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Council authorizes lease negotiations with Joshua Tree National Park Association for workforce housing on city land

Twentynine Palms City Council · April 15, 2026

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Summary

The council authorized the city manager and city attorney to negotiate a land lease with the Joshua Tree National Park Association for a mixed-use workforce housing project (working name 'Joshua Tree Haven') on roughly 17 acres; the nonprofit said the plan includes 12 SRO units, volunteer camping, and an education hub, and has a $75,000 planning grant.

The Twentynine Palms City Council authorized staff to negotiate a long-term land lease with the Joshua Tree National Park Association (JTMPA) for a proposed workforce-housing and program campus on roughly 17 acres west of Adobe Road and south of Theater 29.

Jacqueline, executive director of JTMPA, told the council the project (working name "Joshua Tree Haven") would include 12 single-residence-occupancy dwellings for park staff, a volunteer village (25to 30 tent sites and 5to 10 RV slabs), a shared community hub with kitchens, laundry and gathering space, and an education center to support park programming. "Every season, the park faces a critical staffing challenge. Qualified, passionate candidates often decline positions or leave early because they cannot find affordable, attainable housing nearby," Jacqueline said, explaining the project's workforce focus.

JTMPA said it has received a $75,000 planning grant from the National Park Foundation, is partnering with the USC School of Architecture for design and Copper Mountain College for construction training, and expects additional grant applications for build funding. After public comment from community members, educators and college representatives supporting the project, the council moved and seconded a motion authorizing the city manager and city attorney to work with JTMPA on a land lease; the motion passed 5-0. The lease and final project details will return to council for approval before any execution.