Palm Springs, CA
The City of Palm Springs has announced the public release of the key findings from the “Section 14 Historical Context Study,” a comprehensive report prepared by Southern California consultant Architectural Resources Group (ARG) at the request of the Palm Springs City Council. ARG was specifically selected by the City due to their extensive experience overseeing similar successful studies with other municipalities including Los Angeles, Pasadena, West Hollywood, and Culver City.
The study represents a significant step in addressing and understanding the historical impact of actions that led to the displacement of Section 14 residents during the mid-20th century.
Commissioned by the City to provide a factual and transparent account, the Historical Context Study is an in-depth exploration of the socio-political, economic, and cultural forces that shaped Section 14, a neighborhood primarily populated by people of color, as well as the history of eviction and abatement activities that displaced many of its residents. The study offers vital context and documentation to inform future actions aimed at community healing and reconciliation.
“The City of Palm Springs hired an expert in historical context studies to focus on the facts surrounding Section 14,” said Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein. “It is important to the City Council that we share the full report in order to be transparent with our community.”
Key highlights from the study reveal:
- The Section 14 abatements began in 1936, with an abatement campaign by the State and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Palm Springs was not yet incorporated, and the City’s first direct involvement occurred in 1948, with the City assuming management and funding.
- Section 14 displacements, evictions, and abatements occurred in at least five major campaigns, with less organized activities in between, from 1936-1937 (pre-incorporation), and 1948-1966.
- All five of these campaigns were conducted by multiple government agencies/entities in partnership, including the BIA, State of California, Riverside County, the City of Palm Springs, the Agua Caliente Tribal Council, and Agua Caliente conservators, guardians, and allottees.
- People of color, and African American residents in particular, were prohibited from living in many other parts of Palm Springs due to restrictive housing covenants on deeds, discriminatory lending practices, and the refusal from most realtors, developers, and landlords to sell or rent housing to people of color meant that people of color had few housing options beyond Section 14, and were disproportionately subject to eviction.
- The recordkeeping of abatements was essentially nonexistent or non-surviving, so the number of residents who left Section 14 voluntarily or involuntarily during the abatement
period is unclear. As a result, the City primarily relies on the official abatement records starting from 1965, the period in which the majority of abatements occurred.
The City of Palm Springs strongly encourages residents and interested parties to review the full Historical Context Study for a deeper understanding of Section 14’s history. This study serves not only as an acknowledgment of past injustices but also as a foundation for ongoing discussions about how the City can foster a more inclusive future.
“As Palm Springs continues its journey toward healing and accountability, the Historical Context Study underscores the City’s commitment to transparency and historical truth,” said Councilmember Grace Garner. “The City looks forward to engaging with community members, tribal representatives, and stakeholders to address the study’s findings and consider meaningful next steps in honoring Section 14’s legacy.”
To view the Historical Context Study and learn more about the history and facts surrounding Section 14, residents and stakeholders are invited to visit EngagePalmSprings.com.