TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
6136 Adobe Road
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 to consider the following:
REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
6:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Pastor Jake Snyder, The Potter’s House.
Roll Call.
Closed Session Announcements.
Changes to the Agenda.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
These proceedings may be viewed on demand on the City of Twentynine Palms website at www.29palms.org.
You may also Live Stream this meeting by going on our website and clicking on the "Meeting Agendas" link.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS
1. Youth Council Update.
2. Presentation by FindFood Bank and Acceptance of Proclamation.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are to be considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed. Any item may be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered separately by the City Council. The public will be given an opportunity to comment on Consent Calendar items prior to the City Council action.
3. Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve the Reading by Title Only.
4. Approval of Minutes of the City Council Meeting Held on August 13, 2024.
City Council - Regular Meeting - 13 Aug 2024 - Minutes - Pdf 5 - 9
5. Approval of Warrant Register Totaling $930,079.58
Approval of Warrant Register Totaling $930,079.58 - Pdf 11 - 15
6. Development Impact Fee Report for FY 2023-24 (Annual and Five-Year).
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council receive and file the City's Development Impact Fee Annual and Five-Year report for FY 2023-24 pursuant to Government Code Section 66000, et. al.
Development Impact Fee Report for FY 2023-24 (Annual and Five-Year). - Pdf 17 - 28
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
PUBLIC HEARING - NONE
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
7. Designation of Delegate for the Annual CalCities Conference.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council designate a Delegate and Alternate Delegate for the League of California Cities' Annual Conference.
Designation of Delegate for the Annual CalCities Conference. - Pdf 29 - 52
8. Entertainment Permits.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council review and provide direction to Staff.
Entertainment Permits. - Pdf
53 - 54
9. Self-Help Housing Project Status Update.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council receive and file as this is an update only.
Self-Help Housing Project Status Update. - Pdf
55 - 56
10. Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID).
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council:
1. Approve the TBID's Annual Report and Marketing Plan & Budget for Fiscal Year 2024- 2025;
2. Adopt Resolution No. ____ confirming the intention to levy an assessment for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID). - Pdf
57 - 102
FUTURE COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
1. Revisit funds that were allocated for portable showers and the Navigation Center.
2. Discussion on the General Plan Update.
3. Discussion surrounding (i) costs to maintain dirt roads verses paved roads; (ii) what is a City maintained dirt road, a non-maintained dirt road, a road that has been accepted by the City, a road that is private and not accepted by the City; (iii) the City's ability and liability associated with the City periodically maintaining nonmaintained roads, and (iv) ways residents can bring non-maintained and non-accepted dirt roads to pavedrural-road standards ready for acceptance into the City's accepted-and-maintained road list.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
This is the time for the public to address the City Council on issues within the jurisdiction of the City Council that are NOT on this agenda. All comments are to be directed to the City Council and shall not consist of any personal attacks. Members of the public are expected to maintain a professional, courteous decorum during their comments. There is a time limitation of three minutes per person. If you haven’t already done so, please fill out name and address slips and give them to the City Clerk. The City Council is prohibited by State law from taking action or discussing items not included on the printed agenda. Public comments on specific agenda items will be deferred until consideration of the item on the agenda.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
ADJOURNMENT
It is the intention of the City of Twentynine Palms to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act in all respects. If you are a person with a disability who requires a disability-related modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting, including auxiliary aids or services, please request such modification or accommodation from the City Clerk at (760) 367- 4890 (facsimile). Notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to the meeting. Please advise us at the time whether you will require accommodations to participate in meetings on a regular basis. Any person affected by any application on this agenda may submit their concerns in writing prior to the meeting or appear in person and be heard in support or opposition to the proposal at the time the matter is considered on the agenda. The staff reports, applications and environmental documents may be viewed at either the office of Community Development or the office of the City Clerk, 6136 Adobe Road, from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, except legal holidays. The Invocation is given per Policy 10-01, and does not reflect the views of the City but rather is an expression of speech by a private citizen making the presentation. Telephone inquiries may be made at (760) 367-6799. If you challenge any agenda issue in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues that you or someone else raised at the public meeting described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Twentynine Palms at, or prior to, the public meeting.
This notice of agenda is hereby certified to have been posted on or before 6:00 p.m. September 5, 2024.
Cindy Villescas CMC, City Clerk Time/Date
TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting MINUTES
City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
August 13, 2024
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Bilderain called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Boy Scout Thomas Elkins led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Pastor Nick Foley, Set Free Church, gave the Invocation.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Klink, Mintz, Scott, Wright, Bilderain.
Closed Session Announcements - None.
Changes to the Agenda - None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Bilderain announced that these proceedings may be viewed on demand on the City of Twentynine Palms website at www.29palms.org. You may also Live Stream this meeting by going on our website and clicking on the "Meeting Agendas" link.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS
1. Pioneer Days Update by the Park and Recreation Department.
Community Events Coordinator Scott Clinkscales and Community Services Director Minatrea provided an update on Pioneer Days events.
2. Monsoonal Storm Situation Summary Report by City Manager James.
City Manager James provided a Power Point presentation on what has taken place after the storms.
3. Recognition of Those Who Assisted the Community During the Monsoonal Storms.
Mayor Bilderain and City Manager James handed out certificates to the volunteers and Staff that helped the community during and after the storms.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Scott mentioned that he had many meetings with constituents, and he had the opportunity to participate in the Team Rubicon workshop.
Councilmember Wright commented that he attended the Summer Youth Theatre program play, and he was amazed at how the young kids remembered their lines and songs they sang. He mentioned that he attended the JPA meeting in Victorville, the Basin Transit meeting and added that Warhawks football is in full swing with the first football scrimmage will be on August 24th and first seasonal game on Saturday, September 7th.
Councilmember Mintz mentioned that he attended the Basin Transit meeting, the Team Rubicon Workshop, and he added that there are earthquakes happening all around California, so we need to be prepared for that as well. He thanked all the volunteers that helped with the storm cleanup.
City Council - Regular Meeting
August 13, 2024
Mayor Pro Tem Klink commented that the meetings he normally attends went dark for the summer, so he didn't attend any meetings. He wished everyone celebrating a birthday in August a Happy Birthday, especially Councilmember Wright, Mayor Bilderain, City Manager James, Public Works Superintendent Stacey and his beautiful wife Tory, his son Matthew, his granddaughter Hannah, and nephew Kyle. He sang Happy Birthday to everyone. He thanked all the volunteers and businesses that helped with the storm cleanup.
Mayor Bilderain mentioned that he toured some homes with Team Rubicon, he helped make breakfast for the team while they were here, he participated in the Local Assistance Center that was being held at the Senior Center, he attended the School Resource Fair aboard the Base, the soft opening for the 29 Beer Company, the Back to School event at the Shop, where they provided school supplies and gave haircuts to the kids getting ready to start school, and he also attended the Back to School event at Wing n It, he met with constituents, and he was present at Twentynine Palms Junior High on the first day of school.
CONSENT CALENDAR
4. Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve the Reading by Title Only.
5. Approval of Minutes of the City Council Meeting Held on July 23, 2024.
6. Approval of Warrant Register Totaling $715,821.21.
7. Split Rock Avenue Bridge Project.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council executed an updated agreement with the County Flood Control District.
8. Development Code Amendment Article 4 Part 1 - Second Reading.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council find the amendment exempt from CEQA and adopt the Ordinance, approving the Development Code Amendment.
9. Development Code Amendment Home Occupation Permits - Second Reading.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council find the project exempt from CEQA and adopt the Ordinance approving the Development Code Amendment.
10. Project Phoenix – Treatment System Improvements.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council:
1. Approve NV5 Engineering’s proposal for construction support services for the “Project Phoenix – Treatment System Improvements” for a not to exceed cost of $44,760.00 plus an additional $500 in reimbursable costs for a total of $45,260.00;
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to enter into the contract, including any necessary amendments thereto;
3. Reallocate $120,000 from the funds previously committed to the City-wide wastewater and sewer project to the Project Phoenix Treatment System Improvement project for construction support services, tribal monitoring, geotechnical inspections, utility fees and other soft construction costs.
City Council - Regular Meeting
August 13, 2024
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Mintz to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted.
Councilmember Mintz abstained from Item #10 due to a possible conflict of interest.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, KLINK, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: MINTZ from Item #10
ABSENT: NONE
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION - None.
PUBLIC HEARING
11. Development Code Amendment Article 4 Part 2.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council find the project exempt from CEQA and adopt the Ordinance approving the Development Code Amendment.
Community Development Director Gardner presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Bilderain opened the Public Hearing.
Susan Peplow spoke regarding the lighting standards recommended. She mentioned that she has some concerns. She asked the City Council to look into these standards further.
Having no other requests to speak, Mayor Bilderain closed the Public Hearing.
After a brief discussion, the City Council voted unanimously to continue this item to a future meeting to allow more research on this item.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
12. 2024-2025 Community Event Grants.
RECOMMENDATION: The Event Ad Hoc Committee is recommending the following events to be funded; $26,050 in total:
1. The Taste of the Des - $2,000
2. Historic Plaza Seasonal Event Series - $10,000
3. 12th Annual Joshua Tree National Park Art Expo - $4,000
4. Holiday Art Faire - $1,950
5. Spring Arts & Crafts Faire - $3,400
6. Morongo Basin Spell-A-Thon - $1,000
7. From There to Here: Military and Veteran Expressions Art Exhibition - $3,700 The Event Ad Hoc Committee is recommending the following reallocations of funding; $12,000 in total:
1. 88th Annual Pioneer Days - $10,000
2. PAAC Community and Youth Arts Grants - $2,000
City Council - Regular Meeting
August 13, 2024
The total amount between event funding and reallocation is $38,050.
Community Events Coordinator Clinkscales presented the Staff Report.
Susan Peplow commented that she is in support of all of the recommendations, and she is excited for what's being presented for the upcoming year. She suggests that the City Council use some of the funds to contract an events coordinator that can not only help with the City's events but also the TBID events and PAAC.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, asked where the grant funds come from and if the funds are coming from TBID? Councilmember Mintz replied that these funds are allocated from the City's funds.
Patrick Wallace, representing Mil-Tree, thanked the City Council for the opportunity to obtain funds to help the community.
Charles McHenry, representing 29 Palms Artist Guild, thanked the City Council for this opportunity to obtain funds for their event.
Anna Stump, representing the PAAC, clarified their budget. She mentioned that a great amount of their budget goes to arts and culture, and to the youth.
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Klink, seconded by Councilmember Wright to fund the following events:
1. The Taste of the Des - $2,000
2. Historic Plaza Seasonal Event Series - $10,000
3. 12th Annual Joshua Tree National Park Art Expo - $4,000
4. Holiday Art Faire - $1,950
5. Spring Arts & Crafts Faire - $3,400
6. Morongo Basin Spell-A-Thon - $1,000
7. From There to Here: Military and Veteran Expressions Art Exhibition - $3,700 The Event Ad Hoc Committee is recommending the following reallocations of funding; $12,000 in total:
1. 88th Annual Pioneer Days - $10,000
2. PAAC Community and Youth Arts Grants - $2,000
The total amount between event funding and reallocation is $38,050.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, KLINK, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
FUTURE COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
1. Revisit allocated funds for the portable showers and Navigation Center.
2. Discussion of the General Plan Update.
Mayor Bilderain asked the City Manager if a study could be conducted on the cost to maintain non-maintained roads.
Mayor Pro Tem Klink seconded the item and added that Staff look into what is the legal liability of providing a service to those non-maintained roads.
Councilmember Scott asked for an update on the lots for the self-help construction program.
City Council - Regular Meeting
August 13, 2024
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Nicole Parks, Yucca Valley, thanked the City Council and the community for all their help with the storm damage. She mentioned that prior to the storm, her road was already a haggard road and then after the storm, it has corroded pretty bad. She mentioned that there are some critical safety concerns as she has someone in her home that has serious medical needs and the care provider has almost gotten stuck a few times since the storm as have many others to include contractors, UPS and the ambulance would too if they got called out to their area.
Bejamin Alley, Twentynine Palms, spoke regarding the sign that is up at Indian Cove and the engagement from the public and Code Enforcement. He also mentioned the issue of homelessness that needs to be addressed.
Eugene Dearstine, Twentynine Palms, spoke about his road that is impassable. He mentioned that many service trucks and private vehicles have gotten stuck on his road and he's just trying to find a way to get his road fixed.
Douglas Walters, Twentynine Palms, spoke about codes that require cities and counties to maintain roads when it comes to flooding as it relates to the General Plan. He commented that there are plenty of codes that address this.
Susan Peplow, spoke regarding TBID and asked the City Council to really review the Marketing Plan prior to the City Council meeting and hopefully you all can see where it can be tweaked instead of regurgitating the items and once again suggested that the City Council get someone to start coordinating events and account for where this money is going.
Eric Menendez, Twentynine Palms, spoke regarding TBID and he thanked everyone that helped with the storm.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, thanked the Mayor Pro Tem for his service and mentioned that his decision not to run again is a very good decision and in the best interest of our community. He mentioned that Councilmembers should not be in office more than two terms. He also commented that he made numerous calls to the new City Manager and received no call back.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager James provided the following update: The Active Transportation Grant that our Community Development Department worked on was submitted on July 16th and we will keep the Council updated, the Animal Shelter's preliminary design is still being worked on and should hopefully be completed by the fourth quarter of this year, 29 Beer Company had their soft opening recently and as Mayor Bilderain mentioned they have excellent food, the Community Development Department has been working on a number of things to include a permitting process for live entertainment in restaurants, a cleanup of the Code. He commented that Community Development Director Gardner has been doing a great job of being proactive. City Manager James commented that Mr. Veno Nathraj has his personal cell number and can call him anytime. He thanked the Mayor for all of the time and energy that he had put into the storm event.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Bilderain adjourned the meeting to September 10th at 8:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/Public Information Officer
STAFF REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Finance Technician
FOR MEETING: Sep 10 2024
SUBJECT: Approval of Warrant Register Totaling $930,079.58 ATTACHMENTS:
• Approval of Warrant Register
Totaling $930,079.58
Check Date
Warrant Register
PPBI Gen Chkng
CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS
Vendor
WARRANT DATE: 09-10-24
Check / Payment
0018981 8/08/2024 [3581] ADVANCED IMAGING SOLUTIONS 425.26 0018982 8/08/2024 [2326] ANIMAL CARE EQUIPMENT AND SERVICE 120.00 0018983 8/08/2024 [3604] ASSUREHIRE, INC 168.98
0018984 8/08/2024 [1017] AUTOZONE (0842) 135.76
0018985 8/08/2024 [1021] BASIN WIDE FOUNDATION 565.00
0018986 8/08/2024 [1037] BURRTEC WASTE & RECYCLING (2692) 35,009.32 0018987 8/08/2024 [3709] CA STATE DISBURSEMENT UNIT 218.00 0018988 8/08/2024 [3598] CANON SOLUTIONS AMERICA 81.24
0018989 8/08/2024 [1053] CINTAS CORPORATION (8315) 926.11 0018990 8/08/2024 [3448] CIRA 6,611.87
0018991 8/08/2024 [3823] CLOYD HOLMES JR 6,679.50
0018992 8/08/2024 [1038] CMRSFP 500.00
0018993 8/08/2024 [1063] COMPUTERWORKS NFP SOLUTIONS 500.00 0018994 8/08/2024 [2785] COPY CENTER PLUS INC. (8893) 492.67 0018995 8/08/2024 [1081] STEPHEN F DAVIS 400.00
0018996 8/08/2024 [1087] DESERT HARDWARE (0301) 1,304.75 0018997 8/08/2024 [1102] FORENSIC DTS INC 89.00
0018998 8/08/2024 [1106] FRONTIER 116.99
0018999 8/08/2024 [1106] FRONTIER 340.44
0019000 8/08/2024 [1106] FRONTIER 6.58
0019001 8/08/2024 [3732] FUSE CONNECT, LLC. 2,000.00
0019002 8/08/2024 [1109] GALLS LLC 154.13
0019003 8/08/2024 [2422] GLOBAL INDUSTRIAL 1,014.56
0019004 8/08/2024 [1122] GOLD MOUNTAIN CA NEWS MEDIA 1,249.00 0019005 8/08/2024 [1120] HDL SOFTWARE, LLC 695.00
0019006 8/08/2024 [2615] IE GENERAL ENGINEERING INC (8767) 48,194.06 0019007 8/08/2024 [3632] INLAND EMPIRE TOURISM COUNCIL 3,000.00 0019008 8/08/2024 [1134] INTERVET INC 404.06
0019009 8/08/2024 [3660] KIMBERLY K. JOHNSON 1,282.00
0019010[VOID] 8/08/2024 [1150] MARK SPEER AUTOMOTIVE (2109) 2,381.42 0019011 8/08/2024 [2507] MERRELL JOHNSON 4,970.00
0019012 8/08/2024 [3834] MMHF, INC 525.00
0019013 8/08/2024 [1228] NCSI 37.00
0019014 8/08/2024 [0001] ONE TIME VENDOR - BONITA TAYLOR 52.00 0019015 8/08/2024 [0001] ONE TIME VENDOR - A. M LOUNGE N CUTS 106.49 0019016 8/08/2024 [2582] OREILLY 1,503.34
0019017 8/08/2024 [1036] PARKER'S BUILDING SUPPLY 29 PALMS (8036) 593.74 0019018 8/08/2024 [2231] PAYCHEX INC 1,409.88
0019019 8/08/2024 [3756] PETER O'LEARY 911.25
0019020 8/08/2024 [2499] RACKSPACE US, INC 1,887.93
0019021 8/08/2024 [1210] ROTARY CLUB OF TWENTYNINE PALMS 1,222.00 0019022 8/08/2024 [1213] SAN BERNARDINO CO SHERIFFS DEPT 455,060.00 0019023 8/08/2024 [1230] SCE 20,240.73
Run: 9/03/2024 at 9:17 AM Page: 1
0019024 8/08/2024 [3700] SIMPLEVIEW 1,950.01
0019025 8/08/2024 [3590] SOUTHWEST PROTECTIVE 10,744.00 0019026 8/08/2024 [3681] TANKO LIGHTING 12,652.00
0019027 8/08/2024 [2201] TRANSUNION RISK AND ALTERNATIVE 75.00 0019028 8/08/2024 [1254] TROPHY EXPRESS 22.94
0019029 8/08/2024 [1259] TWENTYNINE PALMS WATER DISTRICT 17,022.50 0019030 8/08/2024 [1264] US BANK ST PAUL 1,200.00
0019031 8/08/2024 [1269] VALIC C/O JP MORGAN CHASE 1,971.66 0019032 8/08/2024 [1270] VALLEY INDEPENDENT PRINTING 97.88 0019033 8/08/2024 [1271] VCA 29 PALMS ANIMAL HOSPITAL (0319) 212.00 0019034 8/08/2024 [1273] VERIZON WIRELESS 880.27
0019035 8/14/2024 [1005] AFLAC 648.86
0019036 8/14/2024 [1014] ARROWHEAD CREDIT UNION 26,474.54 0019037 8/14/2024 [3842] ARTISTIC LASER PRODUCTIONS 2,000.00 0019038 8/14/2024 [1031] BOWLADIUM (0227) 442.50
0019039 8/14/2024 [3844] BROADCAST MUSIC, INC. 421.00
0019040 8/14/2024 [1079] DATA TICKET INC 335.62
0019041 8/14/2024 [1106] FRONTIER 75.69
0019042 8/14/2024 [1341] HI-DESERT AIR INC (0336) 2,425.00 0019043 8/14/2024 [3632] INLAND EMPIRE TOURISM COUNCIL 3,000.00 0019044 8/14/2024 [2164] INNOVATIVE FEDERAL STRATEGIES LLC 3,800.00 0019045 8/14/2024 [1150] MARK SPEER AUTOMOTIVE (2109) 112.85 0019046 8/14/2024 [1167] MORONGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 12,509.25 0019047 8/14/2024 [3843] MUNIAID, LLC 600.00
0019048 8/14/2024 [1177] NEWCO DISTRIBUTORS INCORPORATED 839.75 0019049 8/14/2024 [1184] OFFICE DEPOT CREDIT PLAN 573.41 0019050 8/14/2024 [0001] ONE TIME VENDOR - AUSTIN LEEK 118.00 0019051 8/14/2024 [0001] ONE TIME VENDOR - RAYVONTE FORD 151.69 0019052 8/14/2024 [0001] ONE TIME VENDOR - DIANTHA LAVINE 67.64 0019053 8/14/2024 [0001] ONE TIME VENDOR - CITISHA DOWELL 10.00 0019054 8/14/2024 [0001] ONE TIME VENDOR - STEPHANIE NIMS 5.00 0019055 8/14/2024 [1700] ROTO-ROOTER PLUMBERS 1,529.25
0019056 8/14/2024 [1230] SCE 9,548.16
0019057 8/14/2024 [1231] SPARKLETTS 673.86
0019058 8/14/2024 [3798] TERRY EQUIPMENT INC. 2,285.51
0019059 8/14/2024 [0531] AMY TESSIER 30.00
0019060 8/14/2024 [1252] TPHS 386.93
0019061 8/14/2024 [1300] TRIAD REALTORS (0101) 269.90
0019062 8/14/2024 [1259] TWENTYNINE PALMS WATER DISTRICT 675.88 0019063 8/14/2024 [1271] VCA 29 PALMS ANIMAL HOSPITAL (0319) 176.00 0019064 8/14/2024 [1284] WONDER ELECTRIC COMPANY (0052) 174.00 0019069 8/21/2024 [2809] ACTION INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY 726.23 0019070 8/21/2024 [1008] ANIMAL ACTION LEAGUE INC 887.00 0019071 8/21/2024 [1039] CA BUILDING STANDARDS COMM 609.44 0019072 8/21/2024 [0465] JONAS CHILDS 20.00
0019073 8/21/2024 [3448] CIRA 6,589.09
0019074 8/21/2024 [0488] SCOTT CLINKSCALES 18.98
0019075 8/21/2024 [3846] DJ EXTREME 1,175.00
0019076 8/21/2024 [1107] FULTON DISTRIBUTING 595.09
0019077 8/21/2024 [1341] HI-DESERT AIR INC (0336) 270.00 0019078 8/21/2024 [1728] HILLS TOWING 650.00
Run: 9/03/2024 at 9:17 AM Page: 2
0019079 8/21/2024 [2183] JOE A GONSALVES & SON 3,000.00 0019080 8/21/2024 [1150] MARK SPEER AUTOMOTIVE (2109) 138.00 0019081 8/21/2024 [1167] MORONGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 10,157.28 0019082 8/21/2024 [0001] ONE TIME VENDOR - BOELTER SALES 333.15 0019083 8/21/2024 [2355] RELIANCE STANDARD LIFE INSURANCE CO. 2,341.39 0019084 8/21/2024 [1230] SCE 1,648.85
0019085 8/21/2024 [3734] STACEY LYNN SOLIE 405.30
0019086 8/21/2024 [2697] STERICYCLE INC 91.79
0019087 8/21/2024 [1178] T-MOBILE 44.61
0019088 8/21/2024 [3324] VACATION RACES INC. 15,000.00
0019089 8/21/2024 [1269] VALIC C/O JP MORGAN CHASE 1,971.66 0019090 8/21/2024 [2528] WELLS FARGO VENDOR FIN SERV 121.71 0019091 8/21/2024 [1288] YUCCA VALLEY AUTO PARTS INC 223.13 0019092 8/26/2024 [0363] ROBERTA MELVILLE 138.61
0019093 8/28/2024 [1000] 29 PALMS FENCE (0035) 2,950.00 0019094 8/28/2024 [3581] ADVANCED IMAGING SOLUTIONS 688.31 0019095 8/28/2024 [2680] AIS 374.17
0019096 8/28/2024 [3121] AMERICAN EXPRESS 101.75
0019097 8/28/2024 [0452] CHRISTINA BENTON 40.08
0019098 8/28/2024 [1053] CINTAS CORPORATION (8315) 390.43 0019099 8/28/2024 [3846] DJ EXTREME 1,175.00
0019100 8/28/2024 [1100] FEDEX 37.85
0019101 8/28/2024 [1106] FRONTIER 136.69
0019102 8/28/2024 [1106] FRONTIER 80.65
0019103 8/28/2024 [1107] FULTON DISTRIBUTING 538.02
0019104 8/28/2024 [1125] HDL COMPANIES 1,366.10
0019105 8/28/2024 [0510] ABIGAIL HERNANDEZ CONDE 117.65 0019106 8/28/2024 [1140] JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK COUNCIL FOR THE 3,000.00 0019107 8/28/2024 [1149] LLOYD PEST CONTROL CO INC (8202) 515.00 0019108 8/28/2024 [1150] MARK SPEER AUTOMOTIVE (2109) 2,381.42 0019109 8/28/2024 [2507] MERRELL JOHNSON 2,676.00
0019110 8/28/2024 [3588] METLIFE SMALL BUSINESS CENTER 4,480.48 0019111 8/28/2024 [2367] MIDAMERICA 522.00
0019112 8/28/2024 [3620] MIL-TREE VETERAN PROJECT 2,775.00 0019113 8/28/2024 [1163] MOJAVE DESERT AIR QUALITY MGMT DIST 840.24 0019114 8/28/2024 [1175] AARON NEVEU 870.27
0019115 8/28/2024 [2268] SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY-RADIO 111.52 0019116 8/28/2024 [1230] SCE 1,062.65
0019117 8/28/2024 [3810] SHERWOOD DESIGN ENGINEERS, LTD. 9,479.01 0019118 8/28/2024 [3056] SOAP SUDS CLEANING SERVICE (9049) 2,627.00 0019119 8/28/2024 [1249] SPECTRUM 379.98
0019120 8/28/2024 [1249] SPECTRUM 35.12
0019121 8/28/2024 [1249] SPECTRUM 49.08
0019122 8/28/2024 [1249] SPECTRUM 151.66
0019123 8/28/2024 [1249] SPECTRUM 186.65
0019124 8/28/2024 [1249] SPECTRUM 219.87
0019125 8/28/2024 [1249] SPECTRUM 1,179.00
0019126 8/28/2024 [1249] SPECTRUM 203.96
0019127 8/28/2024 [1249] SPECTRUM 239.98
0019128 8/28/2024 [1249] SPECTRUM 235.98
0019129 8/28/2024 [1249] SPECTRUM 284.96
Run: 9/03/2024 at 9:17 AM Page: 3
0019130 8/28/2024 [3847] THE HANGRY BEAR 1,500.00
0019131 8/28/2024 [1254] TROPHY EXPRESS 22.94
0019132 8/28/2024 [3093] TWENTYNINE PALMS ARTISTS GUILD 4,012.50 0019133 8/28/2024 [1387] TWENTYNINE PALMS HISTORICAL SOCIETY (0867) 727.33 0019134 8/28/2024 [1267] UTILITY COST MANAGEMENT LLC 79.83 0019135 8/28/2024 [1270] VALLEY INDEPENDENT PRINTING 69.60 0019136 8/28/2024 [1274] VSP 686.72
EFT 8/09/2024 973.06
EFT 8/09/2024 104,448.94
WIREHRA08162 8/16/2024 [2367] MIDAMERICA 7,125.21
Approved by: Date:
Total Checks: 930,079.58
Run: 9/03/2024 at 9:17 AM Page: 4
STAFF REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Finance Director
FOR MEETING: Sep 10 2024
SUBJECT: Development Impact Fee Report for FY 2023-24 (Annual and Five-Year).
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council receive and file the City's Development Impact Fee Annual and Five-Year report for FY 2023-24 pursuant to Government Code Section 66000, et. al.
ORDER OF PROCEDURE:
Request Staff Report (Finance Director Presenting)
Council Questions of Staff
Council Discussion
Motion/Second
Discussion of Motion
Call the Question
ATTACHMENTS:
• Development Impact Fee
Annual Report & 5-Year Report
FY 2023-24
BACKGROUND:
In 1987, the California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 1600 (AB 1600), also known as the Mitigation Fee Act (Government Code, Sections 66000 et seq.) that governs the establishment and administration of development impact fees. A development impact fee is a monetary exaction other than a tax or special assessment that is charged by a local agency to new development for the purposes of defraying costs of public facilities needed as a result of impacts created by the new development.
Government Code 66006(b) states the following requirements as pertains to Development Impact Fees:
For each separate account or fund established, AB1600 requires the City to report fee information annually and every fifth year. Within 180 days after the last day of each fiscal year, the City must make available the following information from the prior fiscal year:
1. A brief description of the type of fee in the account or fund.
2. The amount of the fee.
3. The beginning and ending balance of the account or fund.
4. The amount of fees collected and interest earned.
5. An identification of each public improvement on which fees were expended and the amount of expenditures on each improvement including the total percentage of the cost of the public improvement that was funded with fees.
6. An identification of an approximate date by which the construction of the public improvement will commence if the local agency determines that sufficient funds have been collected to complete financing on an incomplete public improvement and the public improvement remains incomplete.
7. A description of each interfund transfer or loan made from the account or fund, including the public improvement on which the transferred or loaned fees will be expended, and, in the case of an interfund Page 17 of 102 loan, the date on which the loan will be repaid, and the rate of interest that the account or fund will receive on the loan.
8. The amount of refunds made (as pursuant to GC 66001 e) due to sufficient funds being collected to complete financing on incomplete public improvements, and the amount of reallocation of funds made (as pursuant to GC 66001 f) due to administrative costs of refunding unexpended revenues exceeding the amount to be refunded.
Government Code 66001(d) (1) states the following requirements as pertains to Development Impact Fees:
For the fifth fiscal year following the first deposit into the account or fund, and every five years thereafter, the local agency shall make all of the following findings with respect to that portion of the account or fund remaining unexpended, whether committed or uncommitted:
1. Identify the purpose to which the fee is to be put.
2. Demonstrate a reasonable relationship between the fee and the purpose for which it is charged.
3. Identify all sources and amounts of funding anticipated to complete financing in incomplete improvements.
4. Designate the approximate dates on which the funding referred to in subparagraph C is expected to be deposited in the appropriate account or fund.
Currently, the City has adopted one developer impact fee, the Street Improvement In-Lieu Fee. A summary of the City's Street Improvement impact fee and its fund balance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, is listed in page 6 of the attached report.
The AB 1600 report has been prepared by Staff and provides the information that meets both the annual and 5- Year reporting requirements described in the Government Code for the City's Development Impact Fee.
As indicated in the attached report, currently, this fiscal year, Engineering Staff is processing a street improvement project utilizing these fees. The Council has already awarded a contract to NV5 to design the widening and construction of curbs, gutters, and sidewalks on Cholla Avenue from Cactus Drive to State Route
62. We anticipate that the plans should be completed this calendar year and should be ready to advertise for construction early 2025. The City is also currently working on a second street improvement called Safe Routes to School project, which is expected to be completed by the end of calendar year 2024. The project includes construction of sidewalks, asphalt paths, curb ramps, pedestrian hybrid beacons, and speed feedback unit in the neighborhoods surrounding Oasis and Twentynine Palms Elementary Schools, Twentynine Palms Junior High School, and Twentynine Palms High School.
City Staff has identified other sidewalk improvement projects throughout the City, including installation of sidewalks in the following locations:
North side of Two Mile Road from Marine Avenue to the Junior High School - Estimated construction date:
Spring of 2025
East side of Hillside from Sunnyvale Drive to Sun Valley Drive - Estimated construction date: Fall of 2025 Supplemental construction cost for the bike path along Sullivan Road and Hatch Road- Estimated construction date: Early 2026
The AB 1600 report has been posted on the City's website for public viewing.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
Not Applicable.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council could choose to revise the report as needed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None. The proposed projects will be included in the annual Special Funds budgets as needed. Page 18 of 102
DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE
ANNUAL AND FIVE-YEAR REPORT
For the Fiscal Year and Five Years Ending June 30, 2024
1 | Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND............................................................................................... 2 REQUIREMENTS OF THE MITIGATION FEE ACT (AB1600)……………………………………..2 ANNUAL REPORT…................................................................................................................... 3 Requirement 1 – Description of fee type………………………………………………………4 Requirement 2 – Amount of fee....……………………………………………………………..4 Requirement 3 – Fund balance………………………………………………………………...5 Requirement 4 – Amount of fees collected…………………………………………………...5 Requirement 5 – Public improvements…………………………………………...…………...6 Requirement 6 – Current and future expenditure………………………………..…………...6 Requirement 7 – Interfund transfers and loans……………...…………………..…………...6 Requirement 8 – Refunds……………………………………………………………………….6
FIVE-YEAR REPORT ..................................................................................................................8
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SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND
Development Impact Fees are fees imposed by local governments on new development projects to finance the acquisition, construction, and improvement of public facilities and infrastructure needed to serve those projects. California state law requires local agencies to prepare a report on the status of their Development Impact Fee (DIF) program on an annual basis and make additional findings every fifth year. This report meets the legal requirements for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 (July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024) as well as the five-year reporting requirements.
Chapter 19.90 – Dedications and Improvements, of the City’s Development Code establishes the standards for when street dedications will be required, what infrastructure improvements will be required for a development project, provides a process to delay or defer required improvements, and establishes Development Impact Fees. In lieu of requiring the construction of the street improvements required by this Chapter, a street improvement impact fee may be assessed, at the discretion of the City Engineer, in connection with the issuance of a development permit for new construction. The amount of the fee shall be calculated according to the length of street frontage of the lot on which the development is to occur.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE MITIGATION FEE ACT (AB1600)
Assembly Bill (AB) 1600, commonly known as the Mitigation Fee Act, was enacted by the state of California in 1987 and created Section 66000 et. seq. of the Government Code and was amended by AB518 and Senate Bill (SB) 1693. AB1600 requires the City to report fee information annually and every fifth year. Within 180 days after the last day of each fiscal year, the City must make available the following information from the prior fiscal year:
1. A brief description of the type of fee in the account or fund.
2. The amount of the fee.
3. The beginning and ending balance of the account or fund.
4. The amount of the fees collected, and interest earned.
5. Identification of each public improvement on which fees were expended and the amount of the expenditures on each improvement, including the percentage of the cost of the public improvement that was funded with fees.
6. Identification of the approximate date by which the construction of a public improvement will commence, if the City determines sufficient funds have been collected to complete financing of an incomplete public improvement.
7. A description of each inter-fund transfer or loan made from the account or fund, including interest rates, repayment dates, and a description of the improvement on which the transfer or loan will be expended.
8. The amount of any refunds or allocations made pursuant to Section 66001, paragraphs (e) and (f).
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The City must make this information available for public review and must present it at the next regularly scheduled public meeting no less than 15 days after this information is made available to the public. This report is intended to satisfy the annual reporting requirements for FY 2023-24 as well as the five-year report.
Prior to 1996, The Mitigation Fee Act required that a local agency collecting impact fees was required to expend or commit impact fee revenue within five years or make findings to justify a continued need for the money. Otherwise, those funds had to be refunded. SB 1693, adopted in 1996 as an amendment to the Mitigation Fee Act, changed that requirement in material ways.
Now, Section 66001 (d) requires that, for the fifth fiscal year following the first deposit of any impact fee revenue into an account or fund as required by Section 66006 (b), and every five years thereafter, the local agency shall make all the following findings for any fee revenue that remains unexpended, whether committed or uncommitted:
1. Identify the purpose to which the fee will be put.
2. Demonstrate the reasonable relationship between the fee and the purpose for which it is charged.
3. Identify all sources and amounts of funding anticipated to complete financing of incomplete improvements for which impact fees are to be used.
4. Designate the approximate dates on which the funding necessary to complete financing of those improvements will be deposited into the appropriate account or fund.
Those findings are to be made in conjunction with the annual reports discussed above.
If such findings are not made as required by Section 66001, the local agency could be required to refund the moneys in the account or fund, per Section 66001 (d).
Once the agency determines that sufficient funds have been collected to complete financing on incomplete improvements for which impact fee revenue is to be used, it must, within 180 days of that determination, identify an approximate date by which construction of the public improvement will be commenced (Section 66001 (e). If the agency fails to comply with that requirement, it must refund impact fee revenue in the account according to procedures specified in Section 66001 (d).
ANNUAL REPORT
The following section provides information necessary to meet the annual reporting legal requirements for each impact fee fund. This includes a brief description of the fee, the amount of the fee, the beginning and ending balances, fee revenues collected, interest earned, and the expenditures on each project including the percentage that was funded with fees. It also includes a table summary of whether sufficient funds have been identified to complete future projects and the approximate date by which the construction of the public improvement will commence if sufficient funds have been identified. Loans and refunds, if any, are also identified in this report.
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Fund 12 – CURB, GUTTER, AND SIDEWALK IMPACT FEE
REQUIREMENT 1.
1.1. Current Impact Fees
The Development impact fee in the City of Twentynine Palms is referred to as the Street Improvement In-lieu Fees. These fees are one-time charges levied on new development in The City of Twentynine Palms to fund various street improvements within the City.
1.2 Purpose and Use of the Fees
The City’s Development Code requires the installation of Street Improvements, curbs, gutters, sidewalks and match up paving, as a condition of approval for residential, commercial, industrial, and public use development. The City adopted the Street Improvement Impact fee as an option to or “in-lieu of” constructing the offsite improvements.
REQUIREMENT 2.
2.1 Current Fee Schedule
As required by the California Mitigation Fee Act (Govt. Code sections 66001 et seq.) a street improvement in-lieu fee (Fee) Study was prepared, and the fee was adopted on December 12, 2006, through Ordinance 200. The established fee applied to construction of a new single-family residence or new second dwelling unit with kitchen. On July 22, 2008, City Council amended Chapter 19.85 of the City’s municipal code and authorized the imposition of a Citywide Street Improvement Impact fee to include new multi-family dwellings, commercial, industrial, and public use development (Ordinance 212).
As discussed in the Fee Study, the fee is calculated at $75 per linear foot of street frontage, up to 150 feet. The City Engineer estimated at the time of establishing the fee, that this amount represents the average cost of the improvements. The Fee Study indicates that the 150-foot maximum and the $75 per linear foot fee bears a rational relationship to the need for the improvements and the type of project on which the fee is imposed.
The Fee Study further concluded that the fee and the 150-foot frontage limit are rationally related to the need for improvements related to the proposed residential development.
Thus, the maximum fee that can be assessed on a single lot project is $11,250. If a property has a 70’ frontage, the property owner would pay $5,250 (70’ x $75). If a property has a 660’ frontage, the property owner would pay $11,250 (150’ x $75). In order to account for increased construction costs relating to material and labor, the fee mentioned above has been increased by an inflation factor equivalent to the Consumer Price Index each following fiscal year after fiscal year 2006-2007. The fee for fiscal year 2023-24 is $87.22 per linear foot.
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Funds collected pursuant to the fee will be placed in a Street Improvement Fund (Curb, Gutter, & Sidewalk Impact Fee Fund), which will be restricted, and expenditures shall be related to the construction of curbs, gutters, and sidewalks. Additionally, to manage this program efficiently and effectively, the funds collected will not necessarily be used to construct street improvements on the same street from where the funds are received.
Rather, the ordinance permits the funds in the Street Improvement Fund to be used for street improvements in accordance with the City of Twentynine Palms General Plan Circulation Element.
REQUIREMENT 3.
Table 1 summarizes the beginning and ending fund balances for the Street Improvement In-lieu Fee for fiscal year 2023-24.
REQUIREMENT 4.
Table 1 summarizes the fees collected and the interest earned for the Street Improvement In-lieu Fee for fiscal year 2023-24.
Table 1: FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The following financial summary report provides a statement of revenue, expenditures, and changes in fund balance for the Street Improvement In-lieu Fee for the Fiscal Year End June 30, 2024.
Fund Description Street Improvement Impact Fee
REVENUES
Fees $34,710.80
Interest $33,643.58
Fair Market Value Adjustment $ 8,497.32
Loan Payments $ 0.00
Other Revenue $ 0.00
Transfers In $ 0.00
Total Revenues $76,851.70
EXPENDITURES
Expenditures $171,050.79
Loan Payments $0.00
Total Expenditures $171,050.79
REVENUES OVER (UNDER) EXPENDITURES $(94,199.09)
Fund Balance, Beginning of the Year1 $878,470.50
Fund Balance, End of the Year2 $784,271.41
1 Beginning Fund Balance matches financial reports provided by the City's Finance Department
6 | Page
REQUIREMENT 5.
Table 2 summarizes the expenditures on Street Improvements In-lieu Fee projects for fiscal year 2023-24.
REQUIREMENT 6.
Table 2 summarizes the current and planned future expenditures from the Curb, Gutter, & Sidewalk Impact Fee Fund, and the anticipated construction start date. As additional funds become available the City will work on identifying and budgeting for eligible projects and will include the projects in future budgets.
Table 2: PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
This table identifies each public improvement on which fees were expended and the amount of the expenditures on each improvement, including the percentage of the cost of the public improvement that was funded with fees. This table also identifies the approximate date by which the construction of the public improvement will commence.
Project
Name
Project
Start
Project
Finish
Project
Phase
Total Project
Funding
Total Impact
Fee Funded
Amount
% Impact
Fee
Funded
Total PY
Impact Fee
Expenditures
FY 2023/24
Fee
Expenditures
Impact Fee
Funding
Remaining
Safe Route to
School 2017/18 2024/25 ACTIVE $1,760,400 $293,400 17% $90,951 $161,936 $40,513 Cholla
Avenue
improvement 2022/23 2024/25 ACTIVE $450,000 $450,000 100% $13,118 $9,115 $427,767 TOTAL $2,210,4000 $743,400 $104,069 $171,051 $468,280
REQUIREMENT 7.
7.1. Interfund Transfers and Loans
The Mitigation Fee Act requires a description of each inter-fund transfer or loan made from the account or fund, including interest rates, repayment dates, and a description of the improvement on which the transfer or loan will be expended. There were no interfund transfers or loans made between impact fee funds in Fiscal Year 2023-24.
REQUIREMENT 8.
8.1. Refunds
In Fiscal Year 2023-24, no such determination has been made regarding sufficient funds collected to complete incomplete improvements. Therefore, no refunds were made or required. The refunding requirements for both the Mitigation Fee Act is summarized as follows:
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Refunds under the Mitigation Fee Act: If the City determines that sufficient funds have been collected to complete financing on incomplete improvements for which impact fee revenue is to be used, it must, within 180 days of that determination, identify an approximate date by which construction of the public improvement will be commenced (Government Code Section 66001 (e)). If the agency fails to comply with that requirement, it must refund impact fee revenue in the account according to procedures specified in Section 66001 (d).
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FIVE‐YEAR REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with Government Code Section 66001, this section addresses the fiveyear requirements with respect to any remaining funds in the Curb, Gutter, & Sidewalk Impact Fee Fund, regardless of whether those funds are committed or uncommitted. The following section provides information necessary to meet the legal requirements for the Five-Year report for Street Improvement In-lieu Fee Fund.
The City’s development impact fees set forth the relationship between new development, the needed public facilities and the estimated cost of them and the fact and evidence presented established that there is a reasonable relationship between the need for the described public facilities and the impacts of the types of development projects for which the fees are to be charged.
The purpose of the DIFs imposed and collected on new development within the City during FY 19-20 through FY 23-24 was to fund the construction of curbs, gutters, and sidewalks as identified in the City’s adopted Street Improvement in-lieu Fee Study. The fee had to undergo rigorous nexus requirements that: identify the purpose of the fee; identify the use to which the fee is to be put; determine how there is a reasonable relationship between the fees use and the type of development project on which the fee is imposed; determine how there is a reasonable relationship between the need for the public facility and the type of development project on which the fee is imposed; and determine how there is a reasonable relationship between the amount of the fee and the cost of the public facility attributable to the development on which the fee is imposed.
There exists a reasonable relationship between the fees’ use and the type of development for which the fees are charged. The fees expected to be generated by new development will not exceed the total costs of constructing the facilities or portion of the facilities to which they are attributable and there is reasonable relationship between the amount of the fees and the cost of the facilities or portion of the facilities attributable to the development on which the fees are imposed.
Starting in FY 24-25, this fee will no longer be collected, and the only revenue source of this fund will be the quarterly interest allocated based on the fund balance. A new Development Impact fee will be collected starting in FY 24-25, which is based upon the square footage of the proposed structures. The new fees will be allocated for street improvements throughout the City.
Table 1 below summarizes the fund balance for the fund as of June 30, 2024, as well as the projected revenues and estimated costs of the future projects currently identified in the City’s Special Funds budget. The future project costs of the fund are shown in further detail in Table 2. Improvements are triggered based on the timing and location of the development, and improvements will be included in the City’s Special Funds budget as they are identified, and when funding becomes available.
9 | Page
Table 1 – DIF Fund Balance and Future Project Costs
Fund No. Fund Name Fund Balance
at 6/30/2024
Projected
Revenues
Future Project
Costs
12 Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk Impact Fee $784,271 $6,000 $790,271 Table 2 – Future DIF Projects with Anticipated Construction Date Fund
No. Project Name Budget DIF Portion Other Funding Sources Estimated
Construction
Date
12 Safe Route to School $1,760,400 $40,513
State/Federal
Grants In progress
12 Cholla Avenue
Improvements $450,000 $427,767 N/A FY 2024/25
12 Sidewalk Improvement -
North Side of Two Mile Rd $100,000 $100,000 General Fund FY 2024/25 12 Sidewalk Improvement -
East Side of Hillside $250,000 $150.000 General Fund FY 2025/26 12 Bike Path Sullivan and
Hatch $300,000 $71,991
State Grants/
General Fund FY 2025/26
TOTAL $2,860,400 $790,271
STAFF REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: City Clerk
FOR MEETING: Sep 10 2024
SUBJECT: Designation of Delegate for the Annual CalCities Conference.
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council designate a Delegate and Alternate Delegate for the League of California Cities' Annual Conference.
ORDER OF PROCEDURE:
Request Staff Report (City Clerk Presenting)
Council Questions of Staff
Request Public Comment
Council Discussion
Motion/Second
Discussion of the Motion
Call the Question (roll call or voice vote)
ATTACHMENTS:
• image09-03-2024-110700
BACKGROUND:
The Cal Cities' Annual Conference and Expo is scheduled to be held in Long Beach October 16-18, 2024. Every year, the League of California Cities convenes a member-driven General Assembly. The General Assembly is an important opportunity where city officials can directly participate in the development of Cal Cities policy. The General Assembly is comprised of voting delegates appointed by each member city; every city has one voting delegate. The appointed voting delegate plays an important role during the General Assembly by representing our City and voting on Resolutions. The City Council must officially select a delegate and an alternate delegate in order for Twentynine Palms to vote on the Resolutions presented during the General Assembly.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
N/A
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council could choose not to select a delegate or alternate to vote on the Resolutions at the business meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
STAFF REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Community Development Director
FOR MEETING: Sep 10 2024
SUBJECT: Entertainment Permits.
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council review and provide direction to Staff.
ORDER OF PROCEDURE:
Request Staff Report (Community Development Director
Presenting)
Council Questions of Staff
Request Public Comment
Council Discussion
Motion/Second
Discussion of Motion
Call the Question
BACKGROUND:
Recently, Community Development Staff has received several requests for temporary entertainment events on properties that are not fully appropriate for such activities. Several issues have come up in the process of reviewing these requests. In particular, having adequate public access to these events, as well as having a venue that has sufficient safety features to accommodate larger crowds are essential criteria for this type of activity.
When Staff looked into facilities that could potentially host live entertainment events, it was discovered that a very limited number of private commercial establishments in the City have permits to host "live entertainment" or to be an "event center".
Although "live entertainment" is not yet defined in the Development Code, other jurisdictions require that when there is at least one person performing in front of an audience, that would count as a live entertainment activity. Therefore: karaoke, bands, open mike nights, drag shows, comedians, book readings, dance performances, etc. would be considered "live entertainment". Activities such as billiards, arcade machines, or trivia games operated remotely would not qualify as a live entertainment permit.
Speaking with local business owners, Staff has found out that live entertainment can greatly benefit their business. In general, live entertainment can draw in tourists and help make the City become an entertainment destination. It should be noted that several establishments have had entertainment activities in the past but have not obtained the appropriate permit. Page 53 of 102
Live Entertainment requires a permit from the Community Development Department. The application fees for this type of activity ranges between approximately $2,100 to upwards of $5,000, depending on the size of the property and the zoning of the property. For smaller establishments, this could very well be a barrier to entry.
Therefore, to help bring local commercial establishments into compliance and to promote tourism, Staff is recommending the following:
1) That definitions, standards and applications be drafted for live entertainment permits and their respective venues;
2) Have Staff explore drafting a Development Code Amendment to clarify this process in the future; 3) City Council waive or drastically reduce Live Entertainment application fees until new policies and/or a development code amendment can be processed; and
4) That City Staff maintain a list of approved entertainment permits.
Each application would then be reviewed, proprietors would provide conditions of the permit such as maximum occupancy, whether entertainment would be indoor or outdoor or both, operational hours, and potential additional safety measures.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
Not applicable.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council could decide to provide direction to Staff to keep fees for this type of permit at the standard rate, or could provide direction to keep the fees reduced permanently.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Although Staff time would be required to work on these applications, the potential benefit for local businesses would outweigh the costs.
STAFF REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Community Development Director
FOR MEETING: Sep 10 2024
SUBJECT: Self-Help Housing Project Status Update.
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council receive and file as this is an update only.
ORDER OF PROCEDURE:
Request Staff Report (Community Development Director
Presenting)
Council Questions of Staff
Request Public Comment
Council Discussion
Motion/Second
Discussion of Motion
Call the Question
BACKGROUND:
The City Council gave City Staff direction to explore a potential relationship with the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC) with regards to their self-build program. In essence, the program provides potential homeowners a way to trade their labor for financing of a new home. These new houses would be constructed by potential applicants under the supervision of CVHC, who administers this program.
Procedurally, once CVHC is in possession of properties suitable for the program, they accept applications from participants and choose among them for participation. Each successful applicant would need to meet certain criteria such as credit score, income levels, and hours per week that are available to be worked in construction.
Once constructed, the applicant would be required to live in the home for a certain amount of time before reselling it or leasing it.
The legal and procedural challenge for the City to participate in this program is summarized below:
1) The obtaining of lots to participate in the program; 2) The transfer of the lots to CHVC for the administration of the program; 3) The monitoring of those lots that have participated in the program to ensure compliance with deed restrictions; 4) The amount of money that is available for this program.
It is the opinion of the City's legal team that, in order for the City to obtain the lots to participate in the program, eminent domain proceedings may be necessary. Although it is likely that there are property owners who would like to participate, certain procedures are legally mandatory in order for the City to purchase the lots.
In order for the City to transfer these lots over to CVHC, other procedures would have to be followed. In particular, there is a strong potential that the process known as "Surplus Land Act" would be applicable. If this is the case, then defined income limits would be mandated for participants, along with deed restrictions lasting for 55 years. There is also the question as to whether this process would be subject to prevailing wage laws, which at this time is uncertain.
In other jurisdictions that have implemented this or similar programs, there are dedicated personnel to ensure compliance. In particular, inspections, monitoring, and reporting would be required for each property participating in the program for the length of the deed restriction. In this case, up to 55 years. Not only would we need to ensure that the original applicant is compliant, but any rental or sale of the property is also compliant with income and deed restrictions.
In the current budget, it is doubtful that the City could purchase at least ten (10) lots to start participating in the program. The City has $92,000 available for affordable housing programs outside of the amount of monies designated for the Milestone project. Purchasing the lots, along with the addition of paying for appraisals and other fees, the cost of participating in this program is greater than the remaining current budget allotment for affordable housing programs.
This is not to take away from the validity or the value of the Self-Build program administered by CVHC. However, as a government entity, the City faces particular procedural challenges that private landowners or non-profits do not have.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
None
ALTERNATIVES:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
None at this time, but costs would be incurred if this program is pursued.
STAFF REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Director of Marketing
FOR MEETING: Sep 10 2024
SUBJECT: Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID).
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council:
1. Approve the TBID's Annual Report and Marketing Plan & Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025;
2. Adopt Resolution No. ____ confirming the intention to levy an assessment for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
ORDER OF PROCEDURE:
Request Staff Report (Marketing Director Presenting)
Council Questions of Staff
Request Public Comment
Council Discussion
Motion/Second
Call the Question
ATTACHMENTS:
• Resolution No. 24- ___ TBID
Intention w/Exhibit A
• Visit 29 Palms TBID Annual
Report FY 23-24
• Visit 29 Palms TBID Marketing
Plan & Budget FY 24-25
BACKGROUND:
The Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989 (Section 36500 et. seq., of the California Streets and Highways Code) authorizes cities to establish business improvement areas for the purposes of promoting tourism.
In accordance with the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989, City Staff established the Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) to levy and collect assessments from all hotels, motels, and vacation home rentals, and any other business providing transient occupancies and subject to the City's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), within the boundaries of the City, to raise funds to promote tourism within the City.
The TBID is managed by an Advisory Board, which was appointed by the City Council. The Advisory Board is required to submit an annual report to Council, along with a tourism marketing plan and budget to outline the efforts to be undertaken by the TBID for the ensuing Fiscal Year. Activities funded by the levy of assessments generally include marketing programs to promote Twentynine Palms as an overnight tourism destination, including marketing, advertising, public relations and other related activities as determined by the Advisory Board.
The City Manager is authorized to make expenditures that are consistent with the annual budget approved by the Advisory Board and City Council.
The assessment is proposed to be levied on all existing and future hotel businesses within the City at a rate of
1.5% per occupied room night rate. The "room night rate" is calculated as the base room rate charged to the occupant prior to the application of the City's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Note, the assessment will only apply to transient occupancies that are already subject to Transient Occupancy Tax and will be in addition to the City's TOT. For instance, a hotel room with a base room rate of $100 (not including any other taxes or fees), the TBID assessment would be 1.5% or $1.50, and the TOT would be an additional 9% or $9.00, so the total room rate with TBID assessment and TOT would be $110.50 plus any other applicable taxes and fees.
The TBID is anticipated to collect $375,000 in its 2024-25 Fiscal Year. Staff will spend funds raised as directed by the Advisory Board to promote tourism to Twentynine Palms as well as continue operating the City of Twentynine Palms Visitors' Center. Any funds remaining at the end of any term would be used in subsequent years, subject to the requirements of the attached TBID Ordinance No. 278 which was adopted by City Council on May 23, 2017.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
N/A
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council could choose not to support the continuation of the TBID and the TBID assessment collections.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The proposed TBID Assessment of 1.5% on short-term stays is anticipated to be $375,000 in the 2024-25 Fiscal Year.
CITY OFTWENTYNINEPALMS
CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. 24- _
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TWENTYNINE
PALMS, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING THE INTENTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
TO ESTABLISH THE TWENTYNINE PALMS TOURISM BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AND FIXING THE TIME AND PLACE OF A PUBLIC
HEARING
WHEREAS, the City desires to support its hotels/motels/vacation home rentals in forming a business improvement district in the City as a means to promote tourism; and WHEREAS, the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989 Section 36500 et seq. of the California Streets and Highway Code authorizes cities to establish business improvement areas for the purpose of promoting tourism; and WHEREAS, a business improvement district is expected to enhance tourism related businesses throughout the City of Twentynine Palms.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Twentynine Palms as follows:
A) That the above recitations are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
B) The City Council declares its intention to establish the Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District and to levy and collect assessments from all affected businesses listed in Exhibit A and described as all hotels/motels/vacation home rentals within the boundaries of the City of Twentynine Palms.
C) The City Council declares its intention to establish the Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District and adopts the following findings:
Findings:
1) The name of the business improvement district shall be the Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District.
2) The types of activities to be funded by the levy of assessments include marketing programs to promote Twentynine Palms as an overnight tourism destination including marketing, advertising, public relations and other related activities determined by the advisory board.
3) Except where funds are otherwise available, the assessment is proposed to be levied on all existing hotel businesses within the City of Twentynine Palms at 1.5% per occupied room night rate subject to City of Twentynine Palms transient occupancy tax. 4) The Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District is estimated to collect approximately $375,000. The funds raised shall be spent to promote tourism in
Twentynine Palms. Funds remaining at the end of any term may be used in subsequent years in which assessments are levied as long as they are used consistent with the requirements of this Resolution.
5) The City of Twentynine Palms will collect the assessments quarterly from affected hotel/motel/vacation home rentals businesses within Twentynine Palms.
Hotel/motel/vacation home rental businesses shall be any hotel/motel/vacation home rental currently operating within the City of Twentynine Palms. The City of Twentynine Palms will collect the assessment on the same form as that used for the collection of Transient Occupancy Tax receipts and remitted to the Twentynine Palms Business Improvement District in a manner acceptable to the Advisory Board and the City of Twentynine Palms.
6) The Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District Advisory Board shall submit an annual report, which shall include a budget for operations and an identification of the marketing efforts to be undertaken by the Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District for the ensuing fiscal year, to the Twentynine Palms City Council pursuant to Section 36533. The Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District began on October 1, 2017 and its fiscal year shall be from October 1 through September 30.
7) The Twentynine Palms City Council appointed an Advisory Board as described in Section 36530 before October 1, 2017.
8) The Twentynine Palms City Council shall hold a public meeting to establish the Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District and the levy of the assessments is set for September 24, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the City of Twentynine Palms City Council Chambers, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277. 9) At the public hearing the testimony of all interested persons for or against the establishment of the area, the extent of the area, or the furnishing of specific types of improvements or activities will be heard.
10) A protest against the establishment of the Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District, and the furnishing of a specific type of improvement or activity as provided in Section 36524 may be made in writing. To count in the majority protest against the Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District, a protest must be written. A written protest may be withdrawn from writing at any time before the conclusion of the public hearing. Each written protest shall contain a written description of the business in which the person signing the protest is interested, sufficient to identify the business and its address. If the person signing the protest is not shown on the official records of the City of Twentynine Palms as the owner of the business, then the protest shall contain or be accompanied by written evidence that the person is the owner of the business. If the owner of the business is a corporation, LLC, partnership or other legal entity, the authorized representative for the entity shall be authorized to sign the protest. Any written protest as to the regularity or evidence of the proceedings shall be in writing and clearly state the irregularity or defect to which objection is made.
Written protests must be received by the City Clerk of the City of Twentynine Palms before the close of the hearing scheduled herein and may be delivered or mailed to the City Clerk, City of Twentynine Palms, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277.
Vacation Home Rental List 2023
11) If, at the conclusion of the public hearing, there are of record, written protests by the owners of the businesses within the Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District that will pay fifty percent (50%) or more of the total assessments of the entire Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District, no further proceedings to create the Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District shall occur. New proceedings to form the Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District shall not be undertaken again for a period of at least one (1) year from the date of the finding of the majority written protest by the City Council. If the majority of written protests is only as to an improvement or activity proposed, then that type of improvement or activity shall not be included in the Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District.
12) Further information regarding the proposed Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District may be obtained from the City Clerk, City of Twentynine Palms, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 or by phone at (760) 367-6799. 13) The City Clerk is instructed to provide notice of the public hearing as follows:
a. Publish this Public Notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Twentynine Palms once, at least seven (7) days before the hearing. b. Mail a complete copy of this Resolution of Intention to each and every business owner proposed to be assessed in the Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District within seven (7) days of the adoption of this Resolution by the City Council.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 10th day of September, 2024.
Steven Bilderain, Mayor
ATTEST:
Cindy Villescas CMC, City Clerk
I, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 24- , was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Twentynine Palms at a regular meeting thereof held on 10th day of September, 2024, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER:
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER:
Cindy Villescas CMC, City Clerk
Exhibit A
Assessed Businesses
Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District
Business Name Address
29 Palms Inn 73950 Inn Ave
9 Palms Inn 73193 Twentynine Palms Hwy.
Campbell House 74744 Joe Davis Drive
El Rancho Dolores 73352 Twentynine Palms Hwy.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 6333 Encelia Ave
Harmony Motel 71161 Twentynine Palms Hwy.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites 72535 Twentynine Palms Hwy.
K-B Ranch Hotel 6048 Noels Knoll Road
Motel 6 (#1085) 72562 Twentynine Palms Hwy.
Oasis Inn & Suites 71809 Twentynine Palms Hwy.
Ramsey 29 73842 Twentynine Palms Hwy.
Starlight Inn 71829 Twentynine Palms Hwy.
SureStay by Best Western 71487 Twentynine Palms Hwy.
Twenty-Nine Palms RV Resort & Cottages 4949 Desert Knoll Ave Twentynine Palms Short Term Vacation Rentals
VHR Permit Number VHR Address
VHR001 73452 SUNNYSLOPE DR
VHR004 70677 COTTONWOOD DR
VHR007 5960 SUNRISE RD
VHR008 6646 NATIONAL PARK DR
VHR013 72815 CACTUS DR
VHR015 71428 SAMARKAND DR
VHR016 73817 OLD DALE RD
VHR017 73871 OLD DALE RD
VHR019 70370 BASELINE RD
VHR026 6371 NOELS KNOLL RD
VHR027 6783 ALPINE AVE
VHR028 74925 ALTA LOMA
VHR029 67939 SULLIVAN RD
VHR033 74615 ALTA LOMA DR
VHR036 71524 SAMARKAND DR
VHR037 74576 OLD DALE RD #A
Twentynine Palms Hotels, Motels, RV
The Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District will include all hotels, motels, rv resorts, and vacation home rentals currently operating within the City of Twentynine Palms boundaries, which includes the following businesses:
VHR038 74576 OLD DALE RD #B
VHR043 75127 MAYFAIR DR TWENT
VHR046 71544 CACTUS
VHR052 73225 ADOBE CIR
VHR053 7005 MANZANITA AVE
VHR054 5662 SKYVIEW LN
VHR056 5605 OASIS AVE
VHR057 6600 SPLIT ROCK
VHR060 6594 ROSE ELLEN AVE
VHR061 6662 MESQUITE AVE
VHR062 7545 SAHARA AVE
VHR063 6572 BULLION AVE
VHR065 7516 PERSIA AVE
VHR066 7516 PERSIA AVE
VHR073 67966 WHITMORE
VHR075 73414 DIDSBURY DR
VHR076 6856 SHERMAN RD
VHR077 74804 WELLOCK RD
VHR083 6244 CARODEAN RD
VHR084 6553 VIA ALLEGRA
VHR085 6565 VIA ALLEGRA
VHR086 6705 OCOTILLO
VHR088 5742 CARODEAN RD
VHR089 7391 SHERMAN HOYT
VHR090 74006 GORGONIO DR
VHR100 69023 ALTA LOMA DR
VHR103 74835 ALTA LOMA DR TORON
VHR105 6009 MOJAVE AVE
VHR107 7487 PERSIA AVE APT 5
VHR109 74825 ALTA LOMA DR
VHR110 6905 PETERSON RD
VHR112 73934 CASITA DR
VHR113 7273 Shoshone Valley RD
VHR116 5868 MARIPOSA AVE 2nd Unit
VHR117 71915 SAMARKAND DR
VHR118 72935 Siesta DR
VHR119 5394 MARISPOSA AVE
VHR121 6579 MISSION
VHR122 8989 UTAH TRL
VHR123 74677 Hill View RD
VHR126 73384 SULLIVAN
VHR127 5960 ROSE ELLEN AVE
VHR131 74044 COTTONWOOD
VHR132 5966 MORONGO RD
VHR134 7026 DATURA AVE
VHR135 7358 PERSIA AVE
VHR136 6438 SUNRISE RD
VHR137 6405 TAMARISK ST
VHR138 76076 SUNRISE DR
VHR139 73855 WHITE SANDS DR
VHR140 6373 NOELS KNOLL RD
VHR143 6968 ROBERTS AVE
VHR144 72133 EL PASEO DR
VHR147 6837 MUNTZ RD
VHR148 6463 Mesquite AVE
VHR150 5868 MARIPOSA (Main House) AVE
VHR151 74563 ALTA LOMA DR
VHR152 73767 SERRANO DR
VHR153 5747 MARINE AVE
VHR157 7112 INDIAN COVE RD
VHR160 73397 MANANA DR
VHR161 73779 OLD DALE RD
VHR162 6566 EL REY AVE
VHR163 6731 IVANPAH AVE
VHR165 6616 EL REY AVE
VHR166 6688 Oasis AVE
VHR168 73010 MANANA DR
VHR169 74056 CASITA DR
VHR174 6244 CARODEAN RD
VHR175 6673 TAMARISK AVE
VHR176 73778 SIESTA DR
VHR177 72994 HOMESTEAD DR
VHR181 9160 COWAN RD
VHR184 68927 Foothill DR
VHR185 69301 COTTONWOOD DR
VHR186 6643 Indian Cove RD
VHR187 6721 Desert Quail DR
VHR188 6026 MORONGO RD
VHR189 6251 Encelia AVE
VHR190 6707 Palo Verde AVE
VHR192 7775 Sahara AVE
VHR193 74350 National Park DR
VHR196 5655 Encelia DR
VHR198 74026 Gorgonio DR
VHR199 5580 Palo Verde AVE
VHR200 6274 Baileya AVE
VHR203 72838 Two Mile RD
VHR204 74725 Serrano DR
VHR208 75051 Saddlehorn RD
VHR210 6976 Sherman RD
VHR212 72208 Sunnyslope DR
VHR213 7168 Indian Cove
VHR215 71604 Sunnyvale Court
VHR216 73398 Sunnyvale DR
VHR217 70829 Sunnyslope Dr #1 (A)
VHR218 70829 Sunnyslope Dr #2 (B)
VHR219 71972 El Paseo DR
VHR221 6727 Quail Spring AVE
VHR222 7643 Saladin AVE
VHR223 7095 Quail Spring AVE
VHR224 74030 Playa Vista DR
VHR226 7073 Mission AVE
VHR227 6213 Bagley AVE
VHR228 6074 Mojave AVE
VHR229 6442 Palm View AVE
VHR230 6188 Bagley AVE
VHR232 6974 49 Palms AVE
VHR233 5985 Morongo RD
VHR234 5535 Lupine AVE
VHR239 7421 Persia AVE
VHR241 7593 Persia AVE
VHR242 73314 SUN VALLEY DR
VHR244 6106 Baileya AVE
VHR245 73820 COTTONWOOD DR
VHR246 75167 Mayfair DR
VHR247 7755 Utah TRL
VHR248 6608 Bullion AVE
VHR249 6161 Chia AVE
VHR252 73755 Serrano DR
VHR255 7685 UTAH TRL
VHR256 7657 SALADIN AVE
VHR257 74825 Twilight DR
VHR258 6649 N Star AVE
VHR262 72761 GRANITE AVE
VHR263 6969 MANTONYA RD
VHR264 74847 Twentynine Palms HWY Unit 1
VHR265 74847 Twentynine Palms Highway, Unit 2
VHR270 72746 Two Mile RD
VHR272 74931 Old Dale RD
VHR273 72655 Foothill DR
VHR277 6459 Mesquite AVE
VHR279 73478 Old Dale RD
VHR281 7191 Utah Trail, Unit 3
VHR282 71620 JUANITA DR
VHR283 68033 Sullivan RD
VHR285 75047 BASELINE RD
VHR287 6428 W Court AVE
VHR290 73029 Manana DR
VHR291 6691 El Rey AVE
VHR292 7654 N Star AVE
VHR293 6713 Que Pas LN
VHR295 68989 Sullivan RD
VHR298 71645 Cactus DR
VHR299 6633 Datura AVE
VHR301 71235 El Paseo DR
VHR304 6169 Daisy AVE
VHR305 5780 Lupine AVE
VHR306 5418 Abronia AVE
VHR308 73542 Joshua DR
VHR309 71350 Samarkand DR
VHR310 73344 Sun Valley DR
VHR311 72721 Granite AVE
VHR312 6432 Smoketree AVE
VHR313 7643 Saladin (ADU) AVE
VHR21-315 72667 SULLIVAN RD
VHR21-316 5120 PEARL SPRING AVE
VHR21-319 6144 ABRONIA AVE
VHR21-320 74603 BASELINE AVE
VHR21-321 70231 29 PALMS HWY
VHR21-323 6996 DESERT QUAIL
VHR21-324 68030 SUNNYSLOPE DR
VHR21-326 73633 DESERT TRAIL DR
VHR21-327 74388 MARICOPA DR
VHR21-331 6954 MAUDE ADAMS AVE
VHR21-332 68253 BELLERUE RD
VHR21-333 5717 SUNRISE RD
VHR21-334 73250 INDIAN TRL
VHR21-337 6654 BERMUDA AVE
VHR21-338 6636 INDIAN COVE RD
VHR21-339 73467 DESERT DR
VHR21-340 68227 BELLARUE RD
VHR21-341 6564 PINE SPRINGS AVE
VHR21-342 6933 49 PALMS RD
VHR21-343 6634 Star Dune AVE
VHR21-344 72257 SUN VALLEY DR
VHR21-345 4671 MESQUITE SPRINGS RD
VHR21-346 7518 MAUDE ADAMS AVE
VHR21-347 70472 COTTONWOOD DR
VHR21-348 68460 BELLARUE RD
VHR21-349 72150 TWO MILE RD
VHR21-350 70138 SULLIVAN RD
VHR21-351 6878 IVANPAH AVE
VHR21-355 7393 SALADIN AVE
VHR21-357 72939 HOMESTEAD DR
VHR21-362 73358 SUNNYVALE DR
VHR21-363 5422 ADOBE RD
VHR21-364 73079 SUNNYVALE DR
VHR21-365 5911 ROSE ELLEN AVE
VHR22-001 7445 SALADIN AVE
VHR22-003 6671 IVANPAH AVE
VHR22-008 7414 ARABY AVE
VHR22-009 71658 CACTUS DR
VHR22-010 74442 TWILIGHT AVE
VHR22-012 6673 PERSIA AVE
VHR22-017 74667 SERRANO DR
VHR22-018 6121 MOJAVE AVE
VHR22-021 5781 EASY ST
VHR22-022 6591 DESERT QUEEN AVE
VHR22-025 7086 EL SOL AVE
VHR22-027 73153 SUNNYVALE DR
VHR22-028 6781 COPPER MOUNTAIN RD
VHR314 6244 MOJAVE AVE
VHR22-031 6317 EL REY AVE
VHR22-035 5851 EASY ST
VHR22-036 69156 GORGONIO DR
VHR22-037 7546 SAHARA AVE
VHR22-038 6054 LUPINE AVE
VHR22-039 6332 CANYON RD
VHR22-040 75758 JOE DAVIS RD
VHR22-043 6575 BERMUDA
VHR22-044 7790 BEDOUIN AVE
VHR22-045 71762 SUNNYSLOPE DR
VHR22-046 73743 OLD DALE RD
VHR22-049 5774 PRIMROSE LN
VHR22-050 72996 TWO MILE RD
VHR22-051 7046 ROBERTS AVE
VHR22-052 6526 ADOBE RD
VHR22-053 74677 MORNING DR
VHR22-054 72418 SUN VALLEY DR
VHR22-055 74327 PINON DR
VHR22-056 73414 DESERT DR
VHR22-058 68050 FOOTHILL DR
VHR22-060 72616 2 MILE RD
VHR22-061 72626 OLD DALE RD
VHR22-062 7065 DATURA AVE
VHR22-063 7410 SHERMAN HOYT AVE
VHR22-066 6328 MARIPOSA AVE
VHR22-067 73365 SUNNYVALE DR
VHR22-068 7428 KELLOGG AVE
VHR22-069 72949 SIESTA DR
VHR22-071 72017 SIESTA DR
VHR22-078 5066 LEAR RD
VHR22-079 6670 INDIAN COVE RD
VHR22-080 5653 PEARL SPRINGS AVE
VHR22-082 73453 EL PASEO DR
VHR22-084 72068 SUNNYSLOPE DR
VHR22-086 7332 BEDOUIN AVE
VHR22-088 7036 MISSION RD
VHR22-090 72975 SIESTA DR
VHR22-094 6929 MONTOYA RD
VHR22-096 6136 SUNRISE RD
VHR22-097 6645 SHERMAN HOYT
VHR22-098 72912 MANANA WAY
VHR22-099 71593 FLORIDA DR
VHR22-100 6626 PERSIA AVE
VHR22-101 5651 SKYVIEW LN
VHR22-102 71638 LAURA LN
VHR22-104 6563 PINE SPRING AVE
VHR22-105 73422 HOMESTEAD DR
VHR22-106 5466 ABRONIA AVE
VHR22-107 5430 BAILEYA AVE
VHR22-108 75800 JOE DAVIS RD
VHR22-110 74408 NATIONAL PARK DR
VHR22-111 7345 MAUDE ADAMS AVE
VHR22-112 74074 STARLIGHT DR
VHR22-113 6057 LUPINE AVE
VHR22-114 4719 FLYING H RD
VHR22-115 69464 29 PALMS HWY
VHR22-116 74816 SERRANO DR
VHR22-117 72726 DESERT TRAIL DR
VHR22-118 6553 SHERMAN HOYT AVE
VHR22-120 73844 TWO MILE RD
VHR22-121 7561 SALADIN AVE
VHR22-122 73090 MESA DR
VHR22-123 6261 CARODEAN RD
VHR22-125 74824 SERRANO DR
VHR22-126 6887 WOLFE RD
VHR22-128 6744 GALLETTA AVE
VHR22-129 6413 TAMARISK AVE
VHR22-130 72319 EL PASEO DR
VHR22-132 6263 ENCELIA AVE
VHR22-133 7191 UTAH TRL 2
VHR22-134 7191 UTAH TRL 1
VHR22-135 70410 COTTONWOOD DR
VHR22-136 71556 JUANITA DR
VHR22-142 74085 EAGLE LN
VHR22-143 5676 CHIA AVE
VHR22-144 6595 DESERT KNOLL
VHR22-147 74405 COTTONWOOD DR
VHR22-148 6077 MANTONYA RD
VHR22-149 4435 BULLION AVE
VHR22-150 5341 BAILEYA AVE
VHR22-151 73789 SERRANO DR
VHR22-154 4694 SADDLE HORN RD
VHR22-155 72943 MANANA DR
VHR22-156 73420 INDIAN TRL
VHR22-158 6711 MESQUITE DR
VHR22-159 72813 DESERT AVE
VHR22-161 4850 ROUND UP RD
VHR22-162 73424 DESERT DR
VHR22-163 6632 DESERT QUAIL DR
VHR22-164 7010 49 PALMS AVE
VHR22-165 72318 SUNNYVALE DR
VHR22-166 6855 ARABY Unit 2 AVE
VHR22-167 72397 EL PASEO DR
VHR22-168 75079 SADDLE HORN RD
VHR22-171 5931 ROSE ELLEN AVE
VHR22-172 7678 ARABY AVE
VHR22-173 6426 WEST COURT
VHR22-174 6166 MARIPOSA AVE
VHR22-175 5900 CARODEAN RD
VHR22-176 74554 TWILIGHT DR
VHR22-177 75143 OLD DALE RD
VHR22-178 74374 SUNRISE DR
VHR22-180 6437 EL COMINO RD
VHR22-183 74415 COTTONWOOD DR
VHR22-184 71510 SUN VALLEY DR
VHR22-187 6469 CEDAR DR
VHR22-189 71633 CACTUS DR
VHR22-190 72847 DESERT TRL
VHR22-191 73952 GORGONIO DR
VHR22-192 7050 INDIAN COVE RD
VHR22-193 72194 SUNNYSLOPE DR
VHR22-194 6692 VALLEY VIEW
VHR22-195 68467 SULLIVAN RD
VHR22-198 6980 INDIAN COVE RD
VHR22-202 74855 SERRANO DR
VHR22-205 5665 ABRONIA AVE
VHR22-206 73605 SUNNYSLOPE DR
VHR22-207 6679 STARDUNE AVE
VHR22-210 74768 SUNSET DR
VHR22-212 6855 ARABY Unit 1 AVE
VHR22-213 6355 MOJAVE AVE
VHR22-216 5810 HALSEY DR
VHR22-217 7606 SALADIN AVE
VHR22-218 6568 QUAIL SPRINGS AVE
VHR22-220 6211 SUNRISE RD
VHR22-221 68965 OLD DALE RD
VHR22-222 7876 ROBIN RD
VHR22-223 73317 OLD DALE RD
VHR22-224 73349 OLD DALE RD
VHR22-225 73317 OLD DALE ADU RD
VHR22-227 6424 MONTE VISTA DR
VHR22-228 70231 JUANITA DR
VHR22-229 4671 MESQUITE SPRINGS RD
VHR22-230 6251 CAHUILLA AVE
VHR22-231 6668 MANZANITA AVE
VHR22-233 72659 ASPEN RD
VHR22-234 74760 AMBOY RD
VHR22-237 6606 LA LUNA AVE
VHR22-238 67326 WHITMORE RD
VHR22-240 71790 SUNNYSLOPE DR
VHR22-244 6840 PINE SPRING AVE
VHR22-246 6850 ESTRELLA AVE
VHR22-248 68982 Sullivan RD
VHR22-251 6827 VALLEY VIEW AVE
VHR22-252 74745 ALTA LOMA DR
VHR22-253 72065 CACTUS DR
VHR22-257 7390 PERSIA AVE
VHR22-258 73382 SUNNYVALE DR
VHR22-261 6545 BULLION AVE
VHR22-262 6577 CAHUILLA AVE
VHR22-263 6590 QUAIL SPRING AVE
VHR22-264 73230 Two Mile RD
VHR22-265 71621 JUANITA DR
VHR23-002 73429 SUNNYVALE DR
VHR23-004 74704 MORNING DR
VHR23-005 6235 MOJAVE AVE
VHR23-007 5958 CAHUILLA AVE
VHR23-010 73961 DESERT DUNES DR
VHR23-012 6154 MORONGO RD
VHR23-013 7175 SHOSHONE VALLEY RD
VHR23-014 74814 TWILIGHT AVE
VHR23-015 7078 ELM DR
VHR23-016 6784 PINE SPRINGS RD
VHR23-017 7776 MAUDE ADAMS AVE
VHR23-020 73889 HOMESTEAD RD
VHR23-022 6580 OASIS AVE
VHR23-023 69236 Old Dale RD
VHR23-024 74106 29 PALMS HWY
VHR23-025 6837 ARABY AVE
VHR23-030 74935 ALTA LOMA DR
VHR23-031 6053 MOJAVE AVE
VHR23-032 6546 ROSE ELLEN AVE
VHR23-034 5484 CHIA AVE
VHR23-035 6283 LUPINE AVE
VHR23-036 6633 JUNIPER AVE
VHR24-037 68390 SIESTA DR
VHR24-001 6969 ALPINE AVE
VHR24-002 74911 BASELINE AVE
VHR24-003 7191 WILSHIRE
VHR24-007 6624 BERMUDA AVE
VHR24-009 74221 ROCKY RD
VHR24-013 72955 CACTUS DR
VHR24-015 73090 SUNNYVALE DR
VHR24-016 7037 QUAIL SPRINGS RD
VHR24-017 74353 CHEMEHUEVI DR
VHR24-020 6830 INDIAN COVE RD
VHR24-021 6840 INDIAN COVE RD
VHR24-022 5689 ABRONIA AVE
Issued VHR Report 8/21/24
FY 23-24
ANNUAL REPORT
Presented by the Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District September 2024 Page 72 of 102
Branded as Visit 29 Palms, the Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) was established in 2017 to increase awareness, interest, and positioning of the city as a premier travel destination. Operating under the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989, the Visit 29 Palms TBID is formed through a public-private partnership between the City of Twentynine Palms and the lodging operators and owners within the district, and is funded by the revenue generated by a 1.5% self-assessed TBID assessment levied across lodging properties within the district, excluding those on the Marine Base.
This annual report highlights the key accomplishments and marketing activities of Visit 29 Palms over the past year, showcasing our efforts to promote Twentynine Palms as a premier travel destination.
We thank outgoing Vice Chair Nalini “Ash” Maharaj and
Boardmember Patricia Knight for their leadership, dedication, and tremendous contributions to the Tourism Business
Improvement District during their years of hard work while serving on the Advisory Board, and welcome new
Boardmembers Ashton Ramsey and Ben Uyeda.
Visit 29 Palms Annual Report: FY 23-24 1
FY23-24 ANNUAL REPORT
RAKESH MEHTA
Chair
HEIDI GRUNT
Vice Chair
MARIA MADRID
Boardmember
ASHTON RAMSEY
Boardmember
BEN UYEDA
Boardmember
TBID
ADVISORY BOARD
BREANNE DUSASTRE
Director of Marketing
TBID STAFF
VISITOR CENTER STAFF
MARISSA KOZMA
Visit 29 Palms Annual Report: FY 23-24 2
Inspiring Visitors, Empowering Businesses
VISIT29.ORG
102,701
Unique Site Visitors
+16% vs. LY
247,000
Pageviews
+21% vs. LY
2.4 Pageviews by Session
+26% vs. LY
01:53
Avg. Session Duration
+25% vs. LY
10,359
Outbound Lodging Link Clicks
+14% vs. LY
54%
Bounce Rate
-22% vs. LY
In December 2023, Visit 29 Palms launched a fully redesigned website, Visit29.org, proudly developed in partnership with Simpleview Inc., the leading experts in destination marketing websites. The beautiful new site features an updated digital brand style, enhanced visual storytelling, streamlined navigation, improved mobile engagement, and new tools for lead generation. Tourism destination websites play a crucial role in the travel consumer's journey, serving as both an inspirational resource and a practical tool for trip planning. With its intuitive design and engaging content, the new Visit29.org makes planning your next adventure to Twentynine Palms easier and more inspiring than ever, helping visitors discover all the unique experiences our vibrant community has to offer.
The redesigned Visit29.org not only enhances the travel consumer experience by showcasing the unique attractions and experiences that Twentynine Palms has to offer, but it also empowers our local business owners with interactive tools to manage and optimize their business listings and events. Through the integration of a user-friendly Extranet, businesses can easily update and refine their presence on the site. Additionally, the new self-serve event submission tool enables organizations and individuals to add their upcoming events to our online calendar, maximizing exposure and engagement.
DIGITAL MARKETING
Visit 29 Palms Annual Report: FY 23-24 3
Search Engine Marketing & Digital Display
Social Media
Email Marketing
Through targeted paid search and digital display campaigns, we effectively reached potential visitors searching for desert getaways, stargazing, and national park experiences. These campaigns drive significant traffic to our website, generating increased brand awareness, helping us remain competitive in California’s highly dynamic tourism landscape.
Our social media efforts focused on amplifying Twentynine Palms’ brand across platforms, using a mix of engaging visuals, local stories, and event promotions. While growth was modest, we were able to foster deeper engagement with both visitors and the local community, laying a foundation for future improvements.
Our email marketing campaigns remained focused on
delivering inspirational and engaging content to subscribers, showcasing seasonal experiences, upcoming events,
destination news, and travel itineraries. By maintaining strong open and click-through rates, we effectively drove traffic to our website, fostering deeper engagement with Twentynine Palms’ unique offerings and experiences.
31K
2.8%
$0.38
4%
Click Through Rate
44%
Open Rate
286K
6.8K
1.2K
Cost Per Click
Click Through Rate
Clicks
Content Interactions
Organic Reach
New Followers
21%
Grow in
Subscribers
PAID & EARNED PRINT MEDIA
Visit 29 Palms Annual Report: FY 23-24 4
200K Circulation
Mailed + Monitored
This year, Visit 29 Palms saw strong print media success with paid features in National Geographic Traveller's UK magazine and Palm Springs Life Desert Guide, along with earned coverage in AAA's Westways and Visit California’s Road Trips magazine, making it our strongest year yet in print media exposure.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS
105K Circulation
Annual Publication
National Geographic Traveller Palm Springs Life Desert Guide Earned Print Media
1M Circulation
Visit California
Road Trips AAA’s Westways
Paid Print Media
5M Circulation
Our strategic presence in key regional airports—Palm Springs International, Ontario International, San Bernardino, and CBX—targets frequent travelers and promotes the destination to both domestic and international audiences. With year-round advertising at Palm Springs and co-op placements at Ontario through Discover Inland Empire, our ads capture the attention of millions, enhancing brand awareness and keeping Twentynine Palms top of mind for frequent travelers as these airports experience record-breaking passenger growth.
EARNED DIGITAL MEDIA
Visit 29 Palms Annual Report: FY 23-24 5
Over the last year, Twentynine Palms has gained increased earned media attention, reflecting a positive shift in narrative and growing recognition of our unique destination. Many recent features highlight Twentynine Palms as an exciting alternative to Joshua Tree and Palm Springs, with a special focus on our vibrant art and restaurant scenes, unparalleled stargazing opportunities, and our positioning as the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park.
Visit California Outlook Forum | March 2024
Visit 29 Palms staff attended the 2024 California Outlook Forum, the leading in-state industry event hosted by Visit California for professionals in travel and tourism. This event offered valuable networking opportunities and insights into the evolving tourism landscape, helping Twentynine Palms position itself for future growth in the competitive tourism market.
Visit 29 Palms Annual Report: FY 23-24 6
TRAVEL TRADE EVENTS
Visit California Deserts
Dedicated Booth Space | IPW 2024
U.S. Travel Association’s IPW | May 2024
As the chosen desert region partner at IPW 2024, Visit 29 Palms staff participated in targeted one-on-one meetings with top global tour operators at the U.S. Travel Association's premier inbound travel trade show. These meetings were instrumental in promoting Twentynine Palms as a key destination, strengthening international relationships, and expanding the city's global reach.
Inland Empire Regional Tourism Summit | April 2024
Visit 29 Palms continued its leadership in the regional tourism market by sponsoring the 2024 Inland Empire Regional Tourism Summit, organized by Discover Inland Empire. This event reinforced the city’s leadership in regional tourism, provided excellent networking opportunities, and included a panel opportunity to share the city’s success stories, highlighting its growth and innovative strategies.
FAM TOURS & CO-OPS
Visit 29 Palms Annual Report: FY 23-24 7
“Adventure On Tap”
Post-IPW FAM Tour
Discover Inland Empire Mexico FAM | December 2024
In partnership with Discover Inland Empire, we hosted a FAM Tour for top travel agents and buyers from Mexico. This visit allowed participants to experience Twentynine Palms' warm hospitality, unique attractions, and the natural beauty of Joshua Tree National Park, enhancing their ability to promote the destination.
Visit California Post-IPW FAM | May 2024
Following the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW in May, Visit California organized several FAM Tours and itineraries to showcase diverse experiences across the state. Thanks to our partnership with Discover Inland Empire, Twentynine Palms was included in the "Adventure On Tap" itinerary with a lunch stop, opening up the opportunity for a group of travel media experience the unique charm of Twentynine Palms, further promoting the city as a must-visit destination in California.
Upcoming FAM Tours & Co-Op:
Visit California LA Media Reception | October 2024
Visit 29 Palms is excited to participate in Visit California’s exclusive Media Reception in Los Angeles this October which will provide a powerful platform to network and pitch stories to top-tier travel and lifestyle media professionals based in the LA market, along with select regional and drive-market media.
Brand USA MegaFAM | September 2024
Thanks to Visit 29 Palms’ partnership with the Visit California UK office, we will have the opportunity to host a 10-member FAM group, featuring top travel agents from leading UK airlines such as British Airways and Aer Lingus. This tour promotes the twice-daily direct British Airways route to San Diego and highlights the scenic road trip between California and Arizona.
In January 2024, Visit 29 Palms launched a new Sponsorship and Event Grant Program, aimed to drive community engagement, foster industry collaboration, and attract overnight visitors to Twentynine Palms. This initiative represents a significant investment in our community's cultural and economic vitality, demonstrating our commitment to supporting local events and enriching the visitor experience.
The program was developed with extensive community input, with a community-led subcommittee working closely with TBID Advisory Board members and staff to craft comprehensive program guidelines. A Review Committee, comprised of community members, business owners, and TBID subcommittee members was formed to evaluate and score event grant applications, ensuring that funded events would support the growth of Twentynine Palms as a premier destination.
Following two application rounds, held in February and April, the Visit 29 Palms TBID’s Advisory Board awarded 12 event grants and 16 sponsorships, supporting a total of 28 events between March and December. The investment in this program has supported a diverse array of events and programming, including film festivals, book festivals, music festivals, half marathons, art tours, and comedy events. By fostering a variety of cultural and recreational activities, the program aims to cultivate a culture of self-sustainability among event organizers, empowering them to develop financially viable events that will continue to thrive independently in the future. Through this strategic investment, Visit 29 Palms is not only working to boost tourism but also enriching the local community and enhancing Twentynine Palms’ reputation as a vibrant and dynamic destination.
SPONSORSHIP & EVENT GRANT PROGRAM
Visit 29 Palms Annual Report: FY 23-24 8
Photo Credits: Julie Laflamme
EVENTS SUPPORTED BY GRANT FUNDING
Visit 29 Palms Annual Report: FY 23-24 9
CONJURING CATHY ALLEN
DESERT RAT CONVENTION
MAY 4, 2024
Old Schoolhouse Museum
MAY 9 - JUNE 2, 2024
Cathy Allen Studio
SAND TO SKY SERIES
MAY 24-26, 2024
D E S E R T R A D E
MAY 30 - JUNE 2, 2024
EVENTS SUPPORTED BY GRANT FUNDING
Visit 29 Palms Annual Report: FY 23-24 10
TO 29 AND BEYOND
FREEDOM DAZE 29
MAY 4, 2024
Freedom Plaza
MAY 9 - JUNE 2, 2024
Outpost 29
EVENTS SUPPORTED
BY SPONSORSHIP FUNDING
Desert Moon Lunar Celebration | Sky’s The Limit Observatory | March 2024 Hi-Desert Comedy | Rotating Venues | March, July, Aug 2024 All Summer’s Eve Rendezvous Music Festival | The Palms | May 2024 Juneteenth Celebration | Knott’s Sky Park | June 2024
Adobe Mara Arts Walk | Black Cactus Co-Working | Feb, April, May 2024 Mike’s Maui Time | Live Music @ 29 Palms Farmers Market | March, April, May, June 2024 Chuck Caplinger’s Desert Memories | Desert General Store | May - Aug 2024 Area 29 Galactic Gathering | City-Wide Event | Aug 2024 Area 29 Galactic Gathering Scavenger Hunt | City-Wide Businesses | Aug 2024
Post-Event Reporting Insights from Grant Recipients
Based on 175 survey responses, representing approx. 15% of total attendees across the five events supported by grants (Conjuring Cathy Allen, Desert Rat Convention, Sand to Sky Series, To 29 and Beyond, Freedom Daze 29) these events collectively benefited the local economy through expenditures in lodging, dining, retail, and other services.
Event Attendance and Engagement
Combined, these events attracted over 1,200 attendees, with a portion reported as coming from outside the region, including from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco. Local residents also participated, often bringing visiting friends and family. Events ranged from intimate gatherings to larger, multi-day experiences, with daily attendance figures ranging from 125 to 340.
Leveraging Post-Event Insights for Future Funding Decisions Utilizing post-event data and insights allows us to refine our funding strategies to maximize impact. By analyzing attendee demographics, spending patterns, and engagement levels, we can prioritize funding for events that demonstrate the potential to increase overnight visitation and boost visitor spending. As the program matures, these data-driven decisions will help enhance its effectiveness and sustainability.
Visit 29 Palms Annual Report: FY 23-24 11
Photo Credit: Julie Laflamme
ASSESSING PROGRAM RESULTS
$14,250
Spent on Overnight
Accommodations
$40,475
Spent at Restaurants,
Retail Shops, Other Services
$54,725
In Total Event
Attendee Spending
$312
Avg. Spend
Per Surveyed Event Attendee
Survey Insights
Based on 175 event attendee
post-event survey responses
UPCOMING EVENTS
Visit 29 Palms Annual Report: FY 23-24 12
29 PALMS
BOOK FESTIVAL
Theatre 29
Night Sky Festival | Sky’s The Limit Observatory | Oct 2024 Art Tours After Dark | Basin-Wide Venues | Oct 2024
Joshua Tree Music Festival | JT RV Campground & Lake | Oct 2024 Joshua Tree National Park Art Exposition | 29 Palms Art Gallery | Nov 2024 September - December, 2024
VACATION RACES
JT 1/2 MARATHON
29 QUEER
FILM FESTIVAL
SEPT 20-22, 2024
JT Lake & RV Campground
Freedom Plaza
NOV 2, 2024 NOV 8-9, 2024
29 PALMS ROCK RUMBLE ROYALE
Freedom Plaza & Joshua Tree NP
DEC 6-8, 2024
CLIMB SMART
Freedom Plaza & Joshua Tree NP
Freedom Plaza
DEC 13-14, 2024
Supported by Visit 29 Palms Event Grant Funding:
Supported by Visit 29 Palms Event Sponsorship Funding:
CITY OF 29 PALMS VISITOR CENTER
5,084
Year-to-Date Visitors
Over the course of the year, the City's Visitor Center has engaged over 5,000 travelers from 45 U.S. states and 27 countries, showcasing the broad appeal of Twentynine Palms and California’s Mojave desert region. Our staff directly connects visitors with local businesses, events, and attractions, enhancing their experience, and inspiring repeat visits and longer future lengths of stay, boosting the local economy and community vibrancy.
26% Increase vs Previous Year
34% California +2%
17% Western U.S. +1%
14% Canada +2%
12.6% Midwestern U.S. +8%
10% Europe -2%
6.5% Northeastern U.S. +.5%
where our visitors come from
% comparison vs previous year
Visit 29 Palms Annual Report: FY 23-24 13
PAAC Art in public places exhibits
The City’s Visitor Center continues to work in partnership with the Public Arts Advisory Committee (PAAC), providing gallery space for the quarterly Art in Public Places exhibits, showcasing the creativity and talent within our community and enhancing the cultural experience for visitors.
Q1 '17Q2 '18Q3 '18Q4 '18Q1 '18Q2 '19Q3 '19Q4 '19Q1 '19Q2 '20Q3 '20Q4 '20Q1 '20Q2 '21 Q3 '21 Q4 '21Q1 '21 Q2 '22Q3 '22Q4 '22Q1 '22Q2 '23Q3 '23Q4 '23Q1 '23Q2 '24Q3 '24 $0
$20,000
$40,000
$60,000
$80,000
$100,000
$120,000
$140,000
FY 17-18 FY 18-19 FY 19-20 FY 20-21 FY 21-22 FY 22-23
Visit 29 Palms Annual Report: FY 23-24 14
FY 22-23
Year-to-date collections are $300,686, reflecting a 5% decrease from last year. We anticipate ending the year with a total of approximately $356,000. This decline aligns with broader trends across California’s tourism industry, with similar decreases in both the Inland Empire and Desert regions. Despite these fluctuations, Twentynine Palms is undergoing an exciting transformation.
Our city has entered a new era, marked by a revitalized downtown, new businesses, and a National Park visitor center. These developments, along with our strong lodging infrastructure, position us for continued growth and success in the tourism sector.
As we look ahead, we are dedicated to continuing our efforts with the same passion and enthusiasm that have brought us this far and are committed to building on the momentum we’ve gained, ensuring that Twentynine Palms continues to thrive as a vibrant, welcoming destination.
Our team’s dedication to this work and our love for this community inspire us to keep pushing forward, creating opportunities and unforgettable experiences for visitors. We are excited to embark on the next chapter and continue shaping the future of tourism in Twentynine Palms.
TBID ASSESSMENT COLLECTION
Year-Over-Year TBID Assessment Collection
$300,686
-5% vs LY
YTD Collection
Visit 29 Palms
Tourism Business Improvement District
2024-2025 Tourism Marketing Plan & Budget
Presented by the Tourism Business Improvement District Advisory Board:
Rakesh Mehta, Chair
Heidi Grunt, Vice Chair
Maria Madrid, Boardmember
Ashton Ramsey, Boardmember
Ben Uyeda, Boardmember
Approved by TBID Advisory Board on August 8, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................. 3 MARKETING STRATEGY................................................................................................. 5 MARKETING PROGRAMS. .......................................................................................... 12 GOALS, METRICS, KPI’S.............................................................................................. 13 CITY OF 29 PALMS VISITOR CENTER .......................................................................... 14 ADMINISTRATION........................................................................................................ 15 BUDGET....................................................................................................................... 16
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District Overview Branded as Visit 29 Palms, the Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) was established in October 2017 to increase awareness, interest, and positioning of the city as a premier travel destination. Operating under the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989, the Visit 29 Palms TBID is formed through a public-private partnership between the City of Twentynine Palms and the lodging operators and owners within the district. The TBID executes creative destination marketing programs to drive tourism, funded entirely by the revenue generated by the 1.5% self-assessed TBID assessment levied across lodging properties within the district, excluding those on the Marine Base.
Destination Market Overview
Twentynine Palms is a small rural city in San Bernardino County, located along the southeastern range of California’s Mojave Desert. This charming city, welcoming 800,000+ overnight visitors annually, is home to Joshua Tree National Park Headquarters, the historic Oasis of Mara, and a brand-new park Visitor Center. As the main north entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms plays a pivotal role in providing access to this stunning natural wonder, which now attracts over 3 million visitors a year from around the globe.
It is recognized as the official gateway to the newly designated Mojave Trails National Monument and proudly hosts the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, established in 1952.
Twentynine Palms has entered a new era, marked by a revitalized downtown, an influx of new businesses, and a new National Park visitor center. The city's strong lodging infrastructure and new developments position it for continued growth and success in the tourism sector, with a vibrant and evolving community ready to welcome visitors to its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities.
As our destination continues to develop, and through diversifying our attractions and enhancing the visitor experience, and building on our new momentum, we can further establish Twentynine Palms as a premier destination in California's desert region.
Lodging Market Overview
Overall, Twentynine Palms continues to offer the largest diversity of lodging options, making it the premier lodging market in the Morongo Basin.
Hotel Overview
Twentynine Palms continues to lead the hotel market in the Morongo Basin with a substantial inventory of 596 traditional hotel rooms, representing the highest concentration in the region. While exempt from TOT/TBID assessment, when factoring in the 111 rooms from the Inns of the Corps located at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), the total rises to 707, further cementing its position as the predominant lodging destination.
In contrast, Yucca Valley provides approx. 295 rooms across its hotels/motels, Joshua Tree offers a more eclectic mix of 116 rooms, and Pioneertown, known for its historic Western charm, has a smaller inventory with 19 rooms. Not only has Twentynine Palms maintained its leading position in this market, but it has also attracted new investments and developments, with Hotel Wren and RESET Hotel expected to open in late 2024 and early 2025. 3
RV Overview
With the capacity to accommodate over 170 recreational vehicles, the RV resort in Twentynine Palms stands as the largest in the region, offering unparalleled space and amenities for visitors.
Vacation Rental Overview
Despite being outpaced by neighboring communities in the Morongo Basin, Twentynine Palms remains a significant player in the vacation rental market. The region experienced a surge in new inventory during the pandemic, contributing to oversaturation in the market.
Recently, Twentynine Palms has seen a 10% decrease in vacation rental inventory, currently standing at 417 properties. However, the quality and diversity of the offerings remain robust, ensuring that Twentynine Palms continues to attract visitors seeking unique and comfortable accommodations. The market is still undergoing corrections, but Twentynine Palms' strong product offering positions it well for future growth.
SWOT ANALYSIS
Strengths
• Proximity to Joshua Tree National Park, Mojave National Preserve, and Mojave Trails National Monument.
• Diverse lodging options and new hotel developments coming soon, including Hotel Wren, RESET Hotel, and Hilton Home2Suite
• Year-round room demand supported by the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
• Freedom Plaza has contributed to a revitalized downtown, driving economic growth and new business investments.
Weakness
• Absence of a clearly defined identity.
• Need for additional signature events to boost tourism during shoulder and offseasons. • Growth in tourist amenities like retail and dining still lags behind neighboring communities.
• Limited public transportation and car rental availability. • The perception of Joshua Tree overshadowing Twentynine Palms.
Opportunities
• Promoting extended stays and encouraging visitors to explore beyond Joshua Tree National Park.
• Utilizing Freedom Plaza for diverse events and conferences. • Leveraging the city’s arts and culture community to attract tourists. • Capitalizing on the popularity of stargazing and dark sky tourism. • Increasing sustainable travel practices and eco-friendly initiatives.
Threats
• Economic uncertainties and inflation impact travel decisions. • Competition from neighboring communities.
4
• Vulnerability to federal government shutdowns affecting park and base visitation. • Climate change and natural disasters affect access and resources.
MARKETING STRATEGY
Goals & Objectives
1. Enhance Brand Awareness: Elevate the recognition of Twentynine Palms as a unique travel destination through targeted marketing campaigns.
2. Increase Visitor Engagement: Develop engaging content, experiences, and events that captivate potential visitors and encourage them to choose Twentynine Palms for their next trip.
3. Boost Overnight Stays: Implement strategies that drive overnight room demand and longer lengths of stay, benefiting local lodging properties and the broader economy.
4. Strengthen Partnerships: Foster collaborative relationships with stakeholders, local businesses, and regional tourism partners to amplify our reach and impact.
Branding and Positioning
Twentynine Palms offers visitors a uniquely rural desert experience with incredible opportunities to explore the vast and beautiful Mojave Desert wilderness with its world-class hiking trails and rock-climbing routes, incredibly dark, star-studded night skies, and a rich arts and culture community which attracts and inspires artists, musicians, and creatives from around the world.
Branding and positioning of Twentynine Palms must support the multi-faceted appeal of the destination - an oasis where one can explore and unwind, steeped in rich history, culture, and natural beauty, offering unique experiences for adventure seekers, history enthusiasts, wellness pursuers, and culinary explorers alike.
Brand Identity
Twentynine Palms is the vibrant heart of the Morongo Basin, where the spirit of adventure, creativity, and timeless beauty come together. It is a place of infinite possibilities, rich history, and boundless open spaces, redefining itself as a premier destination for art, exploration, business, and tourism.
Brand Narratives
Art and Cultural Renaissance Hub:
• Positioning: Twentynine Palms is the birthplace of public art in the high desert and the burgeoning epicenter for artists, musicians, and creatives. The city is redefining the High Desert experience, offering a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere where art and culture thrive.
• Elements: Promote local galleries, public art installations, and cultural festivals. • Showcase the contributions of local artists, musicians, and businesses to the city's 5
creative landscape.
• Activities: Support artist residency programs, open studio tours, and collaborative art projects. Highlight local art, music, and entrepreneurial endeavors that enhance the city's cultural fabric.
Gateway to Joshua Tree National Park:
• Positioning: The original and most authentic gateway to Joshua Tree National Park and new Visitor Center in Freedom Plaza.
• Elements: Highlight proximity to Joshua Tree National Park, unique park features by the north entrance, and exclusive experiences.
• Activities: Develop park-centric itineraries and promote ranger-led tours and eco-tourism initiatives.
Exploration, Adventure, and Infinity:
• Positioning: Twentynine Palms is the ultimate starting point for epic desert adventures, where the vast desert meets endless possibilities. It’s a place that embodies the "Edge of Infinity" and the "Backyard of 100 Miles of Nothing," showcasing the untouched beauty and boundless opportunities of the high desert.
• Elements: Highlight stargazing, wide-open spaces, and thrilling desert adventures. Emphasize the city’s unique landscape and its potential for exploration.
• Activities: Promote hiking, rock climbing, and off-roading experiences. Organize stargazing events, desert marathons, and off-road adventures that draw on the area's natural allure.
Oasis of the High Desert:
• Positioning: A serene retreat with lush landscapes and tranquil settings. • Elements: Promote wellness retreats, spa services, and desert gardens. • Activities: Host wellness weekends, yoga retreats, and nature walks.
Historical Significance:
• Emphasize Twentynine Palms' rich history as the original gateway to Joshua Tree National Park and its military heritage.
• Celebrate the city's past while highlighting its transformation into a modern, exciting destination.
Destination Pillars
Branding and advertising programs developed to build awareness and create interest in traveling to Twentynine Palms will continue to support the multi-faceted appeal of the city and are to be centered and themed around the destination’s five pillars:
1. Outdoor Recreation
2. Health and Wellness
3. Arts, Culture, History
4. Stargazing and Astronomy
5. Culinary
6
Target Markets & Audiences
To sustain and grow tourism in Twentynine Palms, our strategy will focus on targeting four distinct audience groups through tailored marketing efforts. By understanding the unique motivations, interests, and booking behaviors of each group, we can craft compelling campaigns that resonate with their specific needs. From adventure seekers and national park lovers to seasonal sun chasers and international visitors, we offer diverse experiences that highlight the natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational opportunities of our region.
By participating in travel trade events, hosting familiarization tours, and leveraging digital marketing, we aim to increase visitor engagement and drive sustained growth.
Our collaborative efforts with regional partners and targeted outreach through social media, content marketing, and influencer partnerships will position Twentynine Palms as a premier destination for both domestic and international travelers.
Target Audience Group #1
Hipsters / Thrill Seekers / Flashpackers / Outdoor Enthusiasts / Off-the-Grid Travelers Demographics
• Age Range: 25-45
• Primary Markets: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Fransico, plus nearby metro centers • Group Composition: Couples, groups of friends, families with children • Income Level: Middle to upper-middle income
• Occupation: Young professionals, creative industry workers Psychographics
• Lifestyle: Busy urbanites seeking quick escapes, adventure enthusiasts, social media savvy.
• Interests: Outdoor activities, trendy events, dining, local culture. • Values: New experiences, quality time with loved ones, convenience.
Behavioral Characteristics
• Travel Motivation: Impulse getaways, need for a change of scenery, desire to explore the outdoors.
• Booking Habits: Last-minute bookings, often through mobile apps and travel websites • Activities Sought: Short hikes, scenic drives, Joshua Tree National Park, pop-up events, local dining and shopping.
• Key Attributes: Seek quick, easy-to-plan trips with a focus on experiences and social media-worthy moments.
Branding and Positioning
• Brand Identity: Twentynine Palms as the ultimate adventure hub, an oasis for the modern explorer where thrill meets tranquility.
Marketing Strategies & Programs
• Digital Campaigns: Utilize targeted Google campaigns and social media ads showcasing weekend itineraries, pop-up events, scenic attractions, stunning visuals 7
of outdoor adventures, and trendy local spots. Share user-generated content from visitors who highlight exciting experiences.
• Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with travel and lifestyle influencers who can share their weekend getaways to Twentynine Palms. Focus on activities like hiking in Joshua Tree, scenic drives, and local pop-up events.
• Event Marketing: Promote special weekend events such as outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and food festivals. Highlight unique experiences like stargazing events and local art shows.
• Email Marketing: Send out newsletters featuring curated weekend trip ideas and new attractions/businesses to keep the audience engaged. • Airports: These travelers frequently fly for weekend getaways and short vacations.
Airport advertising can capture their attention as they plan their next adventure. • Outdoor Billboards: This group is likely to respond to visual, eye-catching advertisements that highlight quick and exciting getaways. Billboards along major highways and urban centers are a great way to capture their interest.
Target Audience Group #2
National Park Lovers / RVers / Eco-Adventurers / International Visitors Demographics
• Age Range: 25-60
• Primary Markets: Broader U.S., and international markets (Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, Mexico, Central America)
• Group Composition: Couples, families
• Income Level: Middle to upper-middle income
• Occupation: Varied, including professionals, retirees, students Psychographics
• Lifestyle: Nature enthusiasts, planners, eco-conscious explorers, educational seekers • Interests: National parks, hiking, ecotourism, local cultures, photography • Values: Environmental conservation, supporting local economies, educational travel Behavioral Characteristics
• Travel Motivation: Visiting multiple national parks, seeking educational experiences, enjoying nature and local cultures
• Booking Habits: Planned in advance, often use travel guides, tour operators, and planning resources
• Activities Sought: Visiting popular sights and iconic hiking trails in national parks, exploring local towns, dining at locally owned restaurants, attending educational tours and workshops
• Key Attributes: Value-rich, immersive experiences that allow them to connect with nature and local communities
Branding and Positioning
• Brand Identity: Twentynine Palms as the ultimate national park gateway, a haven for eco-conscious travelers and road trippers.
8
Marketing Strategies
• Content Marketing: Create detailed blog posts and guides on the Visit 29 Palms website highlighting road trip itineraries, national park tours, and eco-friendly travel tips. Share stories about the history and unique ecology of the region to attract nature and educational seekers.
• Partnerships: Collaborate with national park visitor centers and travel organizations to feature Twentynine Palms as a must-visit destination. Work with eco-tourism agencies to promote sustainable travel experiences.
• Educational Programs: Promote educational tours, workshops, and talks on local ecology, geology, and history to enhance the visitor experience. Partner with local experts to offer guided tours and hands-on activities.
• Print Advertising: Place ads in national park magazines and travel guides that appeal to this segment. Distribute brochures and informational material at national park visitor centers and eco-tourism events.
• Airports: This audience often includes international travelers and domestic visitors who fly to reach various national parks. Airport ads can highlight Twentynine Palms as a gateway to Joshua Tree and other nearby attractions. • Outdoor Billboards: Road trippers and eco-adventurers are often on the road, making billboards along popular driving routes highly effective. Highlighting proximity to Joshua Tree and unique local experiences can attract this audience. • Travel Trade Events: Participate in state, national, and international travel trade events to network with tour operators, travel agents, and international travel media. • FAM Tours: Host familiarization tours for international travel media, tour operators, and influencers to showcase Twentynine Palms.
• Co-ops with Regional Partners: Leverage cooperative marketing efforts with regional tourism partners to promote Twentynine Palms as part of broader travel itineraries. • Event Marketing: Promote National Park-themed festivals, events, and art exhibits.
Target Audience Group #3:
Creative Retreat Seekers / Artists / Writers / Photographers / Health and Wellness Seekers Demographics
• Age Range: 25-60
• Primary Markets: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Fransico, plus other metro centers with creative hubs and wellness communities
• Group Composition: Solo travelers, small groups, wellness retreat participants • Income Level: Middle to high income
• Occupation: Creative professionals, wellness practitioners Psychographics
• Lifestyle: Professionally driven, wellness-oriented, seeking inspiration and relaxation • Interests: Creative practices, wellness activities, nature exploration • Values: Inspiration, mindfulness, holistic well-being Behavioral Characteristics
• Travel Motivation: Seeking peaceful, inspiring environments, holistic experiences, and creative inspiration
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• Booking Habits: Planned in advance, often coordinated by retreat organizers or through personal planning
• Activities Sought: Creative workshops, wellness practices (yoga, meditation), nature exploration, local cultural activities
• Key Attributes: Looking for peaceful, inspiring environments and holistic experiences Branding and Positioning
• Brand Identity: Twentynine Palms as a serene retreat for creativity and wellness and an inspiring sanctuary for artists and wellness seekers.
Marketing Strategies & Programs
• Content Marketing: Develop blog posts and guides on the Visit 29 Palms website highlighting creative retreats, wellness workshops, and unique accommodations.
Feature stories and testimonials from artists and wellness practitioners who have found inspiration in Twentynine Palms.
• Digital Campaigns: Use targeted digital ads and social media campaigns to reach creative communities and wellness seekers. Highlight peaceful landscapes, unique accommodations, and upcoming creative and wellness events. • Partnerships: Collaborate with creative retreat organizers, wellness centers, and art institutions to promote Twentynine Palms as an ideal retreat destination, and build relationships with local artists and wellness practitioners who offer exclusive workshops and retreats.
• Event Marketing: Host familiarization tours for creative professionals and wellness retreat organizers to showcase Twentynine Palms’ unique offerings. Promote art shows, wellness festivals, mindfulness retreats and creative workshops to attract visitors.
Target Audience #4:
Seasonal Sun Chasers / Snowbirds / Multigen Memory Makers Demographics:
• Age Range: 35-75 (parents and grandparents), 5-18 (children) • Primary Market: Northern and Midwestern U.S., Canada
• Group Composition: Retirees, remote workers, solo travelers, couples, families • Income Level: Middle to upper-middle income
• Occupation: Retired professionals, remote workers, semi-retired individuals Psychographics:
• Lifestyle: Seeking warmth, culture, and relaxation, value family bonding time, flexible travel schedules
• Interests: Nature, cultural events, community activities, wellness • Values: Comfort, community, immersive experiences, quality family time Behavioral Characteristics:
• Travel Motivation: Escaping cold climates, enjoying mild winters, exploring new places, family reunions, and milestone celebrations
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• Booking Habits: Advance planning for longer stays, use of travel deals and extended stay discounts, group discounts and family packages • Activities Sought: National Parks, local cultural events, community activities, local dining and shopping, participating in group tours and booking family-friendly outdoor activities
• Key Attributes: Seeking a home-away-from-home experience, local culture and community, affordable long-term stays, comfort and convenience.
Branding and Positioning:
• Brand Identity: Twentynine Palms as a warm, welcoming escape for families and retirees, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Marketing Strategies:
• Content Marketing: Create blog posts and guides focusing on long-term stay itineraries, highlighting local events, and community activities. Feature stories and testimonials from other winter escapers and multigenerational families who have enjoyed extended stays in Twentynine Palms.
• Digital Campaigns: Use targeted ads via Google and social media platforms to reach potential visitors. Highlight comfort, community, and family-friendly activities available in Twentynine Palms.
• Partnerships: Collaborate with travel agencies to promote Twentynine Palms as a prime destination for seasonal stays. Partner with local businesses to offer exclusive deals and discounts for long-term visitors.
• Event Marketing: Promote local cultural events, community activities, guided tours, and family-friendly festivals to attract visitors. • Airports: Retirees and families often travel by air to escape cold climates and enjoy extended stays in warmer destinations. Airports provide a great opportunity to attract their attention as they plan their seasonal travel.
Event Development
Events play a pivotal role in Twentynine Palms' tourism strategy, catering to a diverse array of visitors across all four target audience groups. Visit 29 Palms will remain committed to supporting its newly established Sponsorship and Event Grant Program in FY24-25, a program designed to foster the development of new and innovative events, increase industry collaboration and community engagement, and attract overnight visitors.
By seeding new events from national park-themed festivals and creative retreats to wellness expos and family-friendly activities, Twentynine Palms creates opportunities for engagement and exploration that resonate with each group's unique interests and preferences and increase visitors’ length of stay. Events not only showcase the city's natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational offerings but also foster a sense of community and belonging among attendees.
Importantly, while Visit 29 Palms provides initial financial backing to help new events get off the ground, our expectation is that this support serves as a catalyst, enabling these events to grow and become self-sustainable in the future. By doing so, we aim to create a vibrant, enduring event landscape that continually attracts visitors year after year. 11
MARKETING PROGRAMS
Digital Marketing – Website
Visit29.org has undergone a complete rebuild and redesign to enhance user experience and visual storytelling capabilities. The new site, powered by a dynamic CMS and supported by a robust CRM and extranet, will continue to drive lead generation and improve communication with local business owners who can manage their listings independently.
Digital Marketing – Search Engine Marketing
Monthly paid search campaigns with Google will continue to optimize Visit29.org's visibility in search results, attracting targeted traffic to the website.
Digital Marketing – Display
Seasonal digital display campaigns across the Google Display Network will increase brand awareness and attract new interest from potential visitors browsing millions of websites, news pages, and blogs.
Digital Marketing – Social Media
Utilizing platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, Visit 29 Palms will engage in experiential storytelling to build awareness, drive lead generation, and foster relationships with both new and returning visitors.
Digital Marketing – Email Marketing
E-newsletter campaigns will deliver inspirational content and travel resources directly to subscribers, leveraging the redesigned Visit29.org to increase lead collection and subscriber base.
Print Advertising
Strategic placements in state-wide and national publications will strengthen Visit 29 Palms' brand recognition and target key audiences effectively.
Media/PR
A dedicated media and public relations strategy will be implemented to generate positive press coverage and build strong relationships with journalists and media outlets. Through press releases, media kits, and targeted outreach, Visit 29 Palms will highlight key events, attractions, and unique stories, aiming to secure feature articles and broadcast segments that enhance the city's profile as a premier travel destination.
Airport & Out-of-Home Media
Continued investment in digital advertising at regional airports will target frequent flyers and travelers, enhancing brand visibility. Opportunities for digital billboards in key locations will also be explored to amplify messaging.
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Bloggers and Influencers
Collaborations with influential bloggers and digital creators will amplify Visit 29 Palms' appeal and drive engagement among leisure travelers, leveraging their influence to showcase the destination's unique offerings.
Partnerships & Co-Ops
Strategic alliances with Visit California, Visit Greater Palm Springs, and Discover Inland Empire will extend Visit 29 Palms' reach into long-haul domestic and international markets through cooperative marketing efforts and joint promotional campaigns.
FAM Tours
Organizing familiarization tours for travel media, tour operators, and event organizers will showcase Twentynine Palms' attractions firsthand, fostering positive reviews and increasing awareness among key travel decision-makers.
Goals, Metrics, Key Performance Indicators
By focusing on the following goals, metrics, and KPIs, Visit 29 Palms can effectively measure the impact of its marketing activities, optimize strategies for greater success, and ultimately drive sustainable growth in tourism and visitor spending within the city.
Increase TBID Assessment Revenue
• Goal: Achieve year-over-year growth in TBID assessment revenue. • Strategy: Implement targeted marketing campaigns and promotional efforts to drive increased visitor stays and spending within Twentynine Palms. • Measurement: Quarterly tracking and reporting of TBID assessment revenue growth compared to previous years.
Enhance Lead Generation and Lodging Partner Referrals
• Goal: Increase outbound lodging link clicks on Visit29.org, indicating higher lead generation and referrals to lodging partners.
• Strategy: Optimize website content and user experience, execute effective digital marketing campaigns, and participate in industry events to drive lead generation for lodging partners.
• Measurement: Monitor monthly outbound lodging link clicks on Visit29.org and track the growth in referrals to lodging partners.
Expand Engagement, Reach, and Following Across Owned Channels • Goal: Grow engagement and reach across Visit 29 Palms' digital channels • Strategy: Develop and distribute compelling, timely content that resonates with target audiences, utilize social media platforms for community engagement and brand promotion.
• Measurement: Track quarterly metrics such as social media engagement rates, website traffic, and follower growth to gauge effectiveness of content and campaign strategies.
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Metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
TBID Assessment Revenue
• KPI: Quarterly TBID assessment revenue results.
Lead Generation and Lodging Partner Referrals
• KPI: Monthly outbound lodging link clicks and e-news subscribers on Visit29.org. • KPI: Percentage increase in lodging referrals and e-news subscribers year-overyear.
Engagement Across Owned Channels
• KPI: Social media engagement rate (average likes, comments, shares per post). • KPI: Website traffic metrics (sessions, page views, bounce rate). • KPI: Growth in social media followers and email newsletter subscribers.
Measurement and Reporting:
• Quarterly Marketing Reports: Analytics will be compiled and reviewed to measure the success of each campaign and marketing initiative.
• Performance Review Meetings: Quarterly subcommittee meetings will be conducted to review KPIs, assess progress towards goals, and adjust strategies as needed to optimize performance.
• Benchmarking: Compare performance metrics against industry benchmarks and previous performance to gauge competitiveness and effectiveness of marketing efforts.
CITY OF 29 PALMS VISITOR CENTER
In partnership with the City of Twentynine Palms, Visit 29 Palms will continue to manage and operate the visitor center located at 73484 Twentynine Palms Hwy. This center is open to the public seven days a week, providing in-person visitor services, maps, brochures, and travel resources. As a destination marketing organization, it is acknowledged that our work is not simply done once a travel decision and booking has been made and that it is important to support our visitors once they arrive at our destination. These in-person interactions will continue to be valuable for driving return visits, and longer lengths of stay.
In partnership with the Twentynine Palms Public Arts Advisory Committee (PAAC) the visitor center will continue to provide gallery space and host the quarterly Art in Public Places Program art exhibitions.
ADMINISTRATION
Tourism Business Improvement District Advisory Board
Appointed by the City Council, the TBID is administered by a 5-member Advisory Board made up of lodging owners, operators, and representatives, from each segment of the city’s lodging industry. The TBID Advisory Board oversees the development and implementation of the annual tourism marketing plan and budget and provides strategic oversight, guidance, and direction to the TBID staff.
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Tourism Business Improvement District Advisory Staff
The TBID staff team will consist of one full-time marketing director, one part-time visitor center associate, and one part-time social media staff/contractor. The marketing director will oversee and manage the staff team and reports directly to the City Manager and TBID Advisory Board.
Subcommittees
In addition to the TBID Advisory Board and TBID Staff, subcommittees play a crucial role in the success of our marketing initiatives. These subcommittees can include up to two TBID Advisory Board members, TBID staff, and may also involve stakeholders, community members, and other city staff. For the upcoming year, our focus will be on maintaining subcommittees in three key areas: events, partnerships, and marketing.
TBID Assessment Collection & Finance
TBID assessment revenue will be collected and reported on a quarterly basis by the City’s Finance Department who also assist with other aspects of financial reporting for the Visit 29 Palms TBID.
Contract Services
As needed, Visit 29 Palms will retain contract services from related agencies such consulting advisors, content creators, social media specialists, or web developers. 15
RESERVES
TBID Reserve Balance $ 560,669.49 $ 412,239.49 $523,111.30 As of 7/3/24
Account Code
51-0000 REVENUE
4125 TBID Assessment Fee (1.5%) $ 390,420 $ 350,000 $ 211,016 $ 356,000 $ 375,000 4150 Visitor Center Consignment Sales $ 1,300 $ 500 $ 500 $ 500 $ 500 4152 Partnership Program $ - $ 3,500 $ - $ - $ -
4245 Interest $ 10,355 $ 1,000 $ 5,393 $ 10,000 $ 5,000 TBID Reserves $ - $ 148,430 $ 148,430 $ 150,000
TOTAL REVENUE $ 402,075 $ 503,430 $ 216,909 $ 514,930 $ 530,500.00 Account Code
51-1013 EXPENDITURES
5110 Salaries $ 90,057 $ 97,646 $ 80,516 $ 97,646 $ 106,974 5120 Salaries Part-Time $ 15,745 $ 16,673 $ 12,495 $ 16,673 $ 16,380 5250 Health Benefits $ 18,940 $ 20,806 $ 15,234 $ 20,806 $ 21,496 5251 Retirement Benefits $ 6,782 $ 7,499 $ 6,187 $ 7,499 $ 8,430 5252 Workers Comp $ 2,521 $ 4,001 $ 3,720 $ 4,001 $ 4,934 5254 Unemployment $ - $ 305 $ - $ 305 $ 1,000
6241 Office Supplies $ 1,732 $ 3,000 $ 1,972 $ 2,500 $ 2,500 6244 Miscellaneous Expense $ 2,192 $ 5,000 $ 1,300 $ 1,300 $ 5,000 6245 Contingency $ - $ 10,000 $ - $ - $ 10,000
6251 Meeting & Travel $ - $ 200 $ - $ 250 $ 200
6291 Visitor Center Building Maintenance $ 1,687 $ 500 $ 463 $ 800 $ 1,000 6343 Video Production $ 8,800 $ 16,000 $ - $ - $ -
6344 Broadcast/Out of Home Media $ 36,996 $ 36,000 $ 13,000 $ 29,000 $ 60,000 6345 Regional Print Ads $ 2,730 $ 11,800 $ 10,010 $ 18,590 $ 15,000 6347 Trade Conventions & Memberships $ 12,450 $ 19,000 $ 27,739 $ 27,739 $ 20,000 6353 Contract Services $ 26,910 $ - $ 10,000 $ 10,000 $ 24,000 6356 Digital Marketing $ 44,177 $ 45,000 $ 27,520 $ 30,520 $ 39,000 6360 Special Projects $ - $ 10,000 $ - $ - $ -
6371 Event Sponsorship & Grants $ 16,968 $ 200,000 $ 111,011 $ 190,000 $ 200,000 6518 Electronic Equipment $ 578 $ - $ - $ -
6841 Legal Services $ 17,660 $ - $ 621 $ 621 $ -
6350 Reporting & Analysis $ - $ 6,000 $ 6,000 $ -
TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ 306,925 $ 503,430 $ 359,787 $ 464,250 $ 535,914 $ 95,150 $ - $ (142,878) $ 50,681 $ (5,414)
Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District Budget FY 22-23
Actuals
Through 9/30/23
FY 23-24
Approved
Budget
FY 23-24
Actuals
Through 7/2/24
FY 23-24
Projected
Year-End Actuals
FY 24-25
Proposed
Budget
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