Palm Springs City Council
May 19, 2026

MEASURE J OVERSIGHT COMMISSION
City Council Interview Schedule
CURRENT MEMBER(S) W/EXPIRING TERM(S):

Member Appointment Date Term Expiration Status
Andrea Davis 06/27/2023 06/30/2026 Eligible; Did not reapply Peter Sipkins 06/27/2023 06/30/2026 Eligible; Reapply
La Toya Thigpen 06/27/2023 06/30/2026 Eligible; Reapply Shara Cabreros 06/27/2023 06/30/2026 Eligible; Did not reapply ALTERNATE MEMBERS SEEKING TO BE ADVANCED TO VOTING MEMBERS:

Member Appointment Date Term Expiration Status
Jack Newby 06/27/2023 06/30/2026 Applied to Advance
Paul Travis 05/21/2025 06/30/2026 Applied to Advance
VACANCIES TO BE FILLED:

New Term Expiration Recommendation(s):
06/30/2029 Peter Sipkins (incumbent)
06/30/2029 La Toya Thigpen (incumbent)
06/30/2029 Jack Newby (current alternate applied to advance to voting member) 06/30/2029 Paul Travis (current alternate applied to advance to voting member) 06/30/2029
06/30/2029
06/30/2027 (alt).
06/30/2029 (alt.)
APPLICANTS:

Applicant District Notes
Peter Sipkins 4 Incumbent
Paul Travis 5 Current Alternate
Daniel Seymour 2
Rick Fearns 2
David Hyams 4
Mark Podrazik 5
John Laino 2
Andrew Melissinos 4 Applied to both Airport and MJOC as First choice Jack Newby 4 Current Alternate
David Anderson 2
La Toya Thigpen 1 Incumbent
Colin Wright 5
ChadSebastian Wilder 1

ALTERNATE CHOICE
Chad Steinmetz Outside of PS *First choice is Airport
Monzerrath Ortiz 1 *First choice is HRC
Mihai Patru 4 *First choice is HRC
Frank McAlpin 3 *First choice is HRC
George Nickle 3 *First choice is HRC
David Anderson 2 *First choice is Measure J
Heidi Garza 2 *First choice is Parks and Recreation
Vincent Devlin 1 *First choice is Parks and Recreation
Evan Gray 3 *First choice is Parks and Recreation
Chris Ruetz 3 *First choice is Planning
Matt Robinson 4 *First choice is Village Fest
ME

ASURE J OVERSIGHT COMMISSION CURRENT ROSTER
Memb
ers Original Appointment Expires
Andrea Davis – 4 June 27, 2023 June 30, 2026
Peter Sipkins – 4 June 27, 2023 June 30, 2026
La Toya Thigpen – 1 June 27, 2023 June 30, 2026
Shara Cabreros – 2 June 27, 2023 June 30, 2026
Clifford Hopkins – 5 June 27, 2023 June 30, 2027
Larry Isaak – 5 June 06, 2024 June 30, 2027
Jason Kravetz – 5 June 06, 2024 June 30, 2028
Jack Newby (alt) – 4 June 27, 2023 June 30, 2026
Paul Travis (alt) – 5 May 21, 2025 June 30, 2026
VACANT June 30, 2027
VACANT June 30, 2026
*Termed out – ineligible to reapply

PETER SIPKINS
(INCUMBENT)

CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Measure 'J' Oversight Commission
Date submitted: March 7, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:

Live ,Parks & Recreation Commission
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:

Peter Sipkins
Email Address:

[email protected]
Street Address:
161 Desert Lakes Drive
Suite or Apartment:

City: State: Postal Code:

Palm Springs CA 92264
Phone:
(612)325-4908
What other committees would you like to apply for if not selected to this committee? (List of all applicable open committees):

Interests & Experiences
Regarding the commission you are applying for, list dates of most recent meetings you have attended or watched

My first term as a Measure J Oversight Commissioner will expire on June 30, 2026. I have served as Chair of that Commission for the past two fiscal years. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first term, and believe that I have provided excellent leadership as Chair. Over the past three years I have only missed a small handful of meetings, almost without exception due to health issues.

The role of the Commission has changed dramatically while I have served. We have changed our focus from awarding community initiated project requests for funding to providing fiscal monitoring and oversight to both those projects and requests by various city departments and the Council itself. While the focus has changed, the significant role the Commission plays in the City’s financial well being has not – if anything, it makes the work of the Commission more important than ever.

Education
1966 BA University of Minnesota
1969 JD University of Minnesota
Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:
1971-1973 Special Assistant Attorney General, State of MN 1973-1977 Solicitor General, State of MN
1978 Special prosecutor, Grand Jury investigation of potential Municipal and State Financial crimes
1979- 2012 Private Practice as trial counsel
2016 Director, Melody Ranch Neighborhood Association 2017 -2025 President or vice President of Melody Ranch 2019 -2022 Chair or Vice Chair of ONE-PS
2023-2026 Measure J Oversight Commissioner
2025-2026 Chair of Measure J Oversight Commission
Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:

Since I have been on the Measure J Oversight Commission, I have studied the enabling legislation, the Brown Act, and innumerable requests for funding from various entities. In that process, I have learned which organizations qualify for possible funding, have learned and believe I understand the priorities of the City Council, and have developed excellent relationships with various city officials in the Finance, Public Works, Engineering and Parks and Recreation departments.

What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:

The changing role of the Commission the past two years has resulted in lack of enthusiasm or interest in certain Commissioners. Some have retired prematurely, left the Commission for other reasons, or have decided to not seek a second three year term. That will result in a

larger than usual number of new Commissioners in 2026-27, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity, increasing the importance of “veteran” Commissioners to lead and set examples for the new Commissioners.

PAUL TRAVIS
(CURRENT ALTERNATE)

CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Measure 'J' Oversight Commission
Date submitted: March 11, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:

Live ,Planning Commission
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:

Paul Travis
Email Address:

[email protected]
Street Address:
584 West Panga Way
Suite or Apartment:

City: State: Postal Code:

Palm Springs CA 92262
Phone:
(917)930-3684
What other committees would you like to apply for if not selected to this committee? (List of all applicable open committees):

Interests & Experiences
Regarding the commission you are applying for, list dates of most recent meetings you have attended or watched

I attended the January and February meetings. I am currently a member of the Commission.

Education
Bachelor of Arts Magna Cum Laude- State University of New York at Albany- 1975 Master of Arts- Public Policy- Milano School, New School for Social Research- 1977 Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:

I have been a member of the Messure J Commission since June 2025. I am active in the Historic Tennis Club Nerighborhoof Organization. I formerly was Chair of the Southampton, New York Planning Commission and Chair of its Clean Water Committee. I also have been a Board member of the Southampton Arts Center and Playwrights Horizons.

I am a member of the Urbsn Land Institue and its Public-Private Partnership Council. I am also a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.

I am President of Washington Square Partners, a real estate advisory company I founded in 1994. We are responsible for residential, commercial, retail and hospitality projects. These projects are not in Palm Springs.

Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:

I followed the work of the Measure J Commission for several years. Since my first Commission meeting in July 2025 I have become very familiar with its function and regulations. The interaction with the City staff assigned to the Commission has been very instructive and I have studied the City budget. Presentations by grant recepients have also been very helpful. I feel more comfortable participating in the Committee discussions and believe I can contribute more to the Commission in the next year.

What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:

I think the Commission is still finding the right mode of monitoring the result of Measure J funded projects. I think a more structured approach would be worth exploring to make the process more organic, including perhaps halving Commission members report back at the monthly meetings.

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DANIEL SEYMOUR

CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Measure 'J' Oversight Commission
Date submitted: March 17, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:

Live
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:

Daniel Seymour
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
2345 Tuscany Heights Drive
Suite or Apartment:

City: State: Postal Code:

Palm Springs CA 92262
Phone:
(310)869-7742
What other committees would you like to apply for if not selected to this committee? (List of all applicable open committees):

Interests & Experiences
Regarding the commission you are applying for, list dates of most recent meetings you have attended or watched

Measure J Commission. I have watched all of the 2025-2026 meetings on YouTube.

Education
PhD University of Oregon, Economics
MBA University of Oregon, Management
BA Gettysburg College, Political Science
AA Lane Community College, Business
Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:

My background is as a university professor and administrator. As a provost and vice chancellor, much of my work has been with stakeholders external of the institution. Such “boundary spanning” experience is very useful on a commission. Importantly, I have a great deal of experience working with budgets and enjoy “making the numbers work.” I am currently the president of my HOA organization in Palm Springs.

Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:

I have never worked on a city commission. I have worked on many task forces and strategic planning efforts in academia, and led many of those initiatives.

What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:

There is never enough money to do the things you want to do. Having said the obvious, doing your due diligence and making hard choices about priorities are key to make the best return on the investment (using scarce resources). .

RICK FEARNS

CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Measure 'J' Oversight Commission
Date submitted: April 15, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:

Live ,N/A
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:

Rick Fearns
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
589 N. Monterey Road
Suite or Apartment:

City: State: Postal Code:

Palm Springs CA 92262
Phone:
(760)673-7075
What other committees would you like to apply for if not selected to this committee? (List of all applicable open committees):

Interests & Experiences
Regarding the commission you are applying for, list dates of most recent meetings you have attended or watched

None
Education
High School Diploma
BA Degree – Allegheny College
MS Degree – Hofstra College
Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:
12 Years – Secondary School Teacher New York State
Author – Communications Curriculum – New York State
21 Years – Broadcast Engineer – ABC/Disney
12 Years – Frequency Coordinator – Dick Clark Productions Present – Retired (Part time recording engineer for Joey English Productions Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:

Living in Palm Springs full time since 2004 gives me enough insight to know and understand what’s going on, and what priorities need to be addressed.

What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:

Address priorities and assign them in a reasonable order so as to address the needs of our business owners as well as our pernnent residents.

For example, prioritize resurfacing our dilapidated streets before building pickle ball courts.

Determine and address the needs and wants of our permanent residents in a fair and reasonable proportion to the needs and wants of our businesses.

DAVID HYAMS

CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Measure 'J' Oversight Commission
Date submitted: April 21, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:

Live ,N/A
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:

David Hyams
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
650 S Compadre Rd
Suite or Apartment:

City: State: Postal Code:

Palm Springs CA 92262
Phone:
(925)999-5630
What other committees would you like to apply for if not selected to this committee? (List of all applicable open committees):

Interests & Experiences
Regarding the commission you are applying for, list dates of most recent meetings you have attended or watched

As I did in 2018, to get up to speed with commission activity, I have reviewed meetings from mid 2025 thru the present.

Education
AA - College of Marin - 1978 BS Accounting - San Jose State University - 1980 BS Finance - San Jose State University - 1980
Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:
35 year career in Accounting, Finance, Internal Controls, Business Planning with Chevron Corporation - travel to all continents except Antarctica working with and mentoring citizens from 10+ countries. While living full time in Palm Springs since 2017 I have championed a Walk of Star, volunteered with PSPF, Oswit Land Trust and others. Provide equity access to Mod Week Events, donated art supplies to Parks & Rec. Honored with 2026 Coachella Valley Senior Inspiration Award - Palm Springs.

Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:

Provide oversight of Measure J activities
What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:

Ensuring that residents are provided easily understandable documents - without this the commission is not able to perform proper oversight Lack of a proper process to encourage community/grass roots projects - create a process that a high school graduate could understand and be able to complete.

MARK PODRAZIK

CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Measure 'J' Oversight Commission
Date submitted: April 24, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:

Live
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:

Mark Podrazik
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
1130 East Deepwell Road
Suite or Apartment:

City: State: Postal Code:

Palm Springs CA 92264
Phone:
(703)785-2371
What other committees would you like to apply for if not selected to this committee? (List of all applicable open committees):

Interests & Experiences
Regarding the commission you are applying for, list dates of most recent meetings you have attended or watched

I attended the April 2026 meeting in person to learn more about how the meetings are run and the level of engagement by the Commission. I watched portions of the January, February and March 2025 archived meetings on YouTube to learn more about the grant application process and the deliberations by the Commission.

Education
I graduated with a dual degree Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing from Syracuse University in May 1991.

I obtained an MBA from Johns Hopkins University in June 1996.

Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:

After working in accounting-related jobs for the first five years after my undergraduate degree, I joined a health care consulting firm in 1996 in Washington, DC with a focus on financial analysis. This firm focused on consulting with state governments in support of their Medicaid programs. Although the Medicaid program is financed jointly by the federal government and each state, the states perform the design and administrative functions with some federal oversight. Everything I learned in this job can be characterized as ‘on the job’ training. My areas of concentration were on setting reimbursement rates to providers (e.g., hospitals, physicians, mental health programs), developing ways to finance new initiatives, fiscal impact modeling, and evaluation of specific programs within Medicaid.

After working at one firm for ten years, a co-worker and I branched out and started our own firm in 2006. The firm, Burns & Associates, also had state governments as clients and performed similar activities as the first firm. I became President of the company upon my partner’s retirement in 2015. I sold our firm to a larger firm, Health Management Associates, in 2020. After working at the new firm for three years, I retired in 2023 and moved to Palm Springs with my husband of 31 years.

Since becoming a resident of Palm Springs and entering retirement, I have looked for ways to give back through volunteer opportunities. Currently, I volunteer 8-12 hours per weeks in the warehouse at the Palm Springs Revivals store. In season, I aim to work one morning a week for Oswit Land Trust at the Prescott Preserve doing general cleanup and landscaping. I am grateful for active engagement with my neighbors in Deepwell Estates and the events planned through our neighborhood social group. I have also found great communities through my daily workout at the Palm Springs Orangetheory Fitness studio and a local hiking group.

Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:

My understanding of the Measure J Commission is that it is tasked with the stewardship and oversight of Measure J dollars. Through a grant application process, local non-profit groups and community organizations can apply for funds secured through the Measure J assessment. On an every few years basis, the Commission makes a call for grant applications.

Commission members are responsible for reviewing all grant applications and voting on whether to accept or reject applications. In the periods outside of the grant application process, the Commission meets monthly to conduct the general ongoing business of the

Commission. Each Commission member may be called on to perform ongoing oversight of the groups for whom grants have been given to ensure that the dollars are spent in accordance with the application and that the projects come to fruition. All Commission members also participate in the evaluation large-dollar proposals which may include participating in presentations made by applicants (e.g., the convention center group at the April 2026 meeting).

What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:

It seems appropriate that all Commission members review all grant applications, but it appears that the decision-making process for funding applications is more subjective than objective. Perhaps there is more objectivity than what is shown to the public that I am not aware of. In an effort to show the public that each Commission member reviewed each application and to show more objectivity in the decision-making process, it may be useful to have a brief form that each Commission member completes on each application as part of their evaluation. This could be check-the-box or numeric scoring with the option for qualitative feedback. The results could be tabulated to show the Commission as a whole how each application ranked. Although this method may not be the ultimate decision on funding (e.g., additional discussion or information from applications could change individual Commissioners’ decisions from their original scoring), it could prove useful to expedite the decision-making process and add more objectivity. Results could be posted online at the end of the grant application process for full transparency.

In a similar vein, it appears that the oversight of funded projects could be strengthened. In addition to the photos shown on the Commission’s website of the results of funded projects, perhaps some type of annual report could be published about the status of recently-funded projects. This would serve the dual purpose of transparency to the public about Measure J projects as well as promotion of Measure J dollars at work.

JOHN LAINO

CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Measure 'J' Oversight Commission
Date submitted: April 27, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:

Live ,Measure ,Planning Commission
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:

John Laino
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
1155 E Adobe Way
Suite or Apartment:

City: State: Postal Code:

Palm Springs CA 92262
Phone:
(415)269-4328
What other committees would you like to apply for if not selected to this committee? (List of all applicable open committees):

Interests & Experiences
Regarding the commission you are applying for, list dates of most recent meetings you have attended or watched

I am applying for the Measure J Commission because of its significant impact on the Palm Springs community.

I attended my first meeting in person on April 16, encouraged by a current Commissioner.

The Convention Center agenda item was particularly compelling and provided valuable insight into the Commission’s responsibilities and its collaboration with City staff.

To deepen my understanding, I reviewed past meetings on the Measure J YouTube playlist, focusing on:
• The Community Initiated Projects funding process and to learn about the Commissioner responsibilities once they paired to the grantee. • The Convention Center remodel vision and its connectivity to other areas of our community, as well as potential benefits to our businesses • Discussions leading to the 71% voter approval in November 2024 to remove the March 2037 sunset clause
I also reviewed historical meeting minutes (2012 and 2016) to better understand the program’s early development and the shift toward larger-scale projects.

I recognize the importance of honoring Measure J’s history while continuing to evolve to meet the city’s future needs.

Education
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, with a minor in Business Finance, from the College of William & Mary.

I bring nearly 30 years of professional experience across consulting, Fortune 500 companies, and high-growth startups, with leadership roles spanning finance, operations, customer experience, legal, and human resources.

Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:

I began my career at Accenture, where I developed a strong foundation in consulting and problem-solving. I later held operational leadership roles at SiriusXM and NetApp, where I led initiatives impacting over 3,000 employees and improved customer-facing processes.

After those 10 years, I took on a role as Customer Success Executive for Salesforce. In this role, I partnered directly with enterprise clients such as Apple and Intel, helping guide capital budgeting decisions and overseeing multi-million-dollar project execution..

Over the past decade, I have held executive leadership roles at high-growth startups including ZipRecruiter and ServiceTitan. Most recently, I was Chief Operating Officer for BuildOps, which is the business operations software for large Commercial Contractors. I oversaw Finance, Legal, M&A, HR, and Customer Experience, helping scale the company from $7M to $55M in revenue and from 80 to 350 employees.

This experience has given me deep expertise in financial oversight, resource allocation, and accountability for large-scale initiatives.

My civic involvement in the community includes volunteering for the Palm Springs International Film Festival and Modernism Week. Both events demonstrate our Palm Springs values and showcase to the world what makes this city unique. This year, I will get more involved in Modernism Week as I have been selected to be a Tour Guide on the famous double-decker bus tour.

If selected for Measure J Commission, this would be my first formal public service role since serving as a legislative page in high school, and I would be committed to making a meaningful contribution.

Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:

My understanding is that the primary functions of the Measure J Oversight Commission are:

1. Monitor/oversight how Measure J funds are spent and project progress

2. Review/evaluate project applications on how they align with long-term city benefit and the Measure J charter

3. Make recommendations to City Council based on project proposal review

4. Review the Director of Finance’s estimated annual revenue budget

5. Take an active role in reviewing annual independent audits on the use of Measure J funds

6. Provide periodic reports on the projects assigned to each respective Commissioner for oversight
The procedures include:

1. Monthly Commission meetings

2. Community engagement - largely through public comment tied to meetings

3. A clear project submission and review process - including an application, Commission review, City Staff report, Commission Recommendation, and then a formal approval by City Council vote.

4. Project decision criteria, which is outlined by the ten bullet points listed on the Measure J projects (CIP) page
In terms of regulations, my understanding is based on what I learned from the Measure J charter (Chapter 2.59). The Commission is composed of nine Commissioners, with two alternates, serving three-year terms. The Commission must maintain transparency and remain open to community input as a citizen advisory body. For the primary responsibility of oversight, the Commission focuses on review, evaluation, and progress of projects that align to the criteria listed on Measure J web page. In this capacity, the Commission does not have authority to approve projects; but rather, makes recommendations to the City Council for final decisions.

What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:

The Measure J Commission appears to be functioning effectively; however, there are opportunities to strengthen transparency, community awareness, and project oversight.

If given a seat on the Commission, my attention would focus on these potential areas to ensure Measure J maximizes the potential for the City and delivers on the charter.

1. Ensuring there are enough funds/active projects, including awareness, allocated to Community Initiated Projects.

For the residents of Palm Springs, it’s important that they are aware of the active/completed projects, as well as have an understanding on how to access the process. There are 25 active projects as of the April 16th meeting, and there’s a Gallery of Progress of past projects on the website. However, I could not easily find a list of all completed projects or the number of projects considered/not funded. This is a matter of education and communication.

My suggestions:
• Ensure a good balance between large dollar projects and high impact smaller projects to have a healthy quantity of active projects
• Mitigate project overages and publicize when Community Initiated Projects are completed under budget/on time. We could even recognize the CIP of the Year to demonstrate a well-run project with significant impact on the community. • Provide the community with metrics on project approval rates and completion milestones
• Partner with the City of Palm Springs Office of Communications (and possibly One-PS) to provide a quarterly update on key accomplishments and impact

2. Maintaining a priority on road maintenance
Measure J has become synonymous with Road Improvements and benefits everyone who lives in, works in, and visits Palm Springs. This Commission has done an incredible job to make road maintenance more proactive and give the community insight. This may become a concern if there is perception roads are de-prioritized based on the final budget to address other important projects, such as the Convention Center.

My suggestions:
• Be clear that Street Repairs remain the largest line item in the Measure J budget and give an example of what $6M in funds covers (assuming the 2030 figure in the current budget proposal)
• Upon completion of the Convention Center improvement, show the community the increase in Measure J funding due to this investment

• If needed, allocate a percentage of the increased funding and/or release some of the unrestricted Fund balance directly to Street Repairs to augment the $6M budget in 2030 to 2035

3. Providing timely oversight and updates on projects under the care of each Commissioner Given that oversight is the top responsibility, the Commission should ensure consistent, timely, and transparent reporting on all assigned projects.. More importantly, the reports should acknowledge when projects are on track and well run, and conversely, should hold Project Owners accountable to remediation when they are not.

My suggestions:
• Address any “past due” Commission Reports at the monthly meeting as needed • Post a few “model” Report examples on the website so the public knows what great looks like
• Showcase a Commissioner Report each month on the Measure J website for public consumption
Across all of these areas, my focus would be on improving transparency, strengthening accountability, and ensuring that Measure J funds deliver clear, measurable value to the community.

Overall, I bring extensive experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets, leading cross- functional teams, and delivering results in complex environments. I would apply that experience to help ensure Measure J funds are used effectively, transparently, and in alignment with community priorities.

It would be an honor to serve and contribute to the continued success of Palm Springs.

ANDREW MELISSINOS

CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Measure 'J' Oversight Commission
Date submitted: April 29, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:

Live ,Administrative Appeals Board,Airport Commission,Human Rights Commission,Sustainability Commission
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:

Andrew Melissinos
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
1935 Rancho Vista Trail
Suite or Apartment:

City: State: Postal Code:

Palm Springs CA 92264-4901
Phone:
(310)270-8188
What other committees would you like to apply for if not selected to this committee? (List of all applicable open committees):

Interests & Experiences

Regarding the commission you are applying for, list dates of most recent meetings you have attended or watched
I have watched the following Measure J meetings: 12/18/25, 1/15/26, 2/19/26, 3/19/26 Education
· BA, English Literature, The College of Wooster
· MBA, Loyola Marymount University
Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:
· 23 year resident of California: Los Angeles 2003-2020; Palm Springs 2020-Present (I have owned a home in Palm Springs since 2016)
· Professional experience as a Human Resources Executive: 21 years at Raytheon; 10 years at May Company; Retired May 2025
· Civic Involvement: Primarily in Los Angeles with the Human Rights Campaign as a member of the LA Steering Committee for over 10 years and on the National Board of Governors for six years; In Boston for four years at AIDS Action Committee as a volunteer for the Check-In program; Additional volunteer work prior to 2000 including Young Audiences and ASO’s in smaller cities
· Also involved in management of various HOA’s where I have owned a home Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:
· From watching a number of the commission meetings and reading the overview on the city website, my understanding is that the commission follows traditional operational guidelines and focuses on appropriately allocating funding through thorough evaluation to projects or needs that benefit the City, residents, and visitors of Palm Springs.

What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:
· I have observed that the commission faces a tough balancing act as it decides how to allocate the Measure J funds. Good decision-making appears to require strong coordination with other commissions, the City Council, and public interests. Clearly this complex combination of interested parties requires the commission to make well-researched and justified allocation decisions that might not satisfy all stakeholders. It seems to me that the decision-making process benefits from a holistic view that emphasizes quality of life for Palm Springs residents while also driving benefits for the tourism industry.

JACK NEWBY
(CURRENT ALTERNATE)

CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Measure 'J' Oversight Commission
Date submitted: April 29, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:

Live ,Work ,Airport Commission
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:

Jack Newby
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
2701 Pintura Cir S, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Suite or Apartment:

City: State: Postal Code:

Palm Springs CA 92264
Phone:
(760)333-4969
What other committees would you like to apply for if not selected to this committee? (List of all applicable open committees):

Interests & Experiences
Regarding the commission you are applying for, list dates of most recent meetings you have attended or watched

As an Alternate Commissioner on the Measure J Oversight Commission, I have attended all meetings over the past year. This has included regular budget reviews as well as several presentations on expansion of the Convention Center and development of a connective corridor from the Convention Center to downtown retail businesses and restaurants. Additionally, I have been assigned oversight responsibility on community initiated projects including the LGBTQ+ Center solar project and the First Baptist Church project.

Education
Education
Cal Poly Pomona: Bachelors Degree - 1975
Western State University College of Law: JD Degree – 1978 University of Phoenix: Masters Degree in Organizational Management – 2004 Various continuing education courses in budget management, project management, diversity, equity and inclusion, program development and evaluation.

Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:

I was previously on the City of Palm Springs Human Rights Commission serving from 2010 – 2016 and served as vice-chair and chair of the commission. Prior to moving to Palm Springs I served on the City of Signal Hill Planning Commission for 4 years, serving as vice-chair and chair during the development of the Hilltop Specific Plan which contemplated the full multi- million dollar “build-out” of the hilltop section of the City of Signal Hill. That plan is now essentially complete. In addition, the Planning Commission worked with the City Council in promoting economic development to attract sales tax producing businesses to the City of Signal Hill.

I have worked in the non-profit sector for many years, serving as the Executive Director of the Long Beach LGBT+ Community Center, was on the planning committee and instrumental in producing the first HRCF (now Human Rights Campaign) fundraising event in Southern California. I worked for the Mizell Center as Director of Development for nearly 10 years, and wrote and developed the original grant for the current Meals on Wheels program. I was the first Director of Public Policy for Desert AIDS Project in 2002 leading outreach to all Congressional Districts in the DAP service area and extended outreach to all Congressional Districts in the San Bernardino/Riverside eligible metropolitan area for Ryan White funding. I planned and made frequent visits to Washington, DC and Sacramento to advocate for additional funding for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. I served on the National AIDS Action Board and on the Board and also as vice-chair of the CAEAR Coalition. I was a member of the founding class of Leadership Coachella Valley, served on the Board of Directors of the Desert Business Association and the local Association of Fundraising Professionals. I most recently served on the Board of Directors of the Coachella Valley Alzheimer’s Association.

I have served as Executive Director of The Joslyn Center and developed the Joslyn Wellness Center which is a holistic approach to wellness for seniors and older adults. This program received National recognition as a Program of Excellence by the National Council on

Aging/National Association of Senior Centers. The program now provides services to the Hispanic community with bi-lingual/Spanish speaking counselors throughout the Coachella Valley.

I have had extensive experience in managing large capital improvement and infrastructure projects while at Mizell Senior Center and at The Joslyn Center and managing budget over- runs and maintaining compliance with Community Development Block Grant requirements.

Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:

The Measure J Commission was formed as a part of the voter approved initiative in 2011 that approved a 1% increase in sales tax for Capital Improvement Projects initially focusing on downtown revitalization efforts. The passage of Measure J called for the formation of an oversight commission tasked with recommending capital improvements. The responsibility of the Measure J Commission is to provide oversight over the spending of Measure J funds, develop budgets and review projects that are funded fully or partially by Measure J funds and to make necessary adjustments for cost over-runs. Additionally, the Commission reviews, approves, and monitors Community Initiated Projects which have historically been approximately $1M of the overall budget. The Commission is also tasked with regular review of the Financial Reports and audits of Measure J spending to ensure that it is maintaining the original intent of the measure.

Measure J was initially proposed to “sunset”, but was extended in 2024.

One of the initial areas of focus in addition to downtown revitalization was improvement in roads and transportation. Also, parks and recreation, the library, airport, public safety and other vital infrastructure items were eventually included in the Measure J Commission portfolio. Infrastructure improvements that support economic benefit and increased sales tax revenue to the City of Palm Springs are under consideration and review. Supporting the revitalization of the Plaza Theatre is an example of infrastructure improvements that also result in increased sales tax by bringing more locals and tourists to downtown to dine and shop. This also includes improvements to the Convention Center to support more and larger conventions and the development of a pedestrian friendly walking district from the Convention Center to downtown businesses.

A significant aspect of the Commission duties is to invite submissions on Community Initiated Projects in order for the community to have direct input and experience in the city-wide infrastructure projects and improvements.

Measure J funds are primarily focused on Capital Improvement and Infrastructure funding and the Commission is eliminating funding for security and maintenance in the downtown area finding that those were personnel rather than infrastructure funds.

Measure J funds have been a critical source of funding as the state has reduced and eliminated local revenue sources for capital improvement. These improvements are a significant resource for maintaining quality of life for residents in the City of Palm Springs and supporting increased economic development.

What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:

Education efforts should be improved to let residents know of the importance of these funds and that tourism dollars spent still contribute the majority of funds for Measure J. Making Measure J more impactful to the residents could include reducing the carry-over fund balances to funding for Community Initiated Projects. Another important educational opportunity is to show that the use of Measure J Funds to help increase economic development will have a lasting and long-term impact on funding for infrastructure such as road repair and maintenance and other capital improvement and infrastructure projects that improve the quality of life of the residents. It is interesting to note that since the passage of Measure J, many similar measures have been passed in other Coachella Valley cities because of the obvious success and example provided by Measure J.

In my participation in Commission meetings, it is apparent that Measure J funds make up a “piece of the pie” related to other projects with Parks and Recreation, Library, Public Safety, etc. There should be more effort to provide an overview of these projects and how Measure J funds mesh with the overall outcome and the timing of the projects for accurate budgeting.

One of the more significant challenges is the surge in the cost of public infrastructure projects. This severely impacts budgeting decisions and necessitates the reallocation of funds and possible de-funding of other important projects. This would take a very close review and coordination of projects and potentially placing additional funds in a cost reserve fund to help cover these significant increases.

Finally, increasing outreach to the underserved communities in North Palm Springs and in other economically disadvantaged areas, would help increase the community impact and benefit to all citizens of Palm Springs.

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DAVID ANDERSON

CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Measure 'J' Oversight Commission
Date submitted: April 30, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:

Live ,Work ,Administrative Appeals Board,Airport Commission,Human Rights Commission,Measure ,Planning Commission,Sustainability Commission First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:

David Anderson0
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
225 West Via Escuela
Suite or Apartment:

City: State: Postal Code:

Palm Springs CA 92262
Phone:
(323)823-3283
What other committees would you like to apply for if not selected to this committee? (List of all applicable open committees):

Interests & Experiences

Regarding the commission you are applying for, list dates of most recent meetings you have attended or watched
Ive been a VillageFest Commissioner for the last two consecutive terms, so I have watched several meetings online and in person. Not only with the Parks & Rec group, but also others that I have been interested in with relavant topics. Deciding on which Commission or Committee would invite me, I immediately watch all of the most recent episodes available.

Education
Diploma with Advanced Studies in English and French, Roger Bacon High School, Cincinnati, OH
Bachelor of Arts, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH Major: "Interpersonal & Public Communications" with an emphasis in Personnel Administration
Double Minors: "Mass Media" and "Popular Culture"
* Full-time HR Internships with manufacturing giant Motorola, Inc. (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) and Toledo Trustcorp (now KeyBank)
MBA Preparatory & Business Courses at Tulane University, New Orleans, LA & Harvard Business School, Cambridge, MA
Daily, weekly, monthly or annual free or low-cost webinars, workshops, and reading/researching opportunities to keep up-to-date with ever-changing Federal, State, and Local Employment Laws, Wage & Hour Regulations, Health & Safety Programs, and general Human Resources Best Practices with professional respected legal firms, mentors, and colleagues.

Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:

HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTANT (2011 to present)
AHRC (Anderson Human Resources Consulting), Greater Los Angeles Area BBSI (Barrett Business Services Inc.): 100+ local SMBs in La Quinta, CA and ADP: 25 SMBs in Palm Springs, CA
Bean Counter Bookkeeping LLC, approximately 40 SMB’s in the Greater Coachella Valley, CA I personally own a Human Resources consulting firm specializing in general Human Resources services, and partner with several local Payroll Service Providers in my professional networks.

Strengths: Start-Up Operations, Significant Cost-Savings, Training & Development, and Recruitment & Selection, Executive Coaching, Employee Engagement, Mission/Vision/Values Development for over 100 local SMBs. Recent clients include:
* The Springs Country Club – Rancho Mirage (Interim Human Resources Consultant for private golf/courts & social club)
* Berlitz International – Cultural Diversity Division (National Trainer for the global expansion of their client, Chick-fil-A)
* Diamond Resorts (now Hilton) International (Regional Recruiter for Southern California

timeshare resort properties)
* S&J Biren Company (Family-owned flooring business and warehouse with turnover and compliance issues)
* Drissi Advertising & LA6721, LLC (Acting VPHR & Business Administration for two firms planned on merging)
* Chetrit Group Hotels (Pre-opening HR activities for two historical renovations to be managed by Journal Hotels)
* Montage Hotel Beverly Hills (Pre-opening Sr. Recruiter for luxury hotel chain) * Belkin International (HR Business Partner supporting CFO, CMO, & CDO and their teams with WorkDay and Lynda.com)
* Design Hair Cuts (Small independent hair salon with turnover and marketing issues) * Nearby Buddy Finders dba Grindr LLC & Blendr LLC (Created HR Policies, Benefits, Values, 360’s, etc.)
DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES (2010 to 2011)
InterContinental Hotel Los Angeles, Century City, CA (Temporary task force assignment.) Led the HR function for a luxury hotel managed by IHG, the world’s largest hotel company. Served as an Executive Operating Committee member and acted as Head of Operations in absence of the General Manager. Used “StrengthsFinder 2.0” for teambuilding and trust issues. Involved in several re-structures and right-sizes. Improved colleague engagement scores by 15.5% in less than six months, showing the most significant improvement in the company of thirty properties in the Americas region. Attracted and retained the first full Executive Operating Team in five years. Developed Assistant HRD.

HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION & OPERATIONS (2008 to 2010) Crew Creative Advertising, LLC, Los Angeles, CA (Company closed.) Award-winning entertainment advertising agency that has been forced to reorganize after filing Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. Reduced staff size by 30% but continued to recruit key positions as needed. Enhanced the overall Employee Benefits packages while reducing employer premiums by 23.5%. Handled all Commercial Operating Insurance policies (including Workers Compensation), reducing them by 32%.

LAUNCH TEAM – HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES (2006 to 2008)
ReelzChannel, LLC, Los Angeles, CA; Minneapolis, MN; New York, NY (Company lay off/relocation to Albuquerque, NM by Hubbard Broadcasting ownership, lowering operating costs by 50%+.)
Launched a new nationwide television network and Internet business with 35 million subscribers. Created the Human Resources function from inception to operation, staffed with over 400 employees (all hired in a matter of six months). Successfully implemented unique Compensation & Bonus practices, Performance Management programs, and complicated HSA Benefit plans. Designed and implemented a unique, movie-themed employee culture in everything we did.

SENIOR TALENT ACQUISITION SPECIALIST / CONSULTANT (2005 to 2006)

The Walt Disney Company, Burbank, CA (Resigned to accept start-up at ReelzChannel.) Recruited unique, non-finance positions while the team was undergoing re-structuring.

Filled roles in SAP/IT, Health & Safety, Corporate Benefits, International Operations, and Internal Audit. Team member involved with re-designed corporate recruiting techniques and resources for the next generation of job seekers.

GLOBAL HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES (2004 to 2005)
SDI Media Group, Los Angeles CA; London, UK; Hong Kong, CN; Ontario, CAN (Company was purchased by new owner Lyuno, and position was downgraded to local managers/directors.) Managed the HR functions at the world's leading post-production house for subtitling and dubbing in over 50 languages. Headcount was over 200 domestic employees and 100 associates internationally working in 16 regional offices. Emphasis was in Recruiting (10+new hires/week), Immigration Matters (30% of the US staff), and Benefit Design & Administration.

Awarded “Employer of the Year” for the second consecutive time by Workplace Hollywood.

DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES - RECRUITMENT & TRAINING (2001 to 2004) E! Entertainment Networks, Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; London, UK (Resigned after a three-year employment contract to accept a new opportunity with a vendor since E! became part of Comcast/NBC Universal.)
Performed general HR functions for an international cable TV company (parent to E! Entertainment Television, E! Online, and the Style Network – now Comcast Entertainment Group/NBC Universal Cable) of over 1,500 employees. Emphasis in Recruitment & Retention, Training & Development, and Employee Relations/Activities. Supervised a staff of 10.

Implemented an Applicant Tracking System to process 57,000+ resumes and 1,300 new hires annually. Awarded “Employer of the Year.”
HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES & ADMINISTRATION (1999 to 2001) Load Media Network/MDS (Tribe Studios), Hollywood, CA and New York, NY (Dot-Com Company went bankrupt.)
Reported to the CEO and served as an Executive Committee Member for this Internet start- up company. Load was a software development/distribution company, and Tribe the production facility that created TV-quality video viewed pre-cached over the Internet. Led staff of eight overseeing all HR/HRIS Help Desk/Building Operations functions.

DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES; DIRECTOR, TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT (1998 to 1999) Twentieth Century Fox / News Corporation, Los Angeles/Century City, CA (Resigned after one and a half years, as new corporate division was eventually eliminated.) Hired as a Senior Technical Recruiter for the Film Division. Promoted to Director of HR for the 600+ employees in the Entertainment Group's Finance, Accounting, and Information Technology areas. Transferred to the parent company's Training & Development department, servicing all divisions on the West Coast.

HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTANT (1994 to 1998)
AHRC (Anderson Human Resources Consulting), Los Angeles, CA (Accepted a regular full-time

staff position.)
* UCLA Extension (5 semesters as an HR Instructor for “Hospitality Management” track and Internship Coordinator)
* ITT Sheraton DBA Starwood Hotels (California's Regional Trainer/HR Business Unit Leader at LAX property)
* Cheap Tickets, Inc. DBA Expedia.com (Corporate Training & Recruiting functions in three call centers)
* DIRECTV (Technical Recruiter and Management Trainer on Zenger-Miller programs) * Warner Bros. Consumer Products Group and the WB Television Network (Senior Recruiter)

REGIONAL DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES/REGIONAL TRAINER (1988 to 1994) Interstate Hotels Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA (former regional headquarters)
Reported to General Managers and various Corporate Executives. Served as an Executive Committee member at a total of seven different locations for the world's largest franchiser of Marriott Hotels & Resorts. Promoted to regional HR Representative and Corporate Trainer in both Union and Non-Union property environments. Introduced Total Quality Management principles and practices to 30+ organizations with staffs up to 300. Assisted the Marriott Hotel Company in obtaining the national Malcolm Baldridge Award. Responsible for the research, development, roll-out, and follow up/audit phases of the program at each location, resulting in up to a 25% improvement of financial performance, increased communication and teamwork, and decreased employee turnover. Handled all HR: Recruitment & Staffing, Compensation & Benefits Administration, Union Negotiations and Arbitrations / Grievances, Training / Supervisory Development, Legal Compliance, and Employee Relations. Elected President of the Los Angeles County Hotel Human Resources Association.

MANAGER, PERSONNEL & PAYROLL (1986 to 1988)
Radisson Hotels Incorporated, Minneapolis, MN (headquarters) Acquired and re-branded the company's first all-suite product in New Orleans, LA then staffed and opened a full-service resort, marina, and TGI Friday’s Restaurant at a lakeside amusement park in Sandusky, OH. Served as the local hotel industry representative for The United Way in both cities.

LOCAL / NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING & VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS:
* The International Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) General member/volunteer since joining as an undergraduate college student. Attend annual national multi-day conventions when possible.
* Elected Board Member-at-Large (College Relations Advisor) for the Coachella Valley Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA) chapter. * Reconciled United Methodist Churches (UMC) of Palm Springs, Hollywood, and West Hollywood, CA acting in various leadership roles and Human Resources Committees. * Chair of various events/committees supporting youth development with GLAAD, Human Rights Commission, The Point Foundation, and the Greater Palm Springs’ LGBTQ+ Centers. * Elected governing board member (Secretary then Treasurer) of the Organized

Neighborhood Enclaves of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) representing the largest of the 52 communities.
* Selected as an Executive Board Member and Chair, Human Resources & Diversity for the non-profit Green Room Theatre Company based in Coachella, CA (part of the Desert Star Theatre Alliance, made up of 30+ troupes).
* Appointed Commissioner/Board Member by the Mayor for a second four-year term in the Palm Springs Parks & Recreation Department. This group is responsible for vendor selection and compliance supporting over 150 small arts & crafts, food & beverage operators, and entertainment professionals at the Weekly VillageFest Street Fair. Currently serving as the Sargent of Arms for each biweekly jury process of approximately ten new vendors at each televised gathering.
* Volunteer Activities Coordinator and Transportation Assistant positions with Stonewall Gardens Assisted Living Facility in Palm Springs, CA.
* Active member of the Desert Communities Employer Advisory Council (DCEAC), the Desert Business Association (DBA), and the California Chamber of Commerce. * Selected as a representative of the Palm Springs Community Leadership Council by the presidents of the DBA and PS Pride for ad-hoc representation of many area organizations and non-profits supporting the motto “Be The Change.”
* Active attendee at regular meetings for the Palm Springs Hospitality Association and the Chambers of Commerce for the Greater Coachella Valley, the City of Palm Springs, the City of Rancho Mirage, and Palm Desert.
* Serve as a Human Resources Advisor to the Main Street Palm Springs organization, a monthly gathering of downtown and uptown Small Business Owners including retail shops, restaurants/bars, service providers, educational institutes, non-profits, etc.

Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:

I serve as a Human Resources Advisor to the Main Street Palm Springs organization since 2019, a monthly gathering of downtown and uptown Small Business Owners including retail shops, restaurants/bars, service providers, educational institutes, non-profits, etc. I am very aware of the growth and development of large and small businesses throughout the Greater Coachella Valley, and support our city’s advancements.

What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:

I sense that there is a gewat deal of mistrust by our current residents and some visitors directed towards some previous Palm Springs’ elected and appointed officials, and only more transparency and fesh eyes/perspectives can build that back.

LA TOYA THIGPEN
(INCUMBENT)

CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Measure 'J' Oversight Commission
Date submitted: April 30, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:

Live ,Work ,Administrative Appeals Board,Human Rights Commission,Measure First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:

La Toya Thigpen
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
359 W Sunview Ave
Suite or Apartment:

City: State: Postal Code:

Palm Springs CA 92262
Phone:
(760)673-5502
What other committees would you like to apply for if not selected to this committee? (List of all applicable open committees):

Interests & Experiences
Regarding the commission you are applying for, list dates of most recent meetings you have attended or watched

4/16/2026
Education
College
Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:

I am interested in serving a second term on the Measure J Commission. My experience thus far has been both deeply meaningful and profoundly grounding. It has been an honor to serve our beautiful city and to contribute, in a small but meaningful way, to advancing the shared values that Measure J represents.

This role has offered a unique opportunity to witness the impact of thoughtful, community- centered investment. Supporting organizations whose work strengthens our social fabric has been both rewarding and purposeful. I have come to appreciate even more the care, collaboration, and responsibility required to ensure these funds truly serve the mission and the people they are intended to benefit.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue this work, to deepen my understanding, and to further contribute to the Commission’s efforts in stewarding resources with integrity, equity, and vision for the future.

Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:

I am currently serving on this commission; seeking a second term.

What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:

One of the ongoing challenges facing the Commission is the imbalance between the number of strong applications received and the available funding. While this will likely remain a structural reality, it underscores the importance of our continued commitment to thoughtful stewardship. My suggestion is that we remain collaborative in our approach, continue refining evaluation criteria as needed, and stay flexible and responsive to the evolving needs of our community. In doing so, we can ensure the most impactful use of limited resources while remaining fair, transparent, and mission-aligned.

COLIN WRIGHT

CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Measure 'J' Oversight Commission
Date submitted: April 30, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:

Live ,Work ,N/A
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:

Colin Wright
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
2823 S Palm Canyon Dr
Suite or Apartment:

City: State: Postal Code:

Palm Springs CA 92264
Phone:
(404)210-6050
What other committees would you like to apply for if not selected to this committee? (List of all applicable open committees):

Interests & Experiences
Regarding the commission you are applying for, list dates of most recent meetings you have attended or watched

• Watched via YouTube
o February 19, 2026
o March 19, 2026
Education
• Diploma, Punahou High School
o Honolulu, Hawaii (1989)
• Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology o Atlanta, Georgia (1994)
• Juris Doctor, University of Georgia
o Athens, Georgia (2004)
Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:
• Attorney Work Experience
o Stryker: Division IP Counsel, Ortho Tech (2024-Present) o Apple: Open Source Counsel (2023-2024)
o Twilio: Lead Product Counsel (2021-2023)
o Landis+Gyr: Group Intellectual Property Counsel (2019-2021) o Change Healthcare: Senior Counsel, Cybersecurity (2017-2018) o McKesson: Senior Director & Interim VP, Compliance & Regulatory Affairs (2014-2017)
o McKesson: Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property (2010-2014) o Citrix Systems: Intellectual Property Counsel (2007-2010) o Hope Baldauff Hartman: Associate, Patent Prosecution (2006-2007) o Merchant & Gould: Associate, Patent Prosecution (2005-2006) o Banner & Witcoff: Associate, Patent Prosecution (2004-2005) • Technology Work Experience
o Xcelerate (Publicis Sapient): Senior Software Engineer (1999-2001) o New Energy Associates (Hitachi Energy): Software Engineer (1996-1999) o Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games: Technology Manager (1996) o Advanced Micro Devices (AMD): Technical Sales Engineer (1994-1995) • Community & Leadership Experience
o Leadership Coachella Valley: Class of 2026 Member
o Palm Murray (“The 2801”) HOA: Board Member & President (2022-Present) o Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS): Neighborhood Representative (2024-Present)
o Greater Palm Springs LGBTQ Bar Association: Co-Founder & Secretary (2025- Present)
o Fulton County (GA) Department of Elections: Poll Worker & Assistant Poll Manager (2020)
o LGBTQ Victory Fund: National Campaign Board Member (2013-2026)

o McKesson OPEN Employee Resource Group: National Chair (2014-2016) o AIDS/LifeCycle 7-Day Ride: Roadie Volunteer (2022-2025) o AIDS Walk Atlanta: Key Volunteer & Route Volunteer Coordinator (1996-2018) o AIDS Vaccine 200 Bike Ride: Key Volunteer & Support Vehicle Coordinator (2012-2019)
Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:

The Measure J Oversight Commission is a body of Palm Springs citizens (or those who live or work here) that monitors and makes recommendations for spending the 1% sales tax revenue originally approved by voters in 2011 and made permanent in 2024. Its primary function is to ensure the funds are appropriately allocated toward public safety, infrastructure, and downtown revitalization. The commission reviews audits and prioritizes Community-Initiated Projects to provide formal budget recommendations to the City Council, and it operates under procedures set forth in Chapter 2.59 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code.

What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:
• Public Safety Wages
o There seems to be ongoing debate regarding whether Measure J funds should be restricted to capital improvements or used for personnel costs of additional public safety employees. While the municipal code does not explicitly limit the types of expenditures, there is public expectation that the 1% tax act as a "quality of life" multiplier for new infrastructure, rather than a tool to supplant the general operating budget. While I don’t have a specific proposal to end this controversy, I believe it could be mitigated through more precise communication from the City Council regarding how these expenditures specifically enhance, rather than simply maintain, city services. • Vetting CIP Applications
o I am aware of past friction regarding the Commission’s rejection of seemingly worthy Community-Initiated Project (CIP) applications due to the inclusion of impermissible operating expenses, such as wages. These rejections can create a disconnect between the Commission and the public. To address this, the Commission and City Council should collaborate on a more robust educational outreach effort to better explain the "brick-and-mortar" limitations and the fiscal reasoning behind them before and during the CIP application cycle. • Long-Term Debt & Discretion
o While Measure J has funded great projects like the Plaza Theatre and the Library renovation, the decision to make the tax permanent allows for the assumption of significant new debt. A growing concern is that over- committing future revenues to debt servicing could "tie the hands" of future Commissions and City Councils, reducing their discretionary oversight. This

requires vigilant supervision to ensure a healthy balance between ambitious capital reinvestment and long-term fiscal flexibility.

CHADSEBASTIAN WILDER

CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Measure 'J' Oversight Commission
Date submitted: May 1, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:

Live ,Administrative Appeals Board,Airport Commission,Human Rights Commission,Parks & Recreation Commission,Planning Commission,Sustainability Commission First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:

ChadSebastian Wilder
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
830 S Nueva Vista Dr
Suite or Apartment:

City: State: Postal Code:

Palm Springs CA 92264
Phone:
(415)571-4306
What other committees would you like to apply for if not selected to this committee? (List of all applicable open committees):

Interests & Experiences

Regarding the commission you are applying for, list dates of most recent meetings you have attended or watched
November 20, 2025 (livestream); December 18, 2025 (livestream); January 15, 2026 (YouTube recording). I began attending city board and commission meetings shortly after moving to Palm Springs in November 2025, and I follow the Palm Springs Post's ongoing coverage of Measure J Commission activities and city governance.

Education
Bachelor of Science, Liberal Studies, Oregon State University (March 2026) Associate of Arts, Arts and Humanities, Community College of Baltimore County (2010) Excellence in Government Fellows Program, Partnership for Public Service (2023-2024 Cohort)
Certified Grants Management Specialist, National Grants Management Association (2017- 2022)
Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:

I recently completed a 20-year federal career spanning four agencies: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, FDA, FEMA, and AmeriCorps/CNCS. Most recently, I served as Division Director at USDA's Food and Nutrition Service Western Regional Office in San Francisco, where I led a 22-person division overseeing seven federal nutrition programs across 10 states and territories with $2.3 billion in combined annual budgets serving 1.6 million participants.

My career has centered on program oversight, budget management, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement at every level.

At FEMA, I managed a $100 million annual grants portfolio and oversaw $17.9 million in disaster recovery assistance during the 2017 Northern California wildfires. At FDA, I managed operational budgets and served as the district-level lead on an $75 million facility construction and relocation project. Throughout my career, I have been responsible for ensuring public dollars are spent effectively, transparently, and in alignment with the intent of the funding source.

I grew up in San Diego receiving public assistance, including WIC, SNAP, and school nutrition benefits. That experience drives my commitment to making sure public investments reach the people and communities they are meant to serve. I moved to Palm Springs in November 2025 and am eager to contribute to my new community.

Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:

The Measure J Oversight Commission is a nine-member body appointed by the City Council to review and make recommendations on how funds generated by the city's 1% transactions and use tax are spent. The tax was approved by voters in 2011 and made permanent through a November 2024 ballot measure removing its sunset clause. The commission meets monthly on the third Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and is staffed by the Finance Department.

The commission's primary functions include reviewing the annual Measure J budget, receiving regular financial and project status updates from city staff, and recommending funding allocations to the City Council for final approval. This includes oversight of major

capital improvement projects like street repairs, the library renovation, fire station relocation, and park improvements, as well as the community-initiated projects program, where residents and organizations propose projects for Measure J funding. Commissioners are also assigned individual oversight roles on specific funded projects to track progress and report back to the full commission.

The commission is advisory in nature. It makes recommendations to the City Council, which holds final approval authority over Measure J expenditures. Revenue currently generates approximately $23 million annually, with $91 million in projects in the current five-year Capital Improvement Program pipeline. The commission also has a role in evaluating and ranking community-initiated project applications against established criteria before forwarding recommendations to staff and Council.

What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:

The commission faces a growing tension between funding large-scale capital projects and maintaining meaningful investment in community-initiated projects. The community project budget is dropping from $6 million to $1 million in the upcoming fiscal year, while demand continues to grow. Last cycle, the commission received 52 applications requesting over $18 million. As large capital commitments like the convention center renovation add debt service obligations to the Measure J fund, less capacity remains for the smaller projects that often have the most direct and visible impact on residents' daily lives.

This matters because Measure J is a sales tax assessed on everyone who shops in Palm Springs, residents and visitors alike. Keeping residents centered in how these funds are allocated is essential to maintaining the public trust that led voters to make the tax permanent in 2024. The commission should continue to advocate for a sustainable balance between large capital investments and community-facing projects, and push for long-term financing strategies that don't crowd out community priorities over time.

I also think the commission can be most effective when it stays focused on its advisory role over Measure J fund allocation and oversight. In watching recent meetings, I noticed that broader city policy discussions, while understandable and important, can pull the commission into areas that fall under City Council jurisdiction. Staying disciplined about scope helps the commission maintain its credibility and ensures residents know where to direct their input on different types of decisions.

I would bring experience managing exactly these kinds of tensions. My federal career involved balancing competing priorities across large program portfolios, making transparent funding decisions with limited resources, and communicating those decisions clearly to stakeholders and the public.