State Of Palm Springs Relies On Innovation

PALM SPRINGS – Palm Springs has been designated by the state asone of two “innovation hubs” in Southern California aimed at creating jobs, with a local focus on renewable-energy technology, Mayor Steve Pougnet said today.”It means we are going to have a new economy,” Pougnet said during his State of the City address. ” … People are going to stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants. … This is building a phenomenal amount of momentum for our city.”By earning the designation, the city will receive federal funding — the exact amount was still unclear — through the California Innovation Hub program. The program is aimed at promoting collaborations between cities, universities and private industry to foster job creation.The Palm Springs City Council voted in November to apply for the funding, noting that the area would be good candidate for the designation because the Coachella Valley is rich in renewable resources including wind, sun and geothermal energy.Pougnet said Palm Springs “can be the center for renewable energy growth in Southern California.”As part of the program, the city plans to partner with UC Riverside, Cal State San Bernardino and College of the Desert, then entice local businesses to collaborate on emerging-technology projects and research.

“Everybody has partnered to ensure that being clean is going to work,” Pougnet said. “As you know, I am a firm believer that this is going to drive the new economy.”Pougnet made the announcement during his speech before hundreds of civic leaders at the Renaissance hotel near the Palm Springs Convention Center.Pougnet also touted a recently approved economic development program that aims to provide matching grants of up to $150,000 for hotel marketing, andup to $200,000 to supplement tourism marketing efforts.The city also plans to offer a commercial lease incentive program tohelp downtown merchants better advertise their businesses, and a $1 million airline incentive program to bring more flights to Palm Springs International Airport.Although the city is facing a projected $15 million deficit, Pougnet said the city has to make investments for its future.”We have to realize that you can’t cut forever,” he said. “You have to put money into the system.”Pougnet, who was elected mayor in November 2007 after four years on the City Council, is seeking to replace incumbent Republican Rep. Mary Bono Mack inthe 45th Congressional District.