Economic Development
In 2024, the JPA allocated funding to develop an economic development initiative inclusive of establishing branding and developing a marketing strategy. Visit Greater Palm Springs hired Sean Smith as its Director of Economic Development to steer these efforts. Place branding and marketing firm North Star was engaged to identify branding and develop a marketing and communications strategy. Through 2024, North Star has assisted with identifying regional economic development industry clusters for growth potential, conducted focus groups comprised of leaders within these industries, interviewed stakeholders, conducted surveys of business leaders both in and out of market to understand current perceptions and opportunities, and utilized this data to guide a creative committee in the naming, branding, and creative design for Greater Palm Springs Economic Development. North Star also assisted with providing recommendations for website development, which staff began the process of building out.
The JPA appointed a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for economic development comprised of a member from each city and Riverside County. Sean Smith facilitated ongoing communication with the TAC to share information, obtain feedback, and identify opportunities. The TAC is also updated on related activities through a quarterly newsletter.
Workforce development is a key component to economic development and Visit Greater Palm Springs has met with a variety of related entities throughout the region to strategize on ways to meet job growth demand. On a related note, Visit Greater Palm Springs partnered with Inland Economic Growth & Opportunity (IEGO) to be the backbone organizations for the Coachella Valley to facilitate connections between businesses and resources including potential funding opportunities.
Additionally, staff met with a variety of representatives from relevant organizations and attended events, conferences, and trade shows to support stakeholders and stay informed on industry trends and opportunities.
Riverside County Economic Development Strategic Plan
Riverside County Economic Development staff launched their work with the Natelson Dale Group for the completion of an Economic Development Strategic Plan for the County. The scope of work includes the creation of a subregional plan specific to the Coachella Valley. Staff recently met with the consultants and County representatives for an introductory discussion. These meetings will continue over the next several months to ensure that the consultants have access to the information and resources required for a well-constructed Plan.
County staff anticipates the plan to be complete by fall of 2025.
Foreign Trade Zone
The City of Palm Springs recently facilitated a meeting to discuss potential increased utilization and expansion of the existing Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), which is currently defined by the footprint of Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). Included in the discussion were representatives from a variety of regional entities as well as consultants familiar with FTZs.
Federal FTZ regulations allow for the expansion of FTZs if certain conditions are met. Based on the discussion, there appears to be regional interest in utilization of the benefits associated with an FTZ that can result in significant savings.
Staff will be working with regional partners and experts in assessing the activation and expansion of the Palm Springs FTZ.
Amateur Sports Complex
Staff continues to pursue the development of an indoor amateur sports facility in Greater Palm Springs. Through the relationship with Sports ETA, Visit Greater Palm Springs connected with Synergy Sports, a consulting firm that provides expertise in sports facility development and management.
Staff will be working with Synergy Sports on revising key data from the CSL study as necessary and formulating financial models related to options for developing and operating an indoor facility in the valley. This information will be shared with partners when available.
The CSL Amateur Sports Complex Feasibility Study can be found here.
Looking Ahead
Over the next few months, staff will be engaged in the following activities:
North Star
The brand creative for Economic Development is nearly complete with just a couple of meetings remaining. The result will be a logo, strapline, colors, and messaging for Greater Palm Springs Economic Development. Concurrently, the dedicated Economic Development website is being constructed with the framework, content, and imagery, which will reflect the brand creative when established. North Star is also working on the development of a media and marketing plan specifically for Economic Development.
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Roundtable
Members of the Economic Development TAC will begin meeting in-person on a quarterly basis to engage in roundtable discussions, share ideas, hear from individuals and/or organizations on relevant topics, and provide guidance and feedback. The initial in-person roundtable will take place in February.
Conferences & Tradeshows
Staff is in the process of assessing attendance at the following upcoming conferences and trade shows:
- Team California – World Agriculture Expo (February 11 – 13, Tulare, CA)
- Team California – Entertainment Experience Evolution (February 25 & 26, Los Angeles, CA)
- Sports ETA – Facilities Summit (April 13 & 14, Tulsa, OK)
- OU Economic Development Institute – training (April 27 – May 1, Kansas City, MO)
- CALED – annual conference (May 7 – 9, Ontario, CA)
- ICSC – Global Conference (May 18 – 20, Las Vegas, NV)
- City Nation Place – Americas conference (May 21 – 22, Ottawa, CAN)
- Team California – BIO 2025 – R&D of healthcare, agriculture, industrial, and environmental bio products (June 16 – 19, Boston, MA)
- Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any feedback or questions regarding these events.
For more information about economic development in the destination, please contact:
Sean Smith
Director of Economic Development
sean@visitgreaterps.com | 760.969.1308
