The Palm Springs City Council on Sept. 10 authorized staff to continue advancing planning for a modernization and connectivity program for the Palm Springs Convention Center, with a preliminary capital estimate of about $125,500,000.

The city said the work now moves from concept toward technical planning. Staff described three near-term procurement steps: an owner's representative to advise the city during design and construction, a design/architect-engineer team to prepare plans for interior and exterior modernization, and an urban-design/branding team to develop a connectivity plan and a brand identity for a proposed convention center district.

Why it matters: The city and stakeholders said modernizing the center and improving walkable connections to downtown are necessary to retain and attract larger conventions and the economic activity they generate for hotels, restaurants and retail. Council members cited recent regional competition — including San Diego projects — as a reason to modernize.

A multi-stakeholder working group has been meeting through the summer and formed four subgroups (capital improvements, urban design/connectivity, public finance and TID/revenue study). Staff said design procurement awards are targeted this fall and urban-design work would begin in January, with project visibility and approvals returning to council through design and financing phases.

Council members emphasized that future design approvals, financing plans and construction contracts will return to the full council for final decisions. Wayne Olsen, the city's economic development officer, said staff intends public outreach and will post project materials on an engagement site so residents and businesses can track progress.

Ending: Council members praised the stakeholder effort and asked staff to provide ongoing updates; staff said the project remains subject to future council approvals on design and funding before construction begins.