Mayor Nancy Ross presented Cathedral City’s achievements and future plans during the annual State of the City address on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Golf Resort. The event, hosted by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, drew a substantial crowd of community leaders, business owners, and residents. A YouTube playlist featuring videos from the event is available at the bottom of this article. Click here to view the PowerPoint presentation from the Mayor’s speech.
Community Excellence Recognized Through Annual Awards
The event began with the recognition of outstanding contributions to Cathedral City through annual awards. The Cathedral City Auto Dealers Association was named Business of the Year, while Mega Dollar received the New Business of the Year award. Meester Zebra earned Restaurant of the Year honors, and Read with Me was recognized as Non-Profit of the Year. Darlene Remalia was celebrated as Volunteer of the Year, and Richard Altman received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mayor Ross presented a special Mayor’s Award to FIND Food Bank, highlighting their critical work in fighting food insecurity throughout the Coachella Valley. In her presentation, the mayor praised FIND Food Bank and its President and CEO, Debbie Espinosa, for their extraordinary service, particularly noting how they doubled their reach during the pandemic to serve 190,000 people. The mayor emphasized the importance of supporting FIND Food Bank as they face challenges due to federal funding cuts to food assistance programs.
Measure W Implementation Takes Center Stage
Under the theme “Bold Vision, Brighter Future,” Mayor Ross highlighted significant progress across multiple sectors of the city.
A major focus of the address was the implementation of Measure W, which passed with 74% voter approval. The measure funds several critical initiatives including the city’s annexation into the Desert Recreation District, increased investment in neighborhood street repairs, the addition of a fourth ambulance, and a feasibility study for a future recreation center.
A panel featuring Kevin Kalman (General Manager of Desert Recreation District), Fire Chief Michael Contreras, and Public Works Director John Corella detailed how Measure W is enhancing quality of life for residents. Beginning July 1, 2025, the Fire Department will add a fourth ambulance service and six new firefighter/paramedic positions to improve emergency response times throughout the city.
Celebrating Local Business Growth
The mayor emphasized Cathedral City’s commitment to nurturing small businesses, showcasing recent business educational workshops and a new Business Startup Guide. The city’s growing culinary scene received special attention with a panel featuring Charles Donley, owner of Cafecito Calaveras Burrito & Coffee House, and Kevin Kim, owner of K Pop Foodz, who was recently featured in Palm Springs Life Magazine.
Councilmember Mark Carnevale provided an update on commercial development and economic growth, highlighting diverse businesses and housing options emerging across the city.
Tourism and Economic Development
Scott White, President and CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs, discussed tourism strategies and economic development opportunities. The discussion focused on Cathedral City’s participation in Restaurant Week (May 30-June 8), year-round tourist attraction strategies, and maximizing the impact of signature events like the International Hot Air Balloon Festival with LeAnn Rimes and the Tastes & Sounds series.
Arts and Cultural Renaissance
Councilmember Rita Lamb delivered a passionate update on Cathedral City’s thriving arts and cultural scene from the Community Amphitheater in District 1, which has become the heart of the city’s cultural renaissance.
The Amphitheater has established itself as a premier venue, making history earlier this year when The Dreamboats performed during the Tastes & Sounds series and drew a record-breaking crowd of 2,200 attendees—the largest audience since the venue opened in 2021. Following this tremendous success, the City Council has approved a fall series for Tastes & Sounds coming in November 2025, featuring returning favorites The Dreamboats and Radio Ready, Queen Nation, and additional performers to be announced.
Lamb also highlighted the milestone 10th Anniversary Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival, which reached new heights with Grammy Award-winning artist LeAnn Rimes delivering a headline performance with opening act Emily West that attracted the largest festival audience to date.
The Amphitheater’s popular 10-week yoga program achieved record attendance in 2025, while diverse events such as the Color the Spectrum Autism Arts Festival and the Autism Society Inland Empire’s Acceptance Walk demonstrated the city’s commitment to inclusivity. Looking ahead to 2026, the venue will host the Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic’s Sinfonica de Mineria in January and the Soul Springs Festival in February.
Other cultural highlights included:
- The Fourth Friday Art Walks at The Perez Art District, now home to more than 50 established and emerging artists
- The Ocotillo Park bench painting initiative, which transformed ordinary park benches into works of art by 23 local artists
- CVRep’s record-breaking production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” under Adam Karsten’s leadership
- S.C.R.A.P. Gallery’s growing environmental awareness programs, including the Butterfly Festival at Panorama Park and Spring Fest at Century Park
- The popular Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest, which will return this fall, with a new holiday-themed “Feliz Navi-dog” contest added in December
Infrastructure and Public Safety
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez presented on parks, recreation, and infrastructure improvements, while Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory outlined public safety and education initiatives.
Mayor Ross championed the city’s Autism Certification, which was announced in October 2024. The certification reflects the city’s commitment to inclusivity, with more than 80% of city employees, including first responders, having received specialized training to better understand and communicate with autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals.
Strategic Vision
Mayor Ross emphasized the city’s six core strategic goals:
- Serving the community with pride and dedication
- Community investment
- Fiscal stability and sustainability
- Innovation
- Safety for all
- Creating an inclusive community
“None of what we’ve accomplished or what we plan to achieve would be possible without the dedication of our city staff, the leadership of our City Council, the engagement of our residents, the innovation of our businesses, and the collaborative spirit that defines Cathedral City,” Mayor Ross said.
In her closing remarks, the mayor acknowledged the contributions of city staff, department directors, commissioners, and committee members who work daily to advance Cathedral City’s goals.
The event was coordinated by Ryan Hunt (Communications & Events Manager), Erick Becerril (Economic Development Manager), and their staff, in partnership with Tina Rodriguez (Director of Events & Membership with Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce).
As Cathedral City continues its growth trajectory, Mayor Ross envisions “safe neighborhoods, thriving businesses, beautiful parks, engaging cultural amenities, efficient services, and opportunities for all.”
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