Desert Hot Springs
Ancient geothermal forces created a vast aquifer filled with rich mineral water naturally heated to 180 degrees 100 feet below the Earth’s surface. These springs that for centuries provided habitat to wildlife, sustained Native American peoples, and are believed to have curative powers, are also a vital component of Desert Hot Springs’ future. This hot water haven overlooking the desert and mountains has long been a popular refuge for celebrities and sun-seekers from all over the world. Today, the health and wellness niche, one of the fastest-growing sectors of the hospitality industry, places a promising future before Desert Hot Springs.

Indian Wells
Indian Wells may only be 15.04 square miles, but what it lacks in geographical size, this upscale desert city makes up for in affording a superb quality of life and world-class amenities to residents and visitors alike. “Indian Wells has undergone significant changes in the last five years to ensure that it remains one of the finest residential and resort destinations in the nation, without sacrificing the overall sense of tranquility that has long defined our very special community,” says Indian Wells Mayor Mary T. Roche. To achieve this goal, City Council and Staff conceived and are in the midst of executing a comprehensive, strategic plan — unique for a city of this size — that leverages the city’s key assets and embodies the community’s shrewd leadership and “we-can-do-anything” spirit.

Indio
Indio City Councilman Ben Godfrey had an idea — a big idea. He envisioned a state-of-the-art transportation center, a place that would provide the spark of activity his city needed. Fifteen years later, the Indio Transportation Center is becoming a reality. “The original railhead of Southern California was here at one time, and the city was literally founded by the railroad as it came through from Yuma,” says Godfrey. “This is the start of the Old Town renaissance. Just look around — it is underway.”

La Quinta
La Quinta’s blend of insurmountable beauty, inspired recreational activities, commitment to the arts, and diverse entertainment options provides the ideal desert paradise for visitors and residents alike. And statistics show that La Quinta has burgeoned into a shopping and dining hub, as well. While a number of cities are experiencing significant drops in retail sales, La Quinta’s most recent figures indicate a continued and steady increase. La Quinta’s retail sales have tripled since 2000 and increased 50 percent since 2004. Projections for 2008 point to retail sales in the neighborhood of $800 million — on pace to break $1 billion, given La Quinta’s strong retail, population, and housing base. This achievement reflects the forethought of city leaders, beginning over a decade ago with the adoption of an Economic Development Plan in 1996.

Rancho Mirage
Rancho Mirage boasts what few cities can: a reserve that actually increases rather than decreases over time and a cash flow that has never seen the color red. That has helped Rancho Mirage earn a strong reputation as one of the best-run cities in the nation. “Our financial condition is excellent,” Mayor Ron Meepos proudly declares. “In our 35-year history, we have never, ever had a financial deficit. In other words, we have always put more money in our ‘savings account’ than we have taken out.”