Economic Development

In 2024, the Visit Greater Palm Springs Joint Powers Authority took a significant step toward advancing economic development for the region by allocating funding for the creation of a comprehensive brand and marketing strategy. To lead these efforts, Sean Smith was hired as the Director of Economic Development, bringing expertise and strategic vision to the initiative. Below are highlights of what was completed last year.

Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) was established to enhance collaboration across the region, with representatives from each JPA member city and Riverside County. This committee facilitated ongoing communication, allowing for the exchange of information, collection of feedback, and identification of emerging opportunities to support economic growth.

Marketing & Communications Strategy
To strengthen economic development efforts, North Star Place Branding + Marketing was engaged to develop a robust marketing and communications strategy. As part of this process, key economic development industry clusters were identified to help shape strategic priorities. Extensive research was conducted, including focus groups, stakeholder interviews, and surveys of business leaders both within and outside the market to assess current perceptions and identify opportunities. Additionally, a creative committee was formed to collaborate on naming, branding, and design elements, ensuring a cohesive and impactful strategy.

2024 Economic Development Trade Shows and Events
TEAM CALIFORNIA: In 2024, Greater Palm Springs Economic Development joined Team California and participated in the “Meet the Consultants” event held in Visalia, August 6–8. Attended by site selectors, brokers, developers, and other economic development professionals, the event provided valuable insights into current trends and challenges in business attraction. Representing the region, Sean Smith engaged in discussions that highlighted California’s strengths, including innovation and access to capital, while also addressing common misconceptions about development in the state. Participation in Team California marks a strategic step in positioning Greater Palm Springs for future growth and investment opportunities.

ICSC WESTERN CONFERENCE: The ICSC Western Conference was held at the Palm Springs Convention Center, September 23–25. Greater Palm Springs Economic Development sponsored the opening night reception and hosted a dedicated lounge space to connect with attendees. The event brought together cities, retailers, developers, brokers, and other industry leaders, providing a valuable platform for showcasing the region’s potential. With ICSC Western confirmed to return in 2025, Greater Palm Springs Economic Development is collaborating with TAC members to develop enhanced engagement strategies for future attendees.

Data & Analysis
In 2024, Greater Palm Springs Economic Development acquired access to JobsEQ, a labor market data platform that provides detailed insights into the regional workforce. With workforce availability and development being critical concerns across industries, this tool allows for more informed decision-making by offering data on job demand, industry employment, wages, academic alignment, and labor market trends. JobsEQ also supports “what if” analyses to evaluate workforce availability for potential business projects.

Regional Collaboration
Regional partnerships played a critical role in advancing economic development efforts.

• VGPS partnered with the Inland Economic Growth and Opportunity (IEGO) initiative to serve as the backbone organization for Coachella Valley’s economic development strategy.
• Additionally, collaboration with Riverside County ensured that a subregional strategic plan for the Coachella Valley was incorporated into the county’s broader economic development strategic plan request for proposals (RFP).
• Greater Palm Springs Economic Development joined key economic development organizations, including CalEd and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), to gain access to valuable insights, data, networking and business development opportunities, and advocacy coalitions.