support rather than hinder business formation and growth. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action A2.1: Conduct a review of existing Municipal Code to identify ordinances and regulations that inhibit the implementation of economic development priorities. S Action A2.2: Integrate development incentives into the zoning code to offset development fees and other costs impacting the feasibility of housing and commercial development. S Action A2.3: Develop an “accessory commercial unit” designation for specified residential-only districts where homeowners or permanent tenants can add a small-format food or retail shop on their property. S Action A2.4: Expand the Foreign Trade Zone to increase geographic coverage and eligibility, enhancing its capacity to attract investment and support trade-related industries M Initiative A3: Develop internal coordination mechanisms and build staffing pipeline Strengthening the City’s capacity to design and implement effective economic initiatives requires building cross-departmental capabilities and dedicated expertise. An internal economic development task force embeds an economic development lens throughout municipal operations, allowing departments to identify opportunities within their normal functions. Moreover, leveraging academic partnerships extend bandwidth currently beyond reach (enabling planning and implementation without dramatically increasing permanent overhead) until it is feasible to hire additional staff.
21 ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY
Action A3.1: Establish an internal cross-departmental task force to embed economic development considerations into routine city operations and coordinate collaborative implementation of citywide economic development priorities. S Action A3.2: Partner with College of the Desert and regional universities to establish an economic development fellowship or internship program to channel advanced students into career-track public sector roles. M Action A3.3: Increase the size of the Office of Economic Development to scale operations as the department’s portfolio expands and the city’s economic base grows more diversified. M Initiative A4: Launch economic development website and marketing campaign The development of robust digital infrastructure transforms how City staff communicate economic opportunities to the public and respond to business needs. A comprehensive online platform reduces repetitive information requests (making routine information self-service), provides 24/7 access to resources, and creates consistent frameworks for presenting economic data across departments. Moreover, a strategic marketing campaign will showcase Palm Springs' competitive advantages to investors, entrepreneurs, and talent while educating residents about economic development services. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action A4.1: Develop digital toolkits that provide step-by-step guidance for businesses at every stage as well as workforce development resources that connect residents with emerging job opportunities. S Action A4.2: Draft public education materials to inform residents, local businesses, and workers about the Office of Economic Development's services, programs, and resources. S
22 Action A4.3: Develop and implement a comprehensive economic development marketing strategy and brand identity to highlight Palm Springs' competitive advantages and attract priority industries, businesses, investors, and talent. M Action A4.4: Build an interactive and publicly accessible data dashboard with regularly updated metrics on key economic indicators, business activity, and development trends. M Initiative A5: Scale economic development beyond City-funded staffing and investments Effective economic development requires capabilities and resources that often exceed municipal capacity. By creating strategic partnerships, specialized financing mechanisms, and dedicated authorities with expanded powers, the City can dramatically extend its economic development reach and amplify impact. By allowing the Office of Economic Development to operate with a more expansive toolkit, these capacity-building mechanisms enable Palm Springs to pursue ambitious economic initiatives despite limited internal staffing and budgetary constraints. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action A5.1: Formalize partnerships with regional economic development organizations and neighboring jurisdictions to share resources, coordinate efforts, and leverage specialized expertise. S Action A5.2: Explore the feasibility of implementing an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) to support the funding of economic development projects. M Action A5.3. Establish an Economic Development Authority with powers to define economic districts, purchase property, enter limited partnerships, and operate select facilities/infrastructure. L
23 PRINCIPLE B: REINVIGORATE THE BUSINESS CLIMATE These strategies focus on strengthening Palm Springs' business climate by reducing barriers to entry, expanding economic incentives, and fostering a more resilient and dynamic commercial environment that thrives year-round. By streamlining the permitting process, supporting priority industries, enhancing nighttime business opportunities, and launching targeted investment marketing efforts, these initiatives aim to attract new businesses, retain existing ones, and create a more business-friendly ecosystem. Initiative B1: Simplify permitting and improve ongoing engagement with the business community Clear, predictable permitting processes are essential for business confidence and investment decisions. At the same time the City’s broader regulatory framework and internal processes are being streamlined, immediate improvements to the user experience can provide tangible benefits to entrepreneurs and small business owners. By creating standardized packages, establishing dedicated support services, and implementing business-driven feedback mechanisms, the City can eliminate common pain points that discourage business formation while maintaining regulatory standards that protect community interests. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action B1.1: Launch a formal business advisory group with local entrepreneurs and small businesses to identify ongoing challenges and recommend process improvements. S Action B1.2: Deploy a customer relationship management (CRM) tool to track business inquiries and interactions, provide updates to the business community, and improve engagement. M Action B1.3: Create pre-approved permit packages for common business types (restaurants, retail, service businesses, home-based businesses) that bundle required permits and provide clear timelines and requirements. M Action B1.4: Establish a permitting concierge service (that features a combination of live and automated interfaces) to provide direct assistance to businesses navigating the permitting and licensing process. M Initiative B2: Expand incentives for businesses in priority industries Financial considerations heavily influence business location and expansion decisions, particularly for enterprises in competitive or emerging sectors. Strategic incentives and cost reduction measures can
24 position Palm Springs as a preferred destination by improving business cash flow, reducing startup barriers, and demonstrating the city's commitment to enterprise success. By implementing targeted tax benefits, utility assistance, and specialized district designations, the City can create meaningful financial advantages that attract investment while maximizing return on public resources. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action B2.1: Create a comprehensive guide detailing all available city and county-level business incentives including grants, tax benefits, fee waivers, and development programs. S Action B2.2: Update the hotel operations incentive program by refining classifications and structuring share agreements that align with evolving short-term rental (STR) capital market dynamics to enhance financial feasibility and industry competitiveness S Action B2.3: Implement a business tax incentive program offering reduced tax rates for new businesses in priority industries, including a first-year business tax exemption and a reduced tax rate in the second year to encourage business growth and investment. S Initiative B3: Establish designated business districts and support policies Strategic district designations create focused investment zones that strengthen commercial identity, encourage complementary business clusters, and streamline targeted support policies. By formalizing these districts, Palm Springs can concentrate resources to address unique area needs, improve visitor navigation, and create distinctive commercial environments that enhance both economic activity and community character. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action B3.1: Conduct a citywide assessment to identify distinct business concentrations, evaluate unique characteristics and needs, and establish potential boundaries for formal district designations. S Action B3.2: Develop district-specific development guidelines tailored to each area's identity, economic role, and growth potential to ensure coordinated investment and coherent placemaking. M
25 Action B3.3: Establish district-based business associations that facilitate collaboration among district businesses, promote capacity building, coordinate joint marketing initiatives, and serve as liaisons with the Office of Economic Development. L Initiative B4: Support and expand nighttime business opportunities The nighttime economy represents a significant untapped growth opportunity that aligns perfectly with Palm Springs' tourism strengths and extreme daytime temperatures. Extending commercial activity beyond traditional business hours creates additional revenue potential for existing businesses, generates new entrepreneurial niches, and enhances the visitor experience. Through coordinated infrastructure improvements, regulatory adjustments, and marketing initiatives, Palm Springs can transform evening hours into a distinctive economic advantage while creating vibrant, safe nighttime districts that benefit residents and visitors alike. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action B4.1: Develop a nighttime business incentive program, offering grants or tax breaks for businesses that extend operating hours, particularly in hospitality, retail, and entertainment. S Action B4.2: Market Palm Springs during the summer months as a nighttime destination with extended hours, special events, and promotions to offset heat-related daytime business slowdowns. S Action B4.3: Improve infrastructure for nighttime commerce and community activity by enhancing pedestrian-friendly areas with increased lighting and a free nighttime shuttle service to connect key entertainment and commercial district. M Action B4.4: Designate specific nighttime business zones to streamline permitting for late-night vendors, entertainment venues, and pop-up experiences; concentrate businesses in walkable districts to facilitate foot traffic; and create vibrant late-night hubs for dining, entertainment, and retail.
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Action B4.5: Develop a public safety enhancement program in key business districts with improved lighting, security cameras, emergency call boxes, and increased M
26 police presence to create visibly safer environments that encourage evening economic activity and pedestrian traffic. Initiative B5: Improve business resilience through emergency preparedness, mitigation measures, and recovery assistance Business disruptions from natural disasters, public health emergencies, or economic shocks can devastate individual enterprises and entire commercial districts. Proactive resilience planning combined with responsive recovery resources helps businesses navigate challenges that might otherwise force closures. By developing comprehensive preparedness frameworks, resource hubs, and financial assistance mechanisms, Palm Springs can strengthen its economic foundation, minimize disaster-related business losses, and demonstrate the City's commitment to supporting enterprises through unforeseen circumstances. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action B5.1: Develop a business emergency preparedness plan that outlines protocols and resources to help businesses mitigate risks and respond effectively to economic shocks. S Action B5.2: Partner with utility companies to create a small business utility assistance program, providing grants or subsidies to offset energy, water, and operational costs during summer months. S Action B5.3: Create a dedicated resource hub offering online and in-person guidance on business continuity planning, insurance options, and financial assistance programs. S Action B5.4: Collaborate with County, State, and Federal agencies to develop infrastructure to administer business recovery and rapid response programs. M Action B5.5: Develop an integrated Emergency Management System connecting City departments, convention facilities, hotels, and commercial districts to improve coordination during emergencies, share real-time hazard information, and accelerate recovery efforts following disruptive events.
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27 PRINCIPLE C: BOLSTER CORE INDUSTRIES These strategies focus on bolstering existing industries—tourism, arts and culture, and hospitality—as key mechanisms to drive economic development in Palm Springs. By expanding visitor engagement and options for consumer spending, enhancing Palm Springs’ distinct identity as an avant-garde cutting-edge destination, and leveraging key infrastructure investments, these initiatives aim to leverage and enhance existing foundations to support long-term growth and sustainability. Initiative C1: Establish the Palm Springs Convention Center District A formalized Convention Center District creates a vibrant hub connecting hospitality, entertainment, and commercial activities around this key economic asset. By coordinating development, infrastructure improvements, and programming in this strategic area, Palm Springs can maximize visitor spending, enhance the convention experience, and create year-round economic benefits that extend throughout the city's tourism economy. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action C1.1: Define a new downtown Convention Center District through zoning updates that establish development standards, permitted uses, and design guidelines supporting an integrated convention and hospitality ecosystem. S Action C1.2: Develop a comprehensive Convention Center District improvement plan that upgrades and positions outdoor event spaces, indoor/outdoor social areas, and local food and beverage facilities to enhance both attendee experience and revenue generation opportunities.
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Action C1.3: Implement a transportation connectivity plan that creates a seamless visitor experience between the Convention Center, downtown Palm Springs, nearby hotels, and the airport. M Action C1.4: Develop targeted business attraction strategies for food and beverage, retail, and entertainment venues within the district based on consumer preferences for goods and services within walking distance. M
28 Initiative C2: Promote Palm Springs as a premier destination for corporate and group business tourism Business travel represents a significant, and to date underleveraged, opportunity to diversify Palm Springs' visitor economy with higher-spending, midweek, and off-season guests. Through targeted marketing, strategic partnerships with industry sectors, and infrastructure enhancements, the city can position itself as an ideal venue for conferences, corporate retreats, and incentive travel. These business visitors not only generate substantial economic impact during their stays but often return as leisure travelers, creating a sustainable pipeline of high-value tourism. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action C2.1: Develop targeted marketing campaigns promoting Palm Springs as a business tourism destination for target industries emphasizing its unique blend of luxury, recreational, and cultural experiences. S Action C2.2: Launch partnership programs for corporate entities to host their conferences, retreats, and related events in Palm Springs. M Action C2.3: Develop strategic partnerships with business event industry organizations, travel management companies, and event planning platforms to increase Palm Springs' visibility in business travel booking channels and attract new corporate clients. M Action C2.4: Establish a dedicated business tourism support team to provide personalized concierge services for meeting planners and offering site selection assistance, vendor coordination, and specialized local knowledge to enhance the business event experience. M Initiative C3: Strengthen and activate the Palm Springs arts and culture ecosystem Palm Springs’ arts and culture ecosystem remains a cornerstone of its economic and cultural identity. To sustain growth and year-round engagement, the City will focus on programmatic development, ecosystem coordination, and creative entrepreneurship that amplify both community vitality and tourism. This initiative aims to create a unified, inclusive, and data-informed framework that supports artists, venues, and cultural organizations through coordinated programming, shared infrastructure, and expanded access to resources.
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Action C3.1: Conduct a comprehensive arts and culture ecosystem assessment to map creative assets, identify programming gaps, and inform targeted investment strategies. S Action C3.2: Establish an arts and culture program development fund to support collaborative programming, shared marketing, and cross-sector partnerships between arts, tourism, and hospitality sectors. S Action C3.3: Develop coordinated programming and venue activation initiatives that link arts organizations, hospitality partners, and cultural districts to deliver year-round events, exhibitions, and residencies. S Action C3.4: Launch an accelerator program providing business training, mentorship, marketing support, technical assistance, and financing pathways for artists, cultural producers, and creative entrepreneurs. M Action C3.5: Host an annual Palm Springs Arts & Culture Summit to convene artists, galleries, Tribal cultural leaders, LGBTQ+ arts organizations, hospitality partners, and funders to highlight Palm Springs as a premier creative destination. L Initiative C4: Leverage Palm Springs International Airport expansion Airport connectivity directly correlates with economic development potential, particularly for tourism-focused economies. The expansion of Palm Springs International Airport creates opportunities to strengthen the visitor economy through improved access, while also supporting complementary industry development. Strategic integration of local arts, targeted route development, and future-oriented planning can transform the airport from simply a transportation facility into a powerful economic development asset that showcases the city's distinctive character from the moment visitors arrive.
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Action C4.1: Partner with airlines, tourism boards, and business organizations to secure new direct flight routes from high-value domestic and international markets. M Action C4.2: Establish partnerships with local aviation schools, flight training programs, and industry leaders to create job training pathways in aviation and airport logistics. M Action C4.3. Develop the airport-adjacent Foreign Trade Zone to attract and expand logistics, manufacturing, and distribution operations for companies seeking to leverage air transportation connectivity and strengthen supply-chains. M Action C4.4. Partner with local academic institutions and regional businesses to develop training programs in aviation technology to position Palm Springs as a hub for next-generation aviation workforce development. L Initiative C5: Expand Palm Springs' roster of visitor attractions and hospitality businesses Palm Springs' tourism strength depends on continuously refreshing its appeal to emerging audience segments while honoring its iconic heritage. Transforming Palm Springs into a desert laboratory for cutting-edge creative expression creates powerful differentiation in the competitive tourism landscape. By incentivizing immersive experiences, nighttime activation, and experimental events that merge art, music, and technology, the city can cultivate a reputation as an avant-garde cultural destination. These distinctive offerings not only attract visitors seeking unique experiences but also extend the tourism season by creating compelling attractions that thrive regardless of seasonal temperatures. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action C4.1: Partner with airlines, tourism boards, and business organizations to secure new direct flight routes from high-value domestic and international markets. S Action C4.2: Establish partnerships with local aviation schools, flight training programs, and industry leaders to S
31 create job training pathways in aviation and airport logistics. Action C4.3. Develop the airport-adjacent Foreign Trade Zone to attract and expand logistics, manufacturing, and distribution operations for companies seeking to leverage air transportation connectivity and strengthen supply-chains. S Action C4.4. Partner with local academic institutions and regional businesses to develop training programs in aviation technology to position Palm Springs as a hub for next-generation aviation workforce development. M Action C5.5: Develop an indoor or nighttime outdoor immersive art experience and incubation space that combines digital technology, interactive installations, and local artistic influences and can be enjoyed during the summer months. M
32 PRINCIPLE D: SEED AND NURTURE EMERGING CLUSTERS These strategies focus on diversifying Palm Springs' economy beyond its traditional strengths by cultivating vibrant, interconnected industry clusters across technology, climate innovation, health and wellness, and the creative sectors (which include industries beyond arts and culture). By leveraging Palm Springs' unique geographic advantages, quality of life, and existing talent pool, these initiatives aim to position the city as a hub for innovation that addresses desert-specific challenges while creating sustainable, year-round economic opportunities. This approach emphasizes cross-sector collaboration, practical technology adoption for local businesses, strong educational partnerships, and accessible funding mechanisms to ensure inclusive growth that complements and amplifies rather than minimizes or replaces Palm Springs' established identity. Initiative D1: Build a robust technology ecosystem in Palm Springs Palm Springs will connect and nurture its existing tech talent to promote economic diversification and boost competitiveness. By fostering collaborative networks, mapping local expertise, and creating practical adoption programs, the city will leverage technology as a multiplier for traditional industries while cultivating new entrepreneurial opportunities that create high-wage employment opportunities. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action D1.1: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of Palm Springs' existing technology ecosystem assets, capabilities, opportunities, and gaps and develop a cluster development roadmap. S Action D1.2: Support local initiatives that connect local tech professionals, businesses, and educators through regular meetups, a digital platform, and industry events to leverage existing talent and create awareness of local tech capabilities and commercial opportunities. S Action D1.3: Develop educational programs for businesses and entrepreneurs to learn about emerging tech opportunities and how to build the necessary skills to leverage them, with a special focus on underrepresented communities. M Action D1.4: Launch a business technology adoption program offering workshops, consulting services, and resources to help local businesses effectively implement digital tools, analytics, and automation technologies in partnership with organizations like the U.S. SBA (Palm Desert) and the SBDC (Inland Empire and Orange County).
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33 Action D1.5: Establish innovation summits connecting technology companies with traditional hospitality, retail, and cultural organizations to develop new opportunities, solutions and experiences. L Initiative D2: Build equitable talent pipelines and educational pathways to support emerging industries Investing in Palm Springs' human capital forms the foundation for sustainable economic diversification. By forging partnerships between educational institutions and industry leaders, creating practical skill-building opportunities, and developing pathways that allow existing workers to enhance their capabilities, Palm Springs will cultivate a workforce ecosystem where traditional and emerging sectors mutually reinforce one another, expanding opportunities for residents at all career stages. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action D2.1: Establish a formal a working group with representatives from College of the Desert, K-12 schools, and local tech professionals to co-develop industry-relevant courses, curricula, and training programs. S Action D2.2: Build partnerships with higher education institutions and research centers across the Inland Empire (and beyond) that have established technology and sustainability programs that align with the city’s emerging sectors. M Action D2.3: Develop a residency program placing priority industry experts in educational institutions to provide mentorship and real-world insights to students. M Action D2.4: Launch a skills integration initiative that identifies complementary capabilities between hospitality/retail sectors and emerging industries and provides targeted upskilling for small business owners and workers. L Initiative D3: Establish Palm Springs as a health and wellness technology hub Palm Springs has many unique advantages as a health and wellness: a robust hospitality industry catering to wellness-focused travelers, an established health care infrastructure, an older demographic that creates a natural test market for aging-in-place technologies, and a climate that has historically attracted those seeking health benefits from desert living. Positioning the city as a health and wellness
34 technology hub will build on this health and wellness footprint and expand opportunities for medical advances, preventive care innovations, lifestyle enhancement solutions, and the design of digital platforms that empower individuals to manage their wellbeing. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action D3.1: Conduct a health and wellness technology market assessment to identify specific opportunities in LGBTQ+ health services, behavioral health, medical tourism, and related disciplines. S Action D3.2: Establish a wellness innovation lab facilitating collaboration between academic institutions, health care providers, technology companies, wellness centers, and local resorts. M Action D3.3: Develop aging-focused wellness and technology initiatives that address the needs of older populations, including telehealth, mobility aids, senior housing innovations, and preventive care programs linking healthcare providers, wellness resorts, and research institutions.
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Action D3.4: Create a dedicated innovation campus with specialized facilities, clinical spaces, and R&D resources for health and wellness technology companies and hospitality-driven enterprises. L Initiative D4: Expand Palm Springs’ creative technology footprint Harnessing Palm Springs' cultural vibrancy and creative heritage can encourage the growth of thriving creative sector that feeds into the broader regional entertainment ecosystem. Mapping existing resources, showcasing talent, creating specialized support systems, and leveraging the city's ties to Hollywood and Silicon Valley will attract creative technology businesses and professionals while cultivating a more skilled local workforce. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action D4.1: Promote the development of creative technology production infrastructure (virtual production studios, digital content creation labs, audio/podcast production facilities, and collaborative maker spaces) by converting underutilized commercial properties and M
35 implementing streamlined permitting for creative technology businesses and location-based productions. Action D4.2: Launch a creative technology infrastructure network providing co-working space, technical resources, mentorship from industry professionals, and seed funding for startups developing gaming, XR applications, digital art platforms, and entertainment technology solutions. M Action D4.3. Establish workforce development partnerships with regional colleges to train local talent in creative technology skills including 3D modeling, game development, virtual production, and digital content creation to supply the growing creative tech sector. M Action D4.4. Host an annual creative technology exhibition showcasing cutting-edge creative technology, attracting industry professionals for business development, and positioning Palm Springs as an emerging creative tech destination for investment and talent recruitment. L Initiative D5: Promote Palm Springs as an industry leader in desert climate and energy innovation Palm Springs' desert location positions it perfectly to become a specialized technology development center for arid environment solutions with global market potential. By cultivating industry partnerships in renewable energy, water conservation, and heat mitigation technologies, the city can lead an emerging climate tech sector addressing challenges shared by desert regions worldwide, establishing Palm Springs as the premier commercialization hub for climate-adaptive technologies. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action D5.1: Conduct a renewable energy potential assessment to identify optimal sites and technologies for clean energy development within city boundaries. S Action D5.2: Develop specialized business attraction strategy targeting companies in renewable energy, heat mitigation, water conservation, and sustainable building technologies. M Action D5.3: Create a climate innovation district and establish an annual showcase event that demonstrates innovative technologies and practices adapted to desert L
36 environments, featuring locally developed solutions and technologies. Initiative D6: Develop innovation funds and financing mechanisms Access to capital remains the most critical barrier to technology ecosystem development, particularly in emerging markets outside major tech hubs. Palm Springs must create a comprehensive capital stack that addresses financing needs at every stage of business growth—from concept to scale-up. By developing diverse funding mechanisms that include angel networks, institutional partnerships, public-private collaborations, and specialized investment vehicles, the City can overcome the financing gaps that typically stifle innovation while ensuring capital deployment aligns with strategic economic priorities. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action D6.1: Establish a network of angel investors and mentors interested in supporting Palm Springs-based ventures, with regular pitch events showcasing local entrepreneurs. S Action D6.2: Forge partnerships with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and regional banks to establish a specialized financing program providing low-interest loans and flexible capital for tech startups and scale-ups. M Action D6.3: Create a public-private innovation fund with matched contributions from corporate partners, foundations, and public sources to provide matching small business grants and subsidize attendance by local tech entrepreneurs at national conferences. L
37 PRINCIPLE E: STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY ASSETS AND INFRASTRUCTURE These strategies focus on enhancing Palm Springs' essential infrastructure and quality of life elements that support sustainable economic development. By improving transportation and mobility options, addressing extreme heat through innovative cooling solutions, expanding housing accessibility, upgrading telecommunications capabilities, bolstering energy resilience, and creating more vibrant community spaces, Palm Springs can become an even more livable and connected community that attracts and retains businesses, workers, and residents while improving overall wellbeing and economic vitality. Initiative E1: Improve multimodal transportation, circulation, and walkability to drive economic growth Palm Springs will leverage strategic improvements to its transportation network to create economic development opportunities, enhance visitor experiences, and improve quality of life for residents. By building on its existing General Plan’s Circulation Element, the City can facilitate targeted investments that connect key economic assets, strengthen regional rail connectivity to Southern California's major population centers, and develop complete streets. In short, greater accessibility will translate to more cultivate vibrant commercial districts and neighborhoods that support economic vitality during both peak and off-peak seasons. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action E1.1: Conduct a multimodal connectivity assessment identifying high-priority economic corridors where improved transportation access would stimulate business growth, focusing on connections between downtown, the airport, convention center, and emerging commercial districts.
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Action E1.2: Implement a complete streets program in key commercial corridors that enhances both pedestrian experience and business visibility through coordinated improvements to sidewalks, street furniture, shade structures, and façade enhancement incentives. M Action E.1.3: Create a gateway enhancement program focusing on transportation improvements, signage, and landscaping at key city entry points to establish strong first impressions for visitors, reinforce city limits, and create development opportunities at these high-visibility locations.
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Action E1.4: Develop a summer mobility plan with targeted transportation improvements to support year-M
38 round economic activity, including covered walkways, cooling stations, and evening-oriented transportation options connecting residential neighborhoods and hospitality areas to commercial districts. Action E1.5: Advocate for and partner with regional transportation authorities to maintain and enhance rail service frequency and reliability between Palm Springs and Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties, supporting tourism growth, workforce mobility, and reduced car dependency.
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Initiative E2: Design, promote, and install climate-adaptive infrastructure citywide Palm Springs can retain its residential base during the summer months and position itself as a global pioneer in climate-adaptive tourism by transforming its extreme heat challenges into opportunities for innovation and market differentiation. By implementing cutting-edge cooling strategies, expanding shade coverage, and showcasing desert-appropriate climate adaptation, the city will demonstrate how high-heat destinations can extend outdoor activity seasons, enhance resident and visitor comfort, and create signature experiences that turn climate challenges into competitive advantages. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action E2.1: Conduct a community heat resilience assessment identifying residential neighborhoods, hotel and resort districts, and commercial areas most impacted by summer temperatures. S Action E2.2: Create community heat relief infrastructure plan including expanded cooling centers, public realm misting stations and shade structures, enhanced tree canopy along pedestrian corridors, and public water features to provide residents and visitors with accessible cooling options during summer months.
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Action E2.3: Launch a clean energy initiative to streamline permitting and provide incentives for residential and commercial renewable energy installations. M Action E2.4: Develop a grant program for local businesses to implement innovative cooling technologies that reduce energy costs while creating comfortable environments for both residents and visitors during summer months. M
39 Action E2.5: Implement a pilot microgrid project serving a key commercial district or residential neighborhood with renewable energy generation, storage, and smart distribution capabilities. L Initiative E3: Expand housing options with emphasis on workforce housing and live-work spaces Addressing Palm Springs' housing challenges will support economic development by ensuring workers can live near employment centers, entrepreneurs can access affordable spaces, and businesses can attract and retain talent. By promoting diverse housing types and mixed-use developments, Palm Springs will create more vibrant neighborhoods and strengthen connections between residential and commercial activities. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action E3.1: Conduct a workforce housing needs assessment to quantify demand, identify gaps, and establish targets for housing production at various affordability levels relative to local wages. S Action E3.2: Ensure revised zoning regulations facilitate the development of live-work spaces, mixed-use buildings, and adaptive reuse of underutilized commercial properties for housing. S Action E3.3: Design density bonuses and streamlined permitting processes for developments that include workforce housing, live-work spaces, and housing near transit and employment centers. M Action E3.4: Develop public-private partnerships to create demonstration projects showcasing innovative housing models such as missing middle housing, workforce housing, and creative live-work communities L Initiative E4: Upgrade telecommunications infrastructure to support business and community needs Expanding and improving telecommunications capabilities will position Palm Springs as a connected desert community where businesses can operate efficiently and residents can access digital opportunities. By addressing gaps in coverage, ensuring reliability, and promoting digital inclusion, Palm Springs will strengthen its appeal for technology businesses, remote workers, and traditional industries.
40 ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY
Action E4.1: Conduct a comprehensive digital infrastructure assessment identifying gaps in high-speed internet access, including fiber, 5G coverage, and public Wi-Fi, with analysis of how these gaps impact business operations and remote work capabilities. S Action E4.2: Develop a digital downtown initiative expanding free public Wi-Fi, interactive wayfinding kiosks, and digitally-enabled public spaces to enhance visitor experiences and support businesses in key commercial districts. M Action E4.3: Establish public-private partnerships to develop community digital inclusion programs and technology hubs that provide free internet access, digital literacy training, and technology resources in disadvantaged neighborhoods. M Action E4.4: Implement a comprehensive citywide data platform integrating information from city services, utilities, transportation systems, and environmental monitoring to improve operational efficiency, support data-driven business decisions, and create new entrepreneurial opportunities.
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Initiative E5: Create vibrant public spaces that support community and economic activity Thoughtfully designed public spaces can serve as economic catalysts while enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors. By developing climate-adapted gathering places, cultural venues, and flexible-use areas, Palm Springs can strengthen its sense of community while creating spaces for commerce, events, and social interaction throughout the year. ACTION TIME HORIZON LEAD ENTITY Action E5.1: Identify underutilized public spaces with potential for activation through a community-driven placemaking assessment process. S Action E5.2: Implement a placemaking pilot program creating pop-up community spaces with shade, seating, S
41 public art, and flexible infrastructure for events and commerce. Action E5.3: Develop design guidelines and toolkits for climate-adapted public spaces that can be implemented by businesses, neighborhood groups, and developers. M Action E5.4: Create a network of connected public spaces along key corridors featuring consistent amenities, wayfinding, public art, and programming to encourage exploration and economic activity. M
42 SUMMARY OF ACTIONS BY TIME HORIZON Principle A: Expand the City's economic development capacity Principle B: Reinvigorate the business climate Principle C: Bolster core industries Principle D: Seed and nurture emerging clusters Principle E: Strengthen community assets and infrastructure SHORT TERM (1-2 YEARS): 38 ACTIONS A1.1: Conduct a system, process, and technology audit A1.2: Implement an internal digital business licensing and permitting system A2.1: Conduct a review of existing Municipal Code A2.2: Integrate development incentives into the zoning code A2.3: Develop an "accessory commercial unit" designation A3.1: Establish an internal cross-departmental task force A4.1: Develop digital toolkits for businesses A4.2: Draft public education materials A5.1: Formalize partnerships with regional economic development organizations B1.1: Launch a formal business advisory group B2.1: Create a comprehensive guide detailing all available business incentives B2.2: Update the hotel operations incentive program B2.3: Implement a business tax incentive program B3.1: Conduct a citywide assessment to identify distinct business concentrations B4.1: Develop a nighttime business incentive program B4.2: Market Palm Springs during summer months as a nighttime destination B5.1: Develop a business emergency preparedness plan B5.2: Partner with utility companies to create a small business utility assistance program B5.3: Create a dedicated resource hub for business continuity C1.1: Define a new downtown Convention Center District through zoning updates C1.2: Develop a comprehensive Convention Center District improvement plan C2.1: Develop targeted marketing campaigns for business tourism C3.1: Conduct a comprehensive arts and culture ecosystem assessment C3.2: Develop coordinated programming and venue activation initiatives C5.1: Create an inventory of Palm Springs' visitor experiences D1.1: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of Palm Springs' existing technology ecosystem D1.2: Support local initiatives that connect local tech professionals D2.1: Establish a formal working group with College of the Desert and K-12 schools D3.1: Conduct a health and wellness technology market assessment D5.1: Conduct a renewable energy potential assessment
43 D6.1: Establish a network of angel investors and mentors E1.1: Conduct a multimodal connectivity assessment E2.1: Conduct a community heat resilience assessment E3.1: Conduct a workforce housing needs assessment E3.2: Ensure revised zoning regulations facilitate live-work spaces E4.1: Conduct a comprehensive digital infrastructure assessment E5.1: Identify underutilized public spaces E5.2: Implement a placemaking pilot program MEDIUM TERM (3-5 YEARS): 43 ACTIONS A1.3: Consolidate requirements across departments A1.4: Accelerate approvals for businesses in priority sectors A3.2: Partner with College of the Desert for economic development fellowship program A4.3: Develop and implement a comprehensive economic development marketing strategy A4.4: Build an interactive and publicly accessible data dashboard A5.2: Explore the feasibility of implementing an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District B1.2: Deploy a customer relationship management (CRM) tool B1.3: Create pre-approved permit packages for common business types B1.4: Establish a permitting concierge service B3.2: Develop district-specific development guidelines B4.3: Improve infrastructure for nighttime commerce B4.4: Designate specific nighttime business zones B5.4: Collaborate with County, State, and Federal agencies C1.3: Implement a transportation connectivity plan C1.4: Develop targeted business attraction strategies C2.2: Launch partnership programs for corporate entities C2.3: Develop strategic partnerships with business event industry organizations C2.4: Establish a dedicated business tourism support team C3.3: Establish an arts and culture program development fund C3.4: Launch arts and culture accelerator program C4.1: Partner with airlines to secure new direct flight routes C4.2: Establish partnerships with local aviation schools C5.2: Connect cultural organizations with hospitality businesses C5.3: Expedite permitting for festival promoters D1.3: Develop educational programs for businesses and entrepreneurs D1.4: Launch a business technology adoption program D2.2: Build partnerships with higher education institutions
44 D2.3: Develop a residency program placing priority industry experts D3.2: Establish a wellness innovation lab D3.3: Develop aging-focused wellness and technology initiatives D4.1: Promote the development of creative technology production infrastructure D4.2: Launch a creative technology infrastructure network D5.2: Develop specialized business attraction strategy for renewable energy companies D6.2: Forge partnerships with Community Development Financial Institutions E1.2: Implement a complete streets program E1.3: Create a gateway enhancement program E1.4: Develop a summer mobility plan E2.3: Launch a clean energy initiative E2.4: Develop a grant program for local businesses to implement cooling technologies E3.3: Design density bonuses and streamlined permitting processes E4.2: Develop a digital downtown initiative E4.3: Establish public-private partnerships for digital inclusion programs E5.3: Develop design guidelines for climate-adapted public spaces LONG TERM (5-10 YEARS): 22 ACTIONS A3.3: Increase the size of the Office of Economic Development A5.3: Establish an Economic Development Authority B3.3: Establish district-based business associations B5.5: Develop an integrated Emergency Management System C3.4: Develop an accelerator program for artists and cultural organizations C3.5: Host an annual Palm Springs Arts & Culture Summit C4.3: Develop the airport-adjacent Foreign Trade Zone C4.4: Partner with local academic institutions for aviation technology training C5.4: Develop an Entertainment Zone ordinance C5.5: Develop an indoor or nighttime outdoor immersive art experience D1.5: Establish innovation summits connecting technology companies D2.4: Launch a skills integration initiative D3.3: Create a dedicated health innovation campus D4.3: Establish workforce development partnerships with regional colleges D4.4: Host an annual creative technology exhibition D5.3: Create a climate innovation district D6.3: Create a public-private innovation fund E1.5: Advocate for enhanced rail service frequency
45 E2.5: Implement a pilot microgrid project E3.4: Develop public-private partnerships for demonstration housing projects E4.4: Implement a comprehensive citywide data platform E5.4: Create a network of connected public spaces