Rick Hutcheson for Palm Springs City Council

GOALS » Prosperous & Liveable Downtown

Ensure a Prosperous Future

  • build a thriving and liveable downtown by finding the right balance between investment needed grow our tax base and stewardship of our unique heritage
  • protect the value of our real estate
  • grow the dollars we receive from tourism
  • promote jobs and innovation linked to renewable energy & conservation

I believe in leadership that listens, and have been contacting citizens and asking which issues are most important. The unmistakable answers: revitalizing downtown, and reducing crime.

Regarding downtown, everyone’s patience has run out. City Council must set a one year timetable to approve a replacement to the Desert Fashion Plaza, and keep the public informed as we negotiate with the present owner – or find a new owner.

City Hall must do better on the basics: cleaner streets and benches, eradicating graffiti, protecting businesses from vandalism. As a Planning Commissioner, I’ve voted to bring new stores for residents, and new hotels to expand convention business, while defending our neighborhoods and open spaces.

I agree with our citizens who insist that public safety become a higher priority. Better than anyone, the line officers who protect us daily know what needs improving. We should involve victims of crime, and law enforcement professionals inside and outside our Police Department; then adopt an action plan before the next fiscal year. 

For more details, see my Desert Sun Blog.