Palm Springs Mayor To Deliver ‘State Of The City’ Address

Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet will discuss two of the city’s controversial topics today when he delivers the State of the City address.

During his speech, Pougnet will talk about the Desert Fashion Plaza redevelopment project — one that has hit a snag in negotiations with its property owner — and the proposed jail in Whitewater.

The speech is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. today at the Hilton Palm Springs, 400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way.

The event is free to the public, though the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at a cost of $45.

A question and answer session with Pougnet will be held following the speech, according to city spokeswoman Amy Blaisdell.

The Desert Fashion Plaza project is at a standstill, with the city recently rejecting property owner John Wessman’s offer to sell parcels of the vacant mall instead of the entire property as Pougnet prefers. The jail complex in Whitewater will sit at the entrance to Palm Springs, with the potential installation of the facility irking many city residents.

Pougnet will also discuss plans for the Coachella Valley iHub, the College of the Desert’s new sustainable West Valley campus and the state of city finances.

Those unable to attend the address can view it on the city’s website, Blaisdell said.