The General Plan is an excellent tool to analyze critical issues the City is facing and develop goals, policies, and programs to address these issues in a comprehensive manner. The following are some of the issues identified to date. This list will be expanded as we hear from the community.  

Economic Development  

With the inclusion of the city’s annexations south to I-10, the city will contain prime areas for future commercial and industrial center development. This is anticipated to be a potentially large increase in revenue for the city as well as create additional jobs closer to city residents over time. While this area presents a great growth opportunity for the city, the existing businesses within the city should also be addressed to encourage their long term viability.  

Community Safety  

While progress has been made in improving community safety in recent years, provision of public facilities and services to aid in the policing of the community and emergency response continues to be of vital importance in providing a higher quality of life for the community. How existing facilities and services can be supplemented and how they can be expanded with future growth will be addressed in the General Plan Update.  

Natural Resource Protection  

The city is home to a number of natural features and is gateway to Joshua Tree National Park.  With the city’s incorporation of the Coachella Valley Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) a comprehensive approach is being implemented in identifying and setting aside sensitive habitat and species for long term sustainability. The General Plan will coordinate with the CVMSHCP to protect identified habitat areas while still providing areas of future growth for the community.  

Street Improvements  

Currently the city is implementing a phased program to improve streets within the city. The General Plan will provide an updated analysis on the necessary capacity for roads and provide street design standards that include sidewalks, medians, and parkways that will be applied to new development and eventually to existing streets.  

What key issues do you want to see addressed by the General Plan Update? Please see the Contact Us section and let us know.