El Paseo Parking and Business Improvement District Board

El Paseo Parking and Business Improvement District Board City of Palm Desert Regular Meeting Agenda Thursday, July 16, 2026 8:00 a.m. Administrative Conference Room, City Hall 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 Please see last page for public notices and information regarding public participation. Pages 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Appointment of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for FY 2026-2027 Recommendation: Appoint Mahasti Islami to serve as Chairperson and Angela Rafferty to serve as Vice-Chairperson for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. 4. Non-Agenda Public Comments This time has been set aside for the public to address the El Paseo Parking and Business Improvement District Board on issues that are not on the agenda for up to three minutes. Because the Brown Act does not allow the Board to act on items not listed on the agenda, members may briefly respond or refer the matter to staff for a report and recommendation at a future meeting. 5. Sheriff Update EPPBID Board Meeting July 16, 2026 6. Consent Calendar All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and may be approved by one motion. Individual items may be removed by the Board for a separate discussion. Members of the public may comment on any items on the Consent Agenda within the three-minute time limit. Recommendation: To approve the consent calendar as presented. 6.a Approval of Minutes 5 Recommendation: Approve the Minutes of June 18, 2026. 6.b Approval of Financials 9 Recommendation: Approve the Financial Statement for the month ending May 31, 2026. 7. Consent Items Held Over Items removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion are considered at this time. 8. Business Items Items listed in this section are presented for the Board's review and action. The Board may provide direction, request additional information, or take action as appropriate. The Chairperson will provide an opportunity for public comment following each staff report. Members of the public may comment on each item, subject to a three-minute time limit per speaker. The Board will not enter discussion with speakers but may refer the matter to staff for a report at a future meeting. 8.a Revised FY 2026–2027 EPPBID Marketing Plan and Budget Allocation 13 Recommendation: Approve the revised FY 2026–2027 El Paseo Parking and Business Improvement District (EPPBID) Marketing Plan and Budget Allocation, as presented. 8.b El Paseo Catalog Design Concepts 23 Recommendation: Review the proposed design concepts for the 2026/27 El Paseo Catalog and provide feedback. 9. Informational Reports The liaisons and City staff may provide updates on projects, activities, or other matters within the board's scope. These are informational items with no formal action. 9.a Marketing Update - June 2026 25 9.b City Council Liaison The liaison provides updates to facilitate communication between the City Council and the Commission. This is an informational item with no formal action. 2 EPPBID Board Meeting July 16, 2026 9.c City Staff City staff will provide updates on relevant projects, activities, and other matters within the Board's scope. These are informational reports with no formal action. 10. Requests for Action Board Members may propose future agenda items within the Board's scope. Items that receive support from at least one other member may be placed on a future agenda for discussion and possible action. No formal action will be taken at this time. 11. Adjournment The next Regular Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026. 12. Public Notices Pursuant to Senate Bill 707, this meeting may be conducted as a hybrid meeting allowing public access via teleconference or in person. Public Participation Options: Option 1: In Person Members of the public may attend the meeting in person and may provide public comment for up to three minutes. Option 2: Via Email Send your comments by email to: CityClerk@palmdesert.gov. Emails received by 4:00 p.m. the day prior to the meeting will be made part of the record and distributed to the Board. Any correspondence received during or after the meeting will be distributed to the Board as soon as practicable and retained for the official record. Emails will not be read aloud except as an ADA accommodation. Option 3: Live Via Zoom Access via https://palmdesert.zoom.us/j/83684613987 or Zoom.us, click “Join Meeting” and enter Webinar ID 836 8461 3987 Option 4: Live Via Telephone 1. (213) 338-8477 and enter Meeting ID 836 8461 3987 followed by #. 2. Indicate that you are a participant by pressing # to continue. During the meeting, press *9 to add yourself to the queue and wait for the City Clerk to announce your name/phone number. Press *6 to unmute your line and limit your comments to three minutes. Agenda Related Materials: Pursuant to Government Code §54957.5(b)(2) the designated office for inspection of records in connection with this meeting is the Office of the City Clerk, Palm Desert Civic Center, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. Staff reports for all agenda items considered in open session, and documents provided to a majority of the legislative bodies are available for public inspection at City Hall and on the City’s website at www.palmdesert.gov. 3 EPPBID Board Meeting July 16, 2026 Americans with Disabilities Act: It is the intention of the City of Palm Desert to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an attendee or a participant at this meeting, or in meetings on a regular basis, you will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, the City will attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact the Office of the City Clerk, (760) 346-0611, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to inform us of your needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible. AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda for the El Paseo Parking and Business Improvement District Board was posted on the City Hall bulletin board and City website not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. /s/ Monique M. Lomeli, CMC Senior Deputy Clerk 4  EL PASEO PARKING AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD CITY OF PALM DESERT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES June 18, 2026, 8:00 a.m. Present: Board Member Mahasti Islami, Board Member Michelle Maspero, Board Member Angela Rafferty, Board Member Amy Smith Absent: Board Member Patrick Klein, Chair Rebbeca Elliot Council Liaison: Council Member Jan Harnik Staff Present: Public Affairs Manager Thomas Soule, Economic Development Coordinator Vanessa Mager, Recording Secretary Damian Olivares 1. CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the El Paseo Parking and Business Improvement District Board was called to order by Thomas Soule on June 18, 2026, at 8:04 AM in the Administrative Conference Room, City Hall, located at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California. 2. ROLL CALL 3. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS None. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR Public Affairs Manager Thomas Soule noted for the record that the financial statement incorrectly listed the ending date as May 31, 2026, and should instead reflect April 30, 2026. Motion by: Board Member Islami Seconded by: Board Member Rafferty To approve the consent calendar as presented. Motion Carried (4 to 0) 4.a Approval of Minutes Motion by: Board Member Islami Seconded by: Board Member Rafferty Approve the Minutes of May 21, 2026. Motion Carried (4 to 0) 1 5  4.b Financial Statement Ending May 31, 2026 Motion by: Board Member Islami Seconded by: Board Member Rafferty Approve the Financial Statement ending April 30, 2026. Motion Carried (4 to 0) 5. BUSINESS ITEMS 5.a EPPBID Board Member Term Expirations and Reappointments Public Affairs Manager Thomas Soule narrated a staff report. Councilmember Harnik expressed appreciation for the work completed and the continued volunteer efforts offered. Motion by: Board Member Rafferty Seconded by: Board Member Smith 1. Recommend that the City Council reappoint Rebecca Elliot and Mahasti Islami to new three-year Board terms beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2029; and 2. Receive an update regarding the Board seat expiring June 30, 2026, currently held by Michelle Maspero. Motion Carried (4 to 0) 5.b Fashion Week El Paseo and Palm Desert Food & Wine 2026 Event Recaps Public Affairs Manager Thomas Soule narrated a staff report and shared the recap videos. Representative for Palm Springs Life Magazine Paulina narrated the recap reports and answered board members inquires. Motion by: Board Member Rafferty Seconded by: Board Member Islami Receive and file the 2026 recap reports for Fashion Week El Paseo and Palm Desert Food & Wine. Motion Carried (4 to 0) 5.c FY 2026–2027 EPPBID Marketing Plan and Budget Allocation FG Creative representative Stephanie Green narrated a presentation and answered board members inquiries. Motion by: Board Member Rafferty Seconded by: Board Member Smith 2 6  To continue the item to the next Regular Meeting and request that staff: 1. Work with FG Creative to further explore whether Bandwango would participate in a revised six-month program. If Bandwango is unwilling to participate, return with alternative recommendations for reallocating the proposed Bandwango funding; and 2. Further evaluate the proposed Locale partnership and return with additional information, including alternative options for using those funds with existing or other marketing partners. Motion Carried (4 to 0) 6. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS 6.a SHERIFF UPDATE Deputy Lee with the Sheriff’s Business District Team, advised that enforcement of illegal fireworks and unpermitted vendors will increase as the 4th of July approaches and encouraged businesses to report concerns, while also noting that the City’s annual fireworks show is expected to bring increased traffic, visitors, and road closures near El Paseo. 6.b MARKETING UPDATE Receive and file the April 2026 Monthly Marketing Report. 6.c CITY COUNCIL LIAISON Councilmember Harnik provided updates on the ongoing discussions regarding dining decks, City sponsorships as a tool for branding and marketing, and the use of drones and other technology to support public safety on El Paseo and throughout the City. 6.d CITY STAFF Public Affairs Manager Thomas Soule reported that the Larkspur crosswalk project has been postponed to summer 2027 due to delays and the upcoming season, and noted that staff will reach out to merchants regarding July 4th and 250th anniversary-related promotions to support El Paseo marketing efforts. 7. REQUESTS FOR ACTION None. 8. ADJOURNMENT The El Paseo Parking and Business Improvement District Board adjourned at 9:44 a.m. 3 7 9. PUBLIC NOTICES _______________________________ Damian Olivares, Senior Deputy Clerk Recording Secretary _________________________ Thomas Soule, Public Affairs Manager Staff Liaison _________________________ DATE APPROVED BY EPPBID BOARD 4 8 City of Palm Desert Staff Report Meeting Date: July 16, 2026 Prepared By: Thomas Soule, Marketing & Tourism Manager Department: Economic Development Subject: EPPBID Financial Statement Ending May 31, 2026 Recommendation Approve the Financial Statement for the month ending May 31, 2026. Background The Financial Statement for month ending May 31, 2026 will be provided for board approval. Attachments EPPBID Financials - May 2026 Page 1 9 10 El Paseo Business Association FY 2025-2026 Budget vs Actual Recap - May Description Budgeted Actual Variance Income Beginning Cash Balance 170,142.96 179,750.79 9,607.83 This Month's Assessments 16,689.00 41,693.34 25,004.34 Year To Date Balance 186,831.96 221,444.13 34,612.17 Expenses Beginning Expenses 237,350.00 292,638.17 (55,288.17) This Month's Expenses 13,250.00 4,500.00 8,750.00 Year To Date Expenses 250,600.00 297,138.17 (46,538.17) YTD Cash Balance 173,581.96 216,944.13 43,362.17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 City of Palm Desert Staff Report Meeting Date: July 16, 2026 Prepared By: Thomas Soule, Marketing & Tourism Manager Department: Economic Development Subject: El Paseo Catalog Design Concepts Recommendation Review the proposed design concepts for the 2026/27 El Paseo Catalog and provide feedback. Background Each fall, Palm Springs Life produces the El Paseo Catalog as a promotional publication highlighting El Paseo's retailers, restaurants, events, and destination experience. Palm Springs Life has developed preliminary design concepts for the upcoming edition of the catalog and will share proposed cover designs with the El Paseo Parking and Business Improvement District Board for review and feedback. Board comments will be considered as the publication design is refined. The Board is not being asked to approve the catalog. The purpose of this item is to provide an opportunity for Board input during the design process. Attachments None Page 1 23 24 City of Palm Desert Staff Report Meeting Date: July 16, 2026 Prepared By: Thomas Soule, Marketing & Tourism Manager Department: Economic Development Subject: EPPBID June 2026 Marketing Report Recommendation Receive and file the June 2026 Monthly Marketing Report. Background/Analysis FG Creative has submitted the June 2026 Monthly Marketing Report for the El Paseo Parking and Business Improvement District (EPPBID), which outlines activities and outcomes related to brand awareness, business support, partnership coordination, social media engagement, and web presence. The report reflects final implementation of the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Marketing Plan, as the fiscal year ended. Highlights include: 1. Social Media Performance a. Audience grew to 94,879 followers across platforms. b. 26 influencer collaborations, including 4 posts exceeding 225,000 views and a top-performing reel reaching 505,000 views. c. Year-over-year growth remained exceptional: i. +3,353% Accounts Engaged ii. +1,535% Views iii. +254% Profile Visits iv. +21% Accounts Reached 2. Summer Campaign & Brand Assets Successfully Launched a. Completed development and deployment of the Summer Styled creative campaign. b. Produced new print advertising, digital graphics, outdoor billboard creative, social assets and America 250 creative supporting the district throughout summer. c. Continued implementation of the approved FY 2025-26 marketing strategy while preparing FY 2026-27 initiatives. 3. Digital Marketing Continued Driving Consumer Traffic a. EPPBID websites generated: i. 7,817 combined sessions ii. 26,135 page views b. Merchant directory generated: i. 202 website referrals ii. 63 direct phone calls to businesses. c. Consumer email marketing achieved strong engagement with: i. 47.8% open rate (Consumer Newsletter) ii. 41.1% open rate (Palm Springs Life Exclusive E-blast) Page 1 25  4. Merchant Engagement a. 60+ merchant contacts completed through visits, calls, texts and emails. b. Coordinated the Summer Merchant Mixer with 50+ attendees. c. Assisted merchants with participation in Palm Desert's "What's Next" Summer Campaign through direct outreach, signage, presentations and special communications. d. Private Merchant Facebook Group maintained 234 active members. 5. Regional Partnerships Expanded El Paseo Visibility a. Collaborated with Visit Greater Palm Springs resulting in: i. 7 social media features ii. 1 blog feature iii. Website and landing page referrals driving traffic back to El Paseo. b. Continued coordination with the City of Palm Desert, Palm Springs Life, Riverside County Sheriff's Business District Team and the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce to support merchants and promote district initiatives. Attachments EPPBID-Marketing-Update-June-2026.pdf Page 2 26