What: Meet Palm Springs District 2 City Council Candidate Dennis Woods

Why: Find out what his position is on the issues that concern you the most

When: Wednesday, Oct 16th 5:30-6:30PM

Where: Wabi Sabi Japan Living

258 N Palm Canyon Dr

760-537-3838

Beverages and small bites provided by Wabi Sabi Japan Living

From Dennis Woods' campaign:

"Listen. Learn.  Act.

My journey to City Council has given me the opportunity to meet with many constituents  who share a common vision for a better Palm Springs. By listening, I’ve learned  about the issues we face and potential solutions to move our City forward.

I never stop listening and learning.  I hope you will share your thoughts, priorities, suggestions and solutions with me.  Please contact me at 760-459-5722 or info@denniswoodspalmsprings.com.  Thank you.

Planning - Short and Long Term

I believe that it is imperative for Palm Springs to plan for the future.  We need to address housing shortages, small business and economic development, and technological advances, such as smart city technology and the digital economy, while honoring the City’s architectural history, so we can  build a dynamic, unique and economically viable city where people want to live, play and work. I have 30 years of experience creating  and implementing community plans to guide our City’s future. As a professional Urban Planner, I have hosted visioning workshops to assist residents and city leaders identify what a city’s future can look like and  have shaped the pathways to get there.  I will be proud to do the same for you, our neighborhoods and Palm Springs.

Completing the Downtown Project

Revitalizing our downtown core is a priority project for our City.   The promise of a fully revitalized commercial district must include the development of our new   downtown park, an incentive program to improve existing storefronts for small businesses along both Palm Canyon and Indian Canyon Drive, and the completion of the Indian Canyon two-way project.  We must also implement the City’s Downtown Specific Plan that details the plan for new retail, new housing, a new hotel, a grocery store, and a restored Town and Country Center. Implementing  our re-imagined Downtown will maintain our world-class stature and generate more revenue for City projects.  

Revitalize the District 2 Highway 111 Corridor

District 2 is the gateway to the City.  Currently, we welcome visitors with  vacant or abandoned buildings along our Highway 111 entrance.  As the Vice-Chair of my neighborhood organization, I worked with my neighbors and the City to clean up and secure these properties, and increase police patrols.  As your Council Member, I will continue to ensure that the land ordinance is enforced and drive investment and revitalization into our District.

Protect Open Space

Palm Springs is a world-class destination not only for its architecture, resorts and culture, but also for the natural lands and mountains that surround us. As we permit new development, we must ensure that we also preserve the natural beauty and recreational opportunities provided by the Chino Cone, San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains.  As an Urban Planner, I have the experience to balance economic development with the protection of our environment so that natural lands are available for current and future generations to enjoy. 

Public Safety

At its core, public safety planning is about police, fire and emergency medical services.  Palm Springs has an outstanding team of First Responders and we must guarantee they remain fully funded. 

It is vitally important that we maintain our own Police and Fire Departments, which are accountable to us, thereby ensuring the highest level of service.  It is equally vital that we plan and prioritize the funding and staffing of these departments to confront the inevitable environmental and public safety challenges we know exist -- record rainfall, brush fires, wind-storms, road closures, greater excessive heat warnings,  significant seismic events and an increase in paramedic calls

Traffic and Pedestrian Safety

Public safety planning also includes traffic signals, crosswalks, sidewalks, and bike paths that connect our neighborhoods. I have extensive experience working with governmental agencies, including Caltrans, that will allow me to ensure community needs are met and public safety projects are completed on time with all required equipment installed. Traffic Safety also requires good roads. That’s why I support the City using Measure J funding to make needed road repairs in District 2 and throughout the City. 

Homelessness

The concept of Housing First includes rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing as the best solution for alleviating homelessness.  I support the good work the City has been doing to coordinate all the social service agencies providing services to our unhoused residents.  I also support overnight shelters and the wrap-around services necessary to help these residents secure permanent housing.  As your Councilmember, I will continue the work of the City to demand our fair share funding for social services, cooling centers and housing assistance from the County, State and Federal governments.

Affordable Housing

I believe Palm Springs needs housing for all income groups.  I will work for changes to the City’s General Plan and Zoning Code to encourage the building of affordable housing for our seniors, teachers, our first responders, and the employees who sustain our community.  I will work to identify new locations for affordable housing throughout the city.  I will explore opportunities to fund and build affordable housing in Palm Springs by partnering with nonprofits and other organizations with a proven track record of good design and management.  

Maintaining Neighborhood Livability

I was involved in neighborhood organizing well before moving to Palm Springs and have continued my neighborhood activism here.  I understand the value of neighborhood organizations and the benefit they provide to the health of the City.  I will continue to support and nurture neighborhood involvement as a way of maintaining and improving on our quality of life.  As your City Councilmember, I promise to be available, attentive and responsive to our community’s day-to-day concerns and frustrations.

Dennis Woods"