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December 29, 2022

Community Update
by Dr. Stone James, Economic Development Director

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I ran into an esteemed colleague the other day while enjoying a cup of coffee in our Downtown Arts and Entertainment District. As we talked, the colleague stated he had seen a lot of economic development progress within Cathedral City lately and felt the city was building substantial positive momentum. After sharing his sincere appreciation for Cathedral City’s recent successes, he followed up with the question, “What exactly is economic development”? As an accredited economic developer, I get this question a lot.

In all but the most affluent cities, effective leadership involves crafting and implementing a comprehensive economic strategy and intentionally funding the required action steps. While economic development is often cited as a crucial local, regional, or national priority, economic development is frequently misunderstood, undervalued, and under-resourced.

According to the International Economic Development Council, at its core economic development is “programs, policies, and activities that seek to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for a community, by creating and retaining jobs, and providing a stable tax base. Ultimately, economic development is a revenue strategy for a community, generating additional tax dollars from new business investment.”

Genuine economic development is remarkably complex. An experienced economic development professional evaluates their geographic area (such as a city, county, or region) for key opportunities, future trends, and fundamental weaknesses. Questions like, how does this region compare against state or national measures? What are the region’s core strengths? Are those core strengths being maximized? What does the community want? What does the community need? What are the one or two really big things in the next one, three, or five years that can be accomplished which will materially change future outcomes and improve residents’ lives?

A great recent example of a game-changing win our City Council, City Manager, and Economic Development Department accomplished was securing, and then working hard to retain, College of the Desert’s $37M Road Runner Motors educational facility (RRM). This facility will be located within the Cathedral City’s Automotive Center, will strengthen the City’s automotive business cluster, and should begin construction by 2025. Beyond improving our City’s economic future, the access to previously out-of-reach educational opportunities and resulting upward economic mobility is incredible.

On a regional basis, the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP) is one of California’s best-in-class economic development organizations and the Valley’s only economic development-specific organization. While City-specific economic professionals focus on improving economic conditions within City limits with some investments in regional economic development, CVEP’s only focus is improving economic and social conditions Valley-wide. For more on CVEP and the critical role CVEP plays in strengthening our fragile Valley economy, click here.

To stay on top of Economic Development activities and information, please bookmark www.ccedd.org. You can improve our streets and enhance revenue for City services by keeping as much of your daily shopping dollars within Cathedral City limits. A simple Google or Yelp search will identify businesses within Cathedral City which need your support.

Did you know helping our local businesses thrive by shopping local is the best way to attract new businesses? Attracting new investment is also accomplished by keeping our properties clean, weed, and debris-free. Property appearance is an important selling point when prospective investors are looking for the perfect location. Everyone is a part of Cathedral City's long-term success, and your efforts are helping elevate Cathedral City to new levels.

The Economic Development Department wishes you and your family great health, happiness, and success in the new year. Thank you for making Cathedral City the great community it is.

COVID 19 Information

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News

Riverside County Highlights Free Christmas Tree Recycling Drop-off Locations

Riverside County Highlights Free Christmas Tree Recycling Drop-off Locations
The holiday season always ends with plenty of returns, and your Christmas tree is no exception. Return your natural Christmas tree to the ground it grew in by dropping it off at a Riverside County landfill to be recycled into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Through the free Christmas tree drop-off program, natural trees collected at the Badlands and Lamb Canyon…

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Join S.C.R.A.P. Gallery for MLK Peace & Art Walk on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023

Join S.C.R.A.P. Gallery and the City of Cathedral City in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by creating art that reflects Dr. King's teachings of love, justice, and peace. Open to all students and classes with group projects encouraged, the artwork should be ready to display. Artwork will be featured on Saturday, January 14, 2023, …

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Join S.C.R.A.P. Gallery for MLK Peace & Art Walk on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023
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Photos of the Week

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Events

Free Admission to The Museum of Ancient Wonders

The Museum of Ancient Wonders (MoAW) is proud to offer free admission on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Sundays from, 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. to all residents of the nine municipalities that make up the Coachella Valley. The residents of Cathedral City are especially invited to discover the Valley’s newest museum destination where they will find world-class exhibitions on display with a focus on prehistoric life and ancient civilizations to enhance universal ... Read more
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Party Under the Stars

The Party Under the Stars New Year’s Eve Celebration is happening on Saturday, December 31, at 8 p.m. at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City.

In partnership with the City of Cathedral City, free entertainment by Haute Chile and outdoor bars will be offered at the Agave Caliente Terazza, while DJ Alf Alfa will be spinning the hottest hits on the casino floor from 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. Food and beverage specials will be offered throughout the evening.... Read more
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First Friday Art Walk

The Perez Art District hosts a free art walk on the First-Friday of EVERY month, October-June from 5-8 pm. Visitors can meander down the street, visiting artists in their studios to not only see where the art is created but to also buy art directly from the artists. Unlike other gallery districts, The Perez Art District is a collection of working artists’ studios where the artists enjoy sharing their work and the ideas behind themRead more
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Yoga at the Amphitheater

Join yoga teachers Patti Wexler and Nicole Cuhney every Tuesday morning, January 10th through March 28th for 2 Free Yoga Classes; Gentle Yoga at 8:30-9:30 and Power Yoga at 10:00-11:00 at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater, 68526 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral City.

A Limited number of mats and blocks on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your own yoga mat, bottled water, and hand towel. No need to RSVP, just show up ... Read more
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7th Annual Taste of Jalisco

Music, Tequila Tasting, Carnival, Artisan Vendors & Authentic Cuisine The 7th Annual Taste of Jalisco, produced by Soundskilz Inc, celebrates the sister city relationship between the cities of Cathedral City, California (USA) and Tequila, Jalisco (Mexico) through music, fashion, spirits, culture, and cuisine in Downtown Cathedral City. Live musical performances throughout the weekend and a performance…Read more
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7th Annual Cathedral City LGBT Days

Cathedral City Proudly Announces the 7th Annual LGBT Days Taking Place March 3 – 5, 2023 California’s First Pride Celebration of the Year As California’s first Pride event of the year, the 7th annual Cathedral City LGBT Days brings together numerous LGBT celebrities, artists, media, community leaders, Coachella Valley residents and visitors for an unforgettable weekend of live … Read more
7th Annual Cathedral City LGBT Days

Job Openings

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To view current job opportunities, apply for a position, or submit an interest card, please visit joincathedralcity.org
For Questions or Comments, Contact Ryan Hunt, Communications & Events Manager
rhunt@cathedralcity.gov
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