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Regional nonprofit Lift to Rise highlights Coachella Valley progress toward 10,000‑unit affordable housing goal
Summary
Lift to Rise told Cathedral City Council it is tracking nearly 9,700 affordable units underway across the Coachella Valley and invited city staff to an action planning workshop; presenters cited the Desert Marigold project (96 units) as a local success and described revolving catalyst loans, technical assistance and resident mobilization as core strategies.
A representative of Lift to Rise, a Palm Desert‑based nonprofit that coordinates affordable housing strategy across the nine Coachella Valley cities, briefed the council on its role and upcoming action planning. "We're a nonprofit organization based in Palm Desert," the presenter said, explaining the group’s work to track development projects, identify barriers and recommend strategies.
The presenter recounted the 2018 regional goal to reduce rent burden by 30 percent through production of 10,000 affordable units by 2028 and said the region is close to that target with about 9,700 units reported underway. He highlighted Cathedral City’s recent Desert Marigold project — a 96‑unit development by Abode Communities serving individuals experiencing homelessness — and acknowledged local staff participation in the regional policy committee, naming Eric Besseril and assistant city manager Ambrose for their contributions.
Lift to Rise described tools it uses, including a revolving "We Lift" catalyst loan fund to close financing gaps, technical assistance to developers and cities, community resident mobilization for public hearings, and policy advocacy at state and federal levels. The presenter invited city staff and elected officials to a two‑day action planning session in January to shape strategies for the next two years and help meet the 10,000‑unit target. Council members thanked the presenter and noted Cathedral City’s role in regional efforts.
