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City of Palm Desert
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Get Involved – Help Shape Palm Desert’s Future!
Serving on a City committee, commission, board, or task force, is one of the most rewarding ways to make a difference in your community. These advisory groups guide the City Council on key issues like sustainability, arts, recreation, housing, and public safety. Whether you bring professional expertise or a passion for Palm Desert, your voice can help shape the programs and policies that keep our city thriving.
Applications for appointments effective July 1, 2026, are due by April 30, 2026.
Meeting Agendas & Videos
- Click here to view a list of upcoming meetings. This page will give you access to a list of upcoming meetings and all posted agendas. You can use the category tool to sort by appointed body and review past meeting agendas.
- Recordings of meetings are available online through the City’s records system
- To request a file not online, submit a Public Records Request
Application Process
Please click here to complete an application for a City of Palm Desert appointed body.
- Applications accepted year-round.
- Interviews/appointments occur each May–June.
- Most members must live in Palm Desert. Some boards require technical expertise or other qualifications.
- Applications remain on file for one year.
Need a paper application? Contact the City Clerk’s Office at (760) 776-6487 or cityclerk@palmdesert.gov.
Scheduled Vacancies
A scheduled vacancy occurs when a term ends in the upcoming fiscal year end (June 30). Some members may seek reappointment; in those cases, interviews may or may not be required. New applicants are always encouraged to apply!
Scheduled Vacancies:
- Architectural Review Commission – 3 positions
- Building Board of Appeals – 1 vacancy
- Civic Engagement Committee - 5 positions
- Cultural Arts Committee – 3 positions
- Cultural Resources Preservation Committee – 4 positions
- El Paseo Business Improvement District – 3 positions
- This committee has special eligibility requirements; see PDMC 3.40.070(c).
- Finance Committee – 1 position
- Housing Commission – 1 position
- Must be a Housing Authority tenant.
- Library Advisory Committee – 2 positions
- Parks and Recreation Committee – 1 position
- Planning Commission – 1 position
Definitions:
- Position – A seat currently held by an incumbent whose term is expiring in June 2026.
- Vacancy – A seat that is currently unoccupied and open for appointment.
Public Comment
Submit comments online through the E-Public Comment Form. The City Clerk’s Office will distribute comments to the appointed body and retain them for the official record.
Local Appointment List (Maddy Act)
NOTICE OF LOCAL APPOINTMENTS LIST
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54972)
April 8, 2026
- The City of Palm Desert publishes this Local Appointments List in accordance with California Government Code Section 54972.
- This list includes all regular and ongoing boards, commissions, committees, and task forces.
- Unless otherwise specified, members must be Palm Desert residents.
- Non-residents may be appointed when specific expertise is needed.
- Additional qualifications may apply as outlined in the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
- Reviews architectural and landscape design for commercial and residential development, including modifications.
- Ensures consistency with City objectives and policies.
- Consists of seven members appointed by the City Council.
- Meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 12:30 p.m.
Staff Liaison:
- Carlos Flores, Deputy Director of Development Services
- Email: cflores@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6478
Members:
- Seat 1: James G. McIntosh (Appointed February 14, 2013; Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Seat 2: James Edward Blakley (Appointed July 1, 2023; Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Seat 3: Vacancy (Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Seat 4: Geoff Gregory (Appointed July 1, 2025; Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Seat 5: Nicholas Latkovic (Appointed June 24, 2021; Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Seat 6: Francisco Sanchez (Appointed August 25, 2022; Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Seat 7: John Vuksic (Appointed January 25, 2000; Term expires June 30, 2029)
BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS
- Hears appeals related to the California Building Code.
- Reviews matters involving dangerous structures and abatement.
- Consists of five members appointed by the City Council.
- Meets as needed.
Staff Liaison:
- Jason Finley, Chief Building Official
- Email: jfinley@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6420
Members:
- Seat 1: Joseph Gaugush (Appointed February 14, 2019; Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Seat 2: Lindsay Holt (Appointed July 1, 2025; Term expires June 30, 2028)
- Seat 3: Allan Levin (Appointed June 24, 2021; Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Seat 4: Faith Messenger (Appointed July 1, 2025; Term expires June 30, 2028)
- Seat 5: Vacancy
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE
- Promotes civic education and community engagement.
- Helps residents better understand local government and build community pride.
- Prepares future local government leaders.
- Consists of seven members appointed by the City Council.
- Meets semi-annually at 11:00 a.m., and more frequently as needed.
Staff Liaison:
- Ryland Penta, Community Relations Supervisor
- Email: rpenta@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6318
Members:
- Kristy Giraud (Appointed July 1, 2024; Term expires June 30, 2028)
- Joyce Haraughty (Appointed July 1, 2024; Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Stacie Hedges (Appointed July 1, 2024; Term expires June 30, 2028)
- Jon Holan (Appointed July 1, 2023; Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Nancy Provost (Appointed July 1, 2024; Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Franchon-Marie Siddiq (Appointed July 1, 2023; Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Robin Stewart (Appointed July 1, 2023; Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Emily Vogt (Appointed September 15, 2022; Term expires June 30, 2028)
CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
- Reviews the City’s Public Art Program.
- Recommends placement of public art and evaluates projects.
- Advises the City Council on public and private art proposals.
- Includes seven appointed members and two non-voting liaisons.
- Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 9:00 a.m.
Staff Liaison:
- Erica Jimenez, Management Analyst
- Email: ejimenez@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6346
Members:
- Maureen Boren (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Lori Flint (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Aaron Grant (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Thomas Mitze (Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Pia Rose (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Ann Simley (Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Elizabeth Hauer (Term expires June 30, 2026)
EL PASEO BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD
- Promotes El Paseo as a world-class, pedestrian-friendly, upscale retail destination.
- Members must be part of the El Paseo business area.
- Consists of seven members appointed by the City Council.
- Meets on the third Thursday of each month at 8:00 a.m.
Staff Liaison:
- Thomas Soule, Public Affairs Manager
- Email: tsoule@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6660
Members:
- Rebecca Elliott (Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Vacancy (Term expires June 30, 2028)
- Mahasti Islami (Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Vacancy (Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Michelle Maspero (Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Angela Rafferty (Term expires June 30, 2028)
- Patrick Klein (Term expires June 30, 2028)
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
- Provides recommendations on sustainability, resource conservation, and environmental initiatives.
- Advises the City Council as requested.
- Consists of seven members appointed by the City Council.
- Meets as needed.
Staff Liaison:
- Chris Gerry, Senior Project Manager
- Email: cgerry@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6335
Members:
- Estelle Dahl (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Lizze Ferrari (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Dean Lee Gatons (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Geoffrey Gregory (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Michael Morsch (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Donald Zeigler (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Berlinda Blackburn (Term expires June 30, 2027)
FINANCE COMMITTEE
- Advises City Council on auditing, financial reporting, investments, municipal debt, and other financial matters.
- Consists of up to seven members: two City Council members and up to five community members.
- Meets quarterly on the fourth Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
Staff Liaison:
- Veronica Chavez, Finance Director
- Email: vchavez@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6344
Members:
- Gretchen Heuring (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Faith Messenger (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Bob McCauley (Term expires June 30, 2028)
- Michael Morsch (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Vacancy (Term expires June 30, 2026)
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
- Reviews the preservation of buildings and sites reflecting Palm Desert’s cultural, social, and archaeological history.
- Consists of seven members appointed by the City Council.
- Meets on the fourth Wednesday every other month at 9:00 a.m.
Staff Liaison:
- Carlos Flores, Deputy Director of Development Services
- Email: cflores@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6478
Members:
- Linda Vassalli (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Kim Housken (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Carol Marcuse (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Carrie Mcleod (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Thomas Mortensen (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- David Toltzmann (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Rochelle McCune (Term expires June 30, 2029)
HOMELESSNESS TASK FORCE
- Reviews and advises on services addressing homelessness.
- Provides a forum for business and community concerns related to homelessness.
- Consists of seven members: two business members, two community members (one with lived experience), one at-large member, and chairs of Public Safety Committee and Housing Commission (or designees).
- Meets semi-annually.
Staff Liaison:
- Ivan Tenorio, Homeless and Supportive Services Manager
- Email: itenorio@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6324
Members:
- Scott Marks (At-Large, Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Joseph Butts (Public Safety Committee, Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Davis Meyer (Community, Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Brett Moscrop (Business, Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Amando Sanders (Lived Experience, Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Dominic Moore (Housing Commission, Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Diane Vines (Business, Term expires June 30, 2027)
HOUSING COMMISSION
- Provides input on housing policies, programs, and affordable rental portfolio operations.
- Two members must be Housing Authority tenants; one tenant must be at least 62 years old.
- Consists of seven members appointed by the City Council.
- Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 3:30 p.m.
Staff Liaison:
- Carlos Flores, Deputy Director of Development Services
- Email: cflores@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6478
Members:
- Franchon-Marie Siddiq (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Jann Buller (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Olivia Docken (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Vacancy (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Dominic Moore (HA Tenant, Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Melody Morrison (Senior HA Tenant, Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Patricia Pyle (Term expires June 30, 2027)
LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
- Provides input on library programming and space planning.
- Monitors performance indicators, activities, and outcomes.
- Helps connect library staff with community groups.
- Consists of seven (7) members appointed by the City Council.
- Meets quarterly.
Staff Liaison:
- Shannon Vonnegut, Director of Library Services
- Email: svonnegut@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6460
Members:
- Matthew Johnson (Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Jann Buller (Term expires June 30, 2028)
- Risa Lumley (Term expires June 30, 2028)
- Cathy Malone (Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Paul Murphy (Term expires June 30, 2028)
- Ralph Perry (Term expires June 30, 2028)
- Robin Stewart (Term expires June 30, 2028)
PALM DESERT RECREATIONAL FACILITIES CORPORATION BOARD
- Supports development and operation of recreational facilities in Palm Desert.
- Primary role is to lease, operate, and manage the restaurant and bar at Desert Willow Golf Resort.
- Members serve a one-year term or until a successor is appointed.
- Meets annually on the second Monday of June at 11:00 a.m.
Members:
- Phil Smith (Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Oscar Armijo (Term expires June 30, 2026)
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
- Reviews all matters related to creation, planning, acquisition, operation, and maintenance of parks and recreation opportunities.
- Consists of seven (7) members appointed by the City Council.
- Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m.
Staff Liaison:
- Maria Gonzalez, Management Analyst I
- Email: mariagonzalez@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6485
Members:
- Ralph Perry (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Rob Langford (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Paul Murphy (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- David O’Donnell (Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Tim Skogen (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- John Maldonado (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Randy Guyer (Term expires June 30, 2029)
PLANNING COMMISSION
- Reviews land use applications for conformance with Zoning Ordinance and General Plan.
- Recommends long-range policies and objectives to the City Council.
- Consists of five (5) members appointed by the City Council.
- Meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m.
Staff Liaison:
- Carlos Flores, Deputy Director of Development Services
- Email: cflores@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6478
Members:
- Lindsay Holt (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- John Greenwood (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Alex Meyerhoff (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Josh Nickerson (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- John Collum (Term expires June 30, 2026)
PUBLIC AFFAIRS MARKETING PANEL
- Evaluates City’s annual marketing and media plans.
- Participates in developing the annual marketing budget.
- Reviews all print and electronic media advertising and collateral.
- Makes recommendations on special events requesting City financial support.
- Consists of up to seven (7) members appointed by the Public Affairs Manager and a City Council Subcommittee.
- Meets as needed.
Staff Liaison:
- Thomas Soule, Public Affairs Manager
- Email: tsoule@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6660
Members:
- Clark Albright (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Michael Coburn (Term expires June 30, 2028)
- Stephanie Greene (Term expires June 30, 2028)
- Kait Hilliard (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Rolf Hoehn (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Ray Rodriguez (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Brian Simpson (Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Stephanie Torres (Term expires June 30, 2029)
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
- Reviews law enforcement and comprehensive public safety matters.
- Makes recommendations to the City Council.
- Consists of seven (7) members appointed by the City Council.
- Meets every other month on the second Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.
Staff Liaison:
- Richard Cannone, Assistant City Manager
- Email: rcannone@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6438
Members:
- Terry Kramer (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Jeff Alley (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Joseph A. Butts (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Douglas Luhring (Term expires June 30, 2027)
- Stephen Nelson (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Frank Taylor (Term expires June 30, 2029)
- Kevin Wahlstrom (Term expires June 30, 2027)
RENT REVIEW BOARD
- Adjudicates matters under the Mobile Home Park Rent Review Ordinance.
- Receives testimony and renders fair and impartial decisions.
- Consists of three (3) members appointed by the City Council.
- Meets as needed.
Staff Liaison:
- Carlos Flores, Deputy Director of Development Services
- Email: cflores@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6478
Members:
- Vacancy
- Vacancy
- Vacancy
EXTERNAL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS WITH PALM DESERT APPOINTEES
COACHELLA VALLEY MOSQUITO & VECTOR CONTROL ABATEMENT DISTRICT
- Governs the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.
- Protects public health across a 2,400-square-mile area including Palm Desert.
- One member appointed by the Palm Desert City Council.
Staff Liaison:
- Anthony Mejia, City Clerk
- Email: amejia@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6304
Member:
- Doug Walker (Term expires January 1, 2029)
COACHELLA VALLEY MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN TRAILS MANAGEMENT SUBCOMMITTEE
- Provides input on trails issues associated with CVMSHCP.
- Recommends actions to the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission (CVCC).
- One member and one alternate appointed by the Palm Desert City Council.
Staff Liaison:
- Anthony Mejia, City Clerk
- Email: amejia@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6304
Members:
- Shawn Muir (Term expires June 30, 2026)
- Kevin Swartz, Alternate (Term expires June 30, 2026)
JOSLYN COVE SENIOR CENTER
- Provides programs and services for older adults in the desert community.
- One member appointed by the Palm Desert City Council to the Board of Directors.
- Two-year terms, limited to three consecutive terms (max six years).
Staff Liaison:
- Anthony Mejia, City Clerk
- Email: amejia@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6304
Member:
- Janet Davidson (Term expires June 30, 2029)
PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
- Managed by the City of Palm Springs.
- Performs duties outlined in Palm Springs Municipal Code Section 2.16.060.
- One representative appointed by the Palm Desert City Council.
Staff Liaison:
- Anthony Mejia, City Clerk
- Email: amejia@palmdesert.gov
- Phone: 760-776-6304
Member:
- Kevin Wiseman (Term expires June 30, 2029)
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