Cathedral City highlights economic growth in State of City address

Cathedral City leaders are pointing to a new casino, new marijuana businesses, and a new hotel as highlights of economic progress and the community’s health.

Those were some of the plans outlined in Tuesday’s State of the City address.

The theme of this year’s address was, “progress is here.” Mayor Stan Henry covered a number of topics highlighting some major developments already underway.

Henry said, “We’ve got new businesses. We’ve got new entertainment that’s going to be coming into the downtown. So it’s our opportunity to let everybody know all the fantastic things that are going on in the Cathedral City.”

The mayor talked about how city leaders have worked to diversify city revenue streams, through marijuana and Cannabis.

Henry said the city has created some great regulations, “We’ve opened up so that we have both manufacturing, cultivation, and dispensaries. And so it’s available for residents and others that want to come here.”

California voters approved the growing and use of recreational marijuana last year.

Henry says he hopes to use this new revenue stream to pay for more infrastructure on local roads and create opportunities for residents.

Henry also highlighted the Coachella Valley Repertory Theater saying, “They just took over the old Desert Cinema and are going to make that a new playhouse for live theater.”

Henry added the new casino set to be built downtown by the Agua Caliente Band of Mission Indians.

Henry said, “We’ve got a new hotel that’s being built right now at Bob Hope and Varner Road. So there’s a lot of activity that’s happening and a lot of businesses that are happening.”

The mayor says the city is focused on building a strong future for the community.