FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is this change being proposed?
This proposal offers:
• Leadership continuity over multiple years that allows the Mayor to build the long-term relationships to get things done
• Elimination of the annual learning curve of a new Mayor
• Stronger citywide accountability
• Greater leadership consistency in regional and state representation
• Alignment with governance models used in many other California cities, including our neighbor Desert Hot Springs
• Ensuring that City voters directly determine who will be their Mayor
What would the proposed change do?
The proposal would:
• Establish a four-year term for Mayor
• Require the Mayor to be accountable and elected citywide by all Palm Springs voters
• Replace the current one-year rotational figurehead system not approved by the voters
• Would allow a vote to break 2-2 City Council tie
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District-based City Council elections would continue as they do now.
What is the current system for selecting the Mayor?
Palm Springs currently uses a rotational system. Voters elect City Council members by district. Each year, the City Council selects one of its members to serve as Mayor for a one-year term. The Mayor remains a voting member of the Council.
How would this affect City Council districts?
District representation would remain unchanged. Council members would continue to be elected by district.
Citizens for an Elected Mayor affirm the 2018 move to district-based Council seats and disagree with the recent Supreme Court decision.
Would this change city services or taxes?
The scope of this proposal only relates to the Palm Springs governance structure. It does not directly change city services, staffing, or tax rates.
Will this proposal elect a new Mayor immediately?
Yes. The November 3rd ballot will hold a vote for the Mayor position in conjunction with this ballot measure. If approved by voters, the candidate determined by that vote will assume the position of Palm Springs Mayor with a 4-year term.
Would the Mayor have more authority under this proposal?
Under this proposal, the Mayor’s role evolves into a dynamic strategic leader who champions the long-term success of our city. While the City Manager continues to expertly handle day-to-day operations under the City Council’s guidance, the Mayor will serve as the heartbeat of our progress, providing the consistent oversight, inspiring vision, and strong leadership necessary to keep Palm Springs moving forward.
As a directly elected leader, the Mayor serves as a powerful unifying voice, holding a unique responsibility to every single resident of our community. Their role ensures that, as we grow, we maintain our momentum through effective advocacy, collaborative governance, and strategic direction. This maintains a focus on the council's established goals that benefit us all.
To protect the strength of our local democracy, the proposal maintains a perfect balance of power. By not including a veto, the plan ensures that our district-based Council members remain equal partners, guaranteeing that every neighborhood retains its vital seat at the table. This collaborative approach fosters a "team-first" environment where a majority vote continues to drive our city's legislative success.
We encourage all residents to review the final ballot language to see how these enhancements will create a more connected and effectively led Palm Springs!
It was stated that Palm Springs changed to the current structure in 2018 due to legal risk. Does this proposal have the same risk?
While the 2018 shift to districts was legally mandated, the "rotating" Mayor system was an internal Council policy adopted without voter input. The current proposal shifts power from Council-selected leadership back to the voters, while ensuring minority communities continue to elect their preferred representatives to the Council.
This "hybrid" model is used by dozens of California cities, including Long Beach, Bakersfield, Chula Vista, Santa Ana, Santa Cruz, and Desert Hot Springs. Legal precedent is clear: while Council seats must be districted to protect voting power, the Mayor can be elected citywide.
The 2018 change protected neighborhood representation but inadvertently removed the public’s right to choose the city’s leader. This proposal preserves the legal integrity of those districts while restoring every citizen's right to vote directly for their Mayor.
We used to have a directly elected Mayor. Why did we move away from that?
Palm Springs transitioned to its current system as part of broader changes to comply with voting rights law and to strengthen district-based representation. This proposal builds on the success of that structure. It revisits the concept of a directly elected Mayor, while maintaining those district protections, to give all Palm Springs residents the opportunity to vote for this role.
What other California cities have this type of governance structure?
Multiple California cities, with similar population and demographics, have a district-based City Council with a citywide elected Mayor. These cities include Anaheim, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Elk Grove, Fresno, Long Beach, Santa Ana and Santa Cruz. In fact, our neighbors in Desert Hot Springs have already implemented this model.
What would be the City budget IMPACT of having a Mayor? What would it cost?
The Mayor of Palm Springs currently earns an annual salary of $49,920. Councilmembers currently earn an annual salary of $41,600. With a burdened cost and the technology fee for City employees, this role should cost less than $90,000 per year.
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We do not believe this role should have support staff and there is no need for a dedicated office at City Hall.
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The proposal for a directly elected Mayor will not change the salary of the Mayor or Councilmembers. Any changes to this structure would be subject to Council approval and oversight.