Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs Mayor Ron DeHarte is calling for strategic investments in the city’s future as the City Council approaches the critical June 25 meeting to approve the annual budget. In a public statement this week, Mayor DeHarte laid out a clear vision for how the city’s budget should be used as a transformative tool — not just a financial ledger, but a roadmap toward long-term sustainability and inclusivity.

“Our city charter requires us to approve the budget by July 1,” DeHarte explained, “but this isn’t merely an annual accounting exercise. It’s the cornerstone of a multi-year strategy to build a Palm Springs that thrives for everyone who lives and works here year-round.”

The Mayor’s message underscores the gravity and opportunity of the budget process, which he described as a six-month journey guided by community values and strategic planning. To support residents in understanding this complex process, DeHarte has released a public budget guide outlining the city’s goals and the rationale behind key spending decisions.

The proposed budget, crafted by the City Manager and department staff, is organized around four overarching priorities:

• Fostering Economic Development that both supports tourism and diversifies the local economy.
• Ensuring Public Safety and Community Services for all residents.
• Investing in Infrastructure and City Facilities to maintain essential operations.
• Addressing the Growing Crisis of Housing Affordability.

While DeHarte voiced strong support for the budget’s direction, he raised specific concerns over the proposed funding for economic development, which he believes is critically underfunded.

“The Economic Development Department’s goals particularly energize me,” said DeHarte. “But I raised concerns at our last meeting about the meager investment proposed for this department’s vital work.”

The proposed $1.1 million allocation includes salaries, leaving only $525,000 for actual programs and services. Of that, $400,000 is already pre-programmed, leaving just $125,000 for new initiatives — a figure DeHarte argues is insufficient given the city’s economic vulnerability.

“Our economy has long relied on tourism, which leaves us exposed. In these uncertain times, we need robust marketing, innovative incentives, and aggressive business retention strategies,” he emphasized.

The Mayor warned against short-term fixes that rely on one-time budget maneuvers, such as tapping into reserves or shifting funds. “These don’t solve the real problem. In fact, they make it worse by making the gap harder to close later,” he said.

As Palm Springs faces rising employee costs and stagnant revenue, DeHarte is urging the Council to show leadership by protecting essential services, reining in spending, and prioritizing smart investments that stimulate the local economy without raising taxes.

“We can’t plug long-term holes with short-term fixes,” DeHarte said. “It’s time to significantly invest in our economic development priorities and forge new pathways for the next generation of Palm Springs residents.”

Palm Springs Mayor Ron DeHarte

The June 25 City Council meeting will be pivotal, not only for setting the city’s financial course for the coming year but for defining the direction Palm Springs takes in the years ahead. Mayor DeHarte concluded his message with a strong endorsement for bold action: “I fully support seizing the moment and investing in the future we all envision for our city.”

Residents are encouraged to review the Mayor’s budget guide and participate in the upcoming public meetings to stay informed and engaged in the city’s financial future.