06/05/2025
Issue 503

Cathedral City Drives Business Success Through Strategic Economic Development Initiatives


Cathedral City’s Economic Development Division is advancing a robust suite of programs and partnerships to strengthen the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, support local businesses, and attract new investment. Through targeted outreach, strategic collaborations, and data-informed planning, the City is laying a strong foundation for inclusive economic growth, industry resilience, and long-term competitiveness in the Coachella Valley region.

A key initiative is the City’s collaboration with the Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center (CVWBC), which will offer weekly full-day consulting sessions directly from Cathedral City Hall starting in August. These no-cost, uninterrupted, one-on-one appointments provide local business owners access to professional guidance in areas such as financial management, business planning, marketing, and operations. To ensure broad industry coverage, CVWBC rotates its expert advisors weekly, giving small businesses across various sectors—retail, food service, professional services, and more which is all tailored support to drive growth, innovation, and sustainability. This in-house business support model enhances local business retention and expansion (BRE) efforts and lowers access barriers for entrepreneurs in underserved communities.

In partnership with the Riverside County Office of Economic Development and the Coachella Valley Small Business Development Center (CVSBDC), Cathedral City is also delivering a comprehensive business training and capacity-building program. These initiatives include multi-week cohort-based programs like MADE for Product Startups, California Shop Small, and AI Accelerator, as well as 90-minute workshops on sales, marketing, compliance, and access to capital. All programs offer follow-up consulting, toolkits, and measurable outcomes, such as jobs created, revenue increases, and new business formations. By equipping entrepreneurs with practical skills and digital tools, Cathedral City is enhancing its workforce development pipeline and supporting scalable business models that can compete in both local and digital marketplaces.

The City was recently honored to receive the TeamCalifornia AHEAD Initiative Scholarship for 2025, a prestigious award that strengthens Cathedral City’s presence in statewide investment attraction and economic development networks. Through this scholarship, the City receives full access to TeamCalifornia’s marketing platform, industry roundtables, educational programs, and conference representation. Cathedral City has also partnered with Kosmont Companies to conduct a comprehensive SWOT analysis of its automotive sector, one of the City’s most significant economic drivers. This analysis includes market data, tax revenue trends, workforce assessments, and stakeholder engagement with local dealerships. The goal is to develop strategic recommendations for revenue protection, business retention, and future growth, ensuring Cathedral City remains a competitive player in the regional automotive marketplace.

The Economic Development Division is working to share resources and information in support of local businesses through its website: cathedralcity.gov/business/economic-development/. The City has launched a new Development Dashboard on this webpage—an interactive GIS-based platform that showcases active residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects across the community. This dashboard serves as a tool to visualize the development pipeline within the City as it progresses from a review stage on through construction, demonstrating that Cathedral City is open for business and is supporting new residential and commercial projects.

Together, these initiatives represent a comprehensive, strategic, and inclusive approach to economic development. By focusing on small business empowerment, regional collaboration, industry retention, and innovative marketing, Cathedral City is actively shaping a more vibrant, resilient, and opportunity-rich future for residents, entrepreneurs, and investors alike.
Andrew Firestine, Director of Community and Economic Development
(760) 770-0344
afirestine@cathedralcity.gov

Journey With CCTV Host Conrad Angel Corral to Kpop Foodz - Celebrating One Year of Authentic Korean Cuisine in Cathedral City

Check out the latest episode of CCTV's regular segment promoting and highlighting new businesses opening throughout Cathedral City! Host Conrad Angel Corral recently visited Kpop Foodz, located at 35400 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City, CA 92234. This locally owned Korean street food ...Read more

City of Cathedral City Council Adopts Strategic Biennial Budget for Fiscal Responsibility and Growth

The City Council of the City of Cathedral City unanimously approved and adopted the biennial budget (fiscal year 2025-2026 and 2026-2027) at the regular meeting on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. The biennial budget addresses the priorities of the community while generating revenues that meet city expenditures and focuses on the City's Five-Year Strategic ...Read more

Summer Fireworks Reminder: All Fireworks Remain Strictly Prohibited in Cathedral City

As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, the Cathedral City Fire and Police Departments want to remind all residents and visitors that all fireworks remain strictly prohibited within city limits. This comprehensive ban includes consumer fireworks, sparklers, and any other pyrotechnic devices. Serious Penalties for Violations The use or possession of fireworks in Cathedral City …Read more

Dive Into Summer Fun: Cathedral City, DRD, and PSUSD Partner for Pool Season Opening June 9, 2025

Get ready to make a splash this summer! The Cathedral City High School pool is set to open for the 2025 season, offering residents a refreshing escape from the desert heat. Thanks to the continued partnership between the City of Cathedral City, Palm Springs Unified School District, and Desert Recreation District, local families will once again have …Read more

"Free Summer Kids Movie Series" Returns to Mary Pickford Theatre June 13 – August 1, 2025

The Cathedral City Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE), in partnership with the Mary Pickford Theatre, presents the return of the "Free Summer Kids Movie Series" happening every Friday at 10:00 a.m. starting Friday, June 13, 2025, through Friday, August 1, 2025. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. The film series offers free admission to see a different movie …Read more

CONE ZONE ALERT: Major Street Resurfacing Project Continues Through June in Cathedral City

Cathedral City residents and business owners should prepare for significant construction activity as the city launches its ambitious Spring 2025 road maintenance program. The City Council has awarded a $1,441,901.29 contract to Petrochem Materials Innovation, LLC. (PMI) for the FY 2024-2025 Spring Rubberized Emulsion Aggregate Slurry (REAS) Projects. What is REAS? REAS serves as the …Read more

Cathedral City Library Continues as Official Cooling Center for Summer 2025

Are you looking for relief from the summer heat? The Cathedral City Library, located at 33520 Date Palm Drive, will once again serve as the official Riverside County Community Action Partnership (CAP) cooling center in Cathedral City. The cooling center will be open June 1 – October 15, 2025. Hours of Operation: Normal Library Hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday …Read more

Support Cathedral City Restaurants During Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week, May 30 – June 8, 2025

Don't forget to support your local Cathedral City restaurants participating in Visit Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week, May 30 – June 8, 2025! Participating Cathedral City Restaurants: Café One Eleven at Agua Caliente Casino, Brunch 101, Daniel's Table, Luchador Brewing Company, Sol y Sombra at The Paloma Resort, Trilussa Ristorante Read more

City of Cathedral City Launches Interactive Survey and Development Code Update Website - Survey Open Through June 22, 2025!

The City of Cathedral City's Planning Department is excited to announce two important initiatives to help shape the future of our community! Interactive Citywide Survey Now Available The City has launched a new Citywide survey using an innovative mapping platform that makes civic participation both fun...Read more

Bereavement Support Group

Thursdays
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Location: Cathedral City Senior Center 37171 W. Buddy Rogers Ave, Cathedral City, CA 92234 Find comfort and understanding at our weekly Bereavement Support Group facilitated by Serenity Hospice. This compassionate gathering provides a safe space for those experiencing grief after the loss of a loved one. The group offers participants the …Read more

Emergency Preparedness Grab & Go Event

June 7, 2025

Join Councilmember Rita Lamb, Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez, and the Cathedral City Fire Department for an Emergency Preparedness - Grab & Go Event on Saturday June 7th at Agua Caliente Elementary School. This event will provide information on how to respond to an emergency, such as an earthquake, and what items you will need in your preparedness kit during …Read more

Amateur Radio “Field Day”

June 28, 2025

WHAT: Members of the Desert RATS Amateur Radio Club and Coachella Valley Amateur Radio Emergency Service will be participating in the national amateur radio Field Day Event, June 28 2025 at the Cathedral City Library from 11am to 4pm. Since 1933, ham radio operators across North America have established temporary ham radio stations in public locations during Field Day to …Read more

Employment

AMBULANCE OPERATOR - EMT (24 HOUR SHIFTS)
CITIZENS ON PATROL (COP)
FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC
POLICE CADET
POLICE OFFICER - LATERAL/ACADEMY GRADUATE
POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT
PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER - PART-TIME
PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER I
PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER II
RESERVE POLICE OFFICER
facebook instagram youtube email