ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN
1 BUSINESS SURVEY INTRODUCTION
The business survey serves as a critical diagnostic tool for the City of Palm Springs to understand the current state of its local business ecosystem and identify opportunities for strategic economic development. The survey is designed to gather detailed insights from business owners across various sectors about their operational experiences, challenges, and perspectives on the city's business climate. By collecting data on business demographics, ownership structures, industry sectors, and company sizes, the city can build a complete picture of its economic landscape and understand which types of businesses are thriving and which may be struggling.The survey's deeper purpose extends beyond simple data collection to inform evidence-based policy decisions and economic development strategies. Through questions about operational challenges, regulatory barriers, seasonal impacts, and relocation considerations,the city can identify specific pain points that may be hindering business growth or driving enterprises away. This information becomes particularly valuable when viewed alongside the EDSP strategic framework, as it helps validate assumptions about business needs and priorities while revealing gaps between current conditions and desired outcomes. The survey also explores the relationship between businesses and Palm Springs' tourism economy, which is essential for understanding how to leverage this key economic driver while supporting business diversification efforts. Ultimately, this feedback enables City leadership to prioritize resources, refine economic development initiatives, and create targeted support programs that address the most pressing needs of the local business community.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN BUSINESS SURVEY
2 TENURE
BUSINESS SURVEY | N=192How long has your business operated in Palm Springs? 0%5%10%15%20%25%30%
Less than 1 year1 to 5 years6 to 10 years11 to 20 yearsMore than 20 years 33%post-pandemic starts
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN BUSINESS SURVEY
3 INDUSTRY MIX
BUSINESS SURVEY | N=182What industry does your business primarily operate in? 24%18%12%8%7%5%4%3%2%3% 14%
HospitalityRetailArts, Culture, and EntertainmentProfessional ServicesFood and BeverageReal Estate & PropertyDesign & ArchitectureTechnologyRecreationHealth & WellnessOther
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN BUSINESS SURVEY
4 FIRM SIZE | EMPLOYMENT
BUSINESS SURVEYIncluding owners, how many full-time/part-time employees and/or seasonal workers does your business have?FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES | N=184 0%10%20%30%40 %50 %60%70%80%
None1- 56- 1011-2526-5050+
PART-TIME EMPLOYEES | N=182SEASONAL WORKERS PER YEAR | N=180 0%10%20%30%40 %50 %60%70%80%
None1-56-1011-2526-5050+0%10%20%30%40 %50 %60%70%80%
None1-56-1011-2525+
80%≤ 5 Employees85%≤ 5 Employees79%No Workers
0%10%20%30%40 %50 %60%
Under$250,000Between $250,000and $500,000Between $500,000and $1 MillionBetween $1 Millionand $5 MillionBetween $5 Millionand $10 MillionOver$10 MillionPrefer notto say
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN BUSINESS SURVEY
5 FIRM SIZE | REVENUE
BUSINESS SURVEY | N=173What was your gross revenue in 2024? 62%Under $500K
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN BUSINESS SURVEY
6 BUSINESS OWNERSHIP DEMOGRAPHICS
BUSINESS SURVEY | N=170Which of the following best describes the demographic makeup of your business ownership? Select all that apply.RACE AND ETHNICITYDBE IDENTIFICATION 0%10%20%30%40 %50 %60%70%80%
American Indian orAlaska NativeAsianBlack or AfricanAmericanHispanic, Latine, orSpanish OriginWhite orCaucasian 0%10%20%30%40 %50 %60%70%80% Women-OwnedVeteran-OwnedLGBTQ+Owned
0%5%10%15%20%25%30%35%40%
Very positivePositiveNe utr alNe gativeVery negative
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN BUSINESS SURVEY
7 BUSINESS SURVEY
BUSINESS SURVEY | N=168How would you describe the current business environment in Palm Springs? 44%Very Positive or Positive 27%Negativeor Very Negative
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN BUSINESS SURVEY
8 BENEFITS OF LOCATING IN PALM SPRINGS
BUSINESS SURVEY | N=151What are the main benefits of operating a business in Palm Springs? Select your top three.52%48%46%39%27%26%25%14%13% Reputation and appeal as a destinationUnique character of the cityAccess to a strong tourist marketScenic location and quality of lifePersonal connection to Palm SpringsSupportive and engaged local communityHigh demand for products or services in the areaNe tworking with other busine ss and entreprene ursOpportunities to participate in events and festivals
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN BUSINESS SURVEY
9 OPERATING ENVIRONMENT | LIKES
BUSINESS SURVEY | N=157Why do you operate your business in Palm Springs rather than neighboring cities or regions? Select all that apply.39%32%32%31%28%22%10%9%8%3%2% Higher customer traffic or tourism exposureBetter alignment with target customer demographicsCultural fit with your business brand/identityStrategic location advantagesQuality of life considerations for you and your employeesHistorical connection to Palm SpringsLocal government support for your industryMore favorable business climate/regulationsBetter networking opportunities with complementary businessesLower operational costs compared to neighboring areasGreater access to qualified workforce Areas within City Hall’s power to address
10 OPERATING ENVIRONMENT | DISLIKES
BUSINESS SURVEY | N=141What are the primary challenges your business faces operating in Palm Springs. Rank your top three. 60%High Operating Costs
60%46%33%Finding Affordable or Available SpaceSeasonal Demand FluctuationsLocalRegulations
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN BUSINESS SURVEY
11 REGULATORY CHALLENGES
BUSINESS SURVEY | N=130What are the major challenges your business faces related to local regulation in Palm Springs. Rank your top three. 68%Difficulty Navigating Permitting or Licensing Requirements 50%31%22%Restrictions Related to Noise or Public DisturbancesHigher Costs Associated with Regulatory ComplianceLimitations on Signage or Advertising
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN BUSINESS SURVEY
12 CONSEQUENCES OF THE STATUS QUO
BUSINESS SURVEY | N=129Share of business owners who have consideredrelocating to another city in the Coachella Valley 29%Primary Reasons:51%: Local Regulations35%: High Operating Costs27%: Finding Space BUSINESS SURVEY | N=129Share of business owners who have consideredclosing down entirely 34%Primary Reasons:48%: Local Regulations41%: High Operating Costs39%: Seasonal Fluctuations
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN BUSINESS SURVEY
13 BUSINESS SURVEY
I BEG you to please stop layering on more and more committees, boards, and bureaucratic regulations on local businesses that require additional taxes, fees, permitting, inspection, and paperwork. It is soul crushing. The City of Palm Springs has a REPUTATION throughout the valley with service providers, vendors and contractors as being the most difficult to deal with. Please be FAR MORE business friendly in mindset. Shrink the regulations, bureaucracy, and all the paperwork that goes with it. It is killing goodwill with local businesses that want to do business in Palm Springs. Instead, think about how you might make it EASIER, FASTER and LESS COSTLY to run a small business in Palm Springs and welcome capitalism and commerce as a way to lift the quality of life of everyone in town. “ ”Respondent from BUSINESS SURVEY
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN BUSINESS SURVEY
14 IMPORTANCE OF TOURISM
BUSINESS SURVEY | N=129How important is tourism to your business?
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN BUSINESS SURVEY
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
EssentialVery importantSomewhat importantNot important
82%
0%5%10%15%20%25%30%35%
No Slow down at AllMinim al Slow downModerate SlowdownSignificant SlowdownSevere Slowdown 15 SUMMER IMPACT
BUSINESS SURVEY | N=129To what extent does your business slow down during the summer months?
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN BUSINESS SURVEY
50%Significant or Severe Slowdown
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN BUSINESS SURVEY
16 SUMMER STRATEGIES
BUSINESS SURVEY | N=128What strategies, if any, does your business use to adapt to the summer season? Select all that apply.40%38%33%23%32%12%4% None, we operate business as usualOffering seasonal discounts or promotionsAdjusting business hours or reducing servicesExpanding or adjusting marketing efforts to attract customersFocusing on repeat local customersFocusing on e-commerce to expand customer baseMy business closes down entirely during the summer months
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN BUSINESS SURVEY
17 EXPECTATIONS FOR THE FUTURE
BUSINESS SURVEY | N=129Do you expect your gross revenue in 2025 to be higher than in 2024?BUSINESS SURVEY | N=129How optimistic are you about the long-term success of your business in Palm Springs?No 45% Yes 24%
About the Same 31%
0%5%10%15%20%25%30%35%40 %
VeryOptimisticSomewhatOptimisticNe utr alSomewhatPessimisticVeryPessimistic 53%Very or Somewhat Optimistic
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN
18 RESIDENT SURVEY INTRODUCTION
The resident survey serves as the essential companion piece to the business survey, creating a complete 360-degree view of Palm Springs' community landscape from the perspective of those who call the city home. The survey is strategically designed to capture the lived experiences of residents across diverse demographics, housing situations, and life circumstances, providing city leadership with critical insights into how well current services, infrastructure, and quality of life measures are meeting community needs.When analyzed alongside the business survey data, these resident insights reveal the interconnections between economic development initiatives and community wellbeing, helping city leaders understand whether business-friendly policies are also serving residents effectively. The survey's focus areas—from neighborhood amenities and services to employment patterns— directly align with many of the strategic priorities outlined in the EDSP strategic framework, particularly around community infrastructure investment and inclusive growth. This dual perspective becomes especially valuable when considering initiatives like affordable housing development, public transportation improvements, or business district enhancements, as leaders can evaluate whether proposed changes serve both economic development goals and resident quality of life simultaneously. Ultimately, Palm Springs' economic development efforts must remain grounded in the needs and experiences of the people who make the city their home, creating a foundation for sustainable growth that benefits the entire community. 19 TENURE
RESIDENT SURVEY | N=610How long have you lived in Palm Springs?
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN RESIDENT SURVEY
0%5%10%15%20%25%30%
Less than 1 year1 to 5 years6 to 10 years11 to 20 yearsMore than 20 years 28%of respondents moved to Palm Springs during or after the pandemic 20 PRIMARY RESIDENCE VERSUS SEASONAL RESIDENCE
RESIDENT SURVEY | N=627Is Palm Springs your primary residence?
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN RESIDENT SURVEY
Yes 89% No 11%
Elsewhere in the United States 93%
Canada 7%
21 HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS
RESIDENT SURVEY | N=611Do you rent or own your Palm Springs residence?
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN RESIDENT SURVEY
Own 89% Rent 11%
Yes 80%
Sometimes 12%
No 8%
RESIDENT SURVEY | N=611Do you reside in Palm Springs during the summer? 22 PALM SPRINGS VALUE PROPOSITION
RESIDENT SURVEY | N=604What aspect of living in Palm Springs do you most appreciate? Select all that apply.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN RESIDENT SURVEY
85%82%79%72%63%60%57%52%50%48%44%
Natural beauty and landscapeClimate and weatherQuality of life and overall livabilityInclusive and diverse environmentWalkable neighborhoods and downtown areaArts, cutlure, and entertainmentDining and nightlife optionsSense of community and belongingMid-century m odern architecture and design aestheticAccess to outdoor activities and natural areasRecreational opportunities 23 PALM SPRINGS VALUE PROPOSITION
RESIDENT SURVEY | N=566What types of businesses, if any, do you wish to see more of in your neighborhood? Select all that apply.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN RESIDENT SURVEY
55%36%34%24%21%14%14%8%
Restaurants and diningArts, Culture, and EntertainmentRetail shopsHealth careRecreation and leisureNightlife activitiesPersonal servicesFinancial services
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN RESIDENT SURVEY
24 COMPETING PREFERENCES AND PRIORITIES
“I moved here because I like the feel of a small community. Adding more and more businesses fills our quiet village [and will] turn it into a small, yet congested big city feel.” “Anything, the nearest businesses are 4 or more blocks away.” “More unique local businesses related to design, architecture, better quality restaurants, higher end retail apparel stores. Make this place special and lean into the arts community.” “I like having a strictly residential neighborhood.”
“Fewer big box chain stores and fast-food joints. Let's make Palm Springs special and unique. Not a cardboard cut-out of every other city.” §“Trader Joe’s”§“Winco Foods”§“Supermarket”§“Specialty Grocery” §“Movie Theater”§“Bowling Alley”§“Dry Cleaner”§“Nail Salon”VS RESIDENT SURVEY | SELECTED COMMENTSWhat types of businesses, if any, do you wish to see more of in your neighborhood? 25 SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSESSMENT
RESIDENT SURVEYHow would you rate the availability of the following infrastructure or services?
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN RESIDENT SURVEY
HousingPublic TransportK-12 EducationJob TrainingCommunity SpacesPublic SafetyHealth ServicesEmergency ServicesUtilitiesN=588N=583N=575N=574N=587N=589N=590N=583N=587Very Good or Good56%23%28%12%67%79%63%74%53%Neutral31%55%69%77%25%14%20%23%28%Poor or Very Poor13%22%3%11%8%7%17%3%19% 26 SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS
RESIDENT SURVEY | N=582What infrastructure or services do you think Palm Springs is most in need of?Very Much in Need of … 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%
Public R ealmShadingBroa dbandReliabilityPublic R ealmLightingAffordableHousingHealthCare AccessPublic Sa fety Somewhat in Need of …
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%
CommunitySpacesPublicTransportationPublicSafetyAdultEducationSocialServicesBikeLanes
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN RESIDENT SURVEY
27 SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS
RESIDENT SURVEY | N=582Infrastructure or services residents said they are either “very much in need of” or ”somewhat in need of” … 87%Public Realm Shading82%79%71%Community SpacesHealth Care AccessPublic Realm Lighting 84%Affordable Housing82%73%60%Bike LanesPublic SafetySocial Services 82%72%60%Adult EducationBroadband ReliabilityPublic Transportation
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN RESIDENT SURVEY
28 EMPLOYMENT
RESIDENT SURVEY | N=588Are you currently employed?
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN RESIDENT SURVEY
RESIDENT SURVEY | N=227What is your employment status?RESIDENT SURVEY | N=227How many jobs do you have? Yes 39%No 61%
Note: Of respondents who said “No,” 95% are retired. 87% of all survey respondents were age 55 or older.
Part-Time 23%Full-Time77%
2 10%3+1%
1 89%
29 INDUSTRY MIX
RESIDENT SURVEY | N=227What is the industry of your primary job?
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN RESIDENT SURVEY
15%11%11%9%8%6%6%5%4%3%3%3%
TechnologyArts, Entertainment, and RecreationHealth Care & WellnessHospitalityRetailGoverementReal EstateFinance & InsuranceProfessional ServicesTransportationEducationFood and Beverage 30 JOB LOCATION
RESIDENT SURVEY | N=227Is your primary job based in Palm Springs?
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN RESIDENT SURVEY
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Yes, I workin Palm SpringsNo, I work elsew herein the Coachella ValleyNo, I work remotely andmy job is based outsideof the Coachella Valley