CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: April 22, 2026 CONSENT CALENDAR
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 25S225 WITH CONVENTIONAL WISDOM FOR
CONVENTION CENTER RENOVATION, EXPANSION, AND O&M
MANAGEMENT SERVICES
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Economic Development
SUMMARY:
This action will approve Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement No. 25S225 with Conventional Wisdom Corp. to expand the scope of services to include additional program and project administration support and extend the contract term one- year for an additional amount of $150,000, and a revised contract amount not to exceed $300,000.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement No. 25S225 with Conventional Wisdom Corp. for an additional amount of $150,000, for a revised contract not-to-exceed total of $300,000, and extend the contract term one-year through July 20, 2027; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
BUSINESS PRINCIPAL DISCLOSURE:
According to the Public Integrity Disclosure form (Attachment B), Conventional Wisdom Corp. is registered in the state of Florida.
BACKGROUND:
On July 21, 2025, the City entered into Professional Services Agreement No. 25S225 (Attachment C) with Conventional Wisdom to provide program management services related to the renovation, expansion, and operational planning of the Palm Springs
City Council Staff Report
April 22, 2026 -- Page 2
Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement No. 25S225 with Conventional Wisdom Convention Center. The agreement established a one-year term through July 20, 2026, not-to-exceed amount of $150,000.
As the project has advanced, additional coordination, contract management, and program-level oversight have been identified as necessary to support project delivery and maintain schedule and budget alignment.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
Amendment No.1 proposes to modify the existing agreement by expanding the scope of services, extending the contract term, and increasing the total compensation. The scope expansion incorporates enhanced program and contract management services, including oversight of project delivery, coordination with project teams, and support for procurement and contract administration functions. Additionally, this Amendment No. 1 extends the contract term one-year, continuing services through July 20, 2027.
Staff recommend approval of Amendment No. 1 to Agreement 25S225, to ensure continuity of services during critical phases of project planning and implementation, in the amount of $150,000 for expanded scope of services and extending the term one-year through July 20, 2027, for a revised contract amount not to exceed $300,000. These changes will allow the City to maintain consistent program management support and ensure effective coordination among project stakeholders as the Convention Center project progresses.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
The requested City Council action is not a “Project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to Section 15378(a), a “Project” means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. The requested action is to approve contracts for the above-mentioned services, and is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15378(b), in that a “Project” does not include: (5) Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING:
This action aligns with the City’s Economic Development Strategic Framework (EDSF), specifically:
Principle A: Expand the City’s Economic Development Capacity oInitiative A-1: Strengthen Organizational Capacity and Coordination Action Items:
A-1.1: Align City resources to implement priority economic development projects
City Council Staff Report
April 22, 2026 -- Page 3
Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement No. 25S225 with Conventional Wisdom A-1.2: Improve project delivery and cross-departmental coordination
A-1.4: Support procurement and implementation of major capital initiatives
Principle C: Bolster Existing Industries
oInitiative C-1: Enhance Tourism and Hospitality Assets Action Items:
C-1.2: Leverage key assets such as the Convention Center to enhance visitor experience
C-1.3: Expand business tourism capacity and year-round visitation C-1.4: Strengthen Palm Springs’ position as a premier destination for meetings and events
FISCAL IMPACT:
Sufficient funds are available and budgeted for this amendment in FY 26. The additional $150,000 will be funded through Measure J existing project appropriations and reimbursed through project debt. The initial $150,000 is funded by Economic Development FY26 appropriations and will not be refunded by project debt.
REVIEWED BY:
Department Director: Wayne Olson
Finance Director: Kris Mooney
City Manager: Scott Stiles
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Amendment No. 1 to 25S225 with Conventional Wisdom
B. Public Integrity Disclosure Form
C. Contract 25S225 with Conventional Wisdom