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Council names Jason Kravitz to Measure J commission amid questions on oversight and project readiness
Summary
The council appointed Jason Kravitz to a full seat on the Measure J commission and set an alternate. Applicants and council members discussed oversight, financial controls, and how the commission should monitor large projects and community-initiated grants.
The Palm Springs City Council appointed Jason Kravitz to a full seat on the Measure J commission on May 21, 2025, following a series of applicant interviews focused on oversight of the city’s Measure J revenue and project list. Council approved Kravitz’s full appointment and filled the alternate slot at the meeting.
During interviews, several applicants raised similar themes: the commission should emphasize financial oversight, ensure projects are “ready to go” before award, break large projects into milestones and inspections, and require stronger reporting back to the commission. David Riley, a banker and neighborhood treasurer, urged milestone-based disbursements and post-award checks, noting construction and grant projects frequently face cost overruns. He said projects should be treated like phased construction loans: funds released against verified progress.
Jason Kravitz, who cited a long career in local government and planning, said he asked staff questions during Measure J discussions to judge the “greater good” and whether a project would be feasible without Measure J funding. Other applicants proposed more community outreach to attract younger applicants for Measure J’s community-initiated program and using subcommittees to review very large awards.
Staff and the Measure J chair provided a staff recommendation for Kravitz; council members debated district representation and a desire to keep a mix of policy, finance and project-management expertise on the commission. The council moved Kravitz from an alternate to a full seat and made a follow-up alternate appointment; the motion passed with no recorded opposition.
Council and applicants repeatedly stressed that Measure J’s role varies year to year (community-initiated grants one year; capital project oversight another) and that the commission should clearly document its oversight processes, reporting needs, and when projects must return to council for additional approvals.
