What is Measure J?

Measure J was enacted in 2012 by the voters of Palm Springs to support projects that enhance the livability and overall quality of life for people who live, work, and play in our City. The funding source is a 1% supplemental sales tax.

What does Measure J fund?

Measure J has funded hundreds of important citywide services and capital improvement projects, including the Downtown Revitalization Project, the new Downtown Park, hundreds of miles of city street paving, public park improvements, and the renovations of the Welwood Murray Memorial Library and the fire station on LaVerne Way. Currently, Measure J is helping fund the expansion of pickleball courts at Demuth Park, improvements to playground park equipment, and renovations to the Palm Springs Public Library and the historic Plaza Theatre.

What does Measure J not fund?

Measure J is a funding source for strategic and necessary capital improvements, enhancements, and major repairs within Palm Springs.  Accordingly, the Commission does not fund proposals for events, wages, services, or programming.

What are Community Initiated Projects?

Community Initiated Projects are projects that are proposed by individual citizens, neighborhood organizations, and non-profit organizations in Palm Springs that are wholly or partially funded through Measure J.  The Measure J Oversight Commission intends to fund projects totaling up to $6 million during this award process, with an intended maximum of $500,000 to any individual project. Extremely compelling projects more then $500,000 can still be submitted and considered.

 There are two types of awards available:

• Fully Funded and City Implemented Projects: These are projects proposed by individual citizens and other groups that require full funding by Measure J and that are carried out by City staff.
• External Project Grants: These are projects proposed by local organizations who can implement their own project with little to no involvement from the city. Given the limited funding available, organizations seeking a grant for their project should supplement the cost with private or other forms of additional funding.

How are Community Initiated Projects evaluated and selected for funding?

Submitted applications will be reviewed and prioritized by the Measure J Oversight Commission based on the following factors: 

• Thoroughness of the application
• Overall alignment with the goals of Measure J funding
• Alignment with the City’s Strategic Plan and departmental plans
• Does this project require little to no ongoing costs?
• Does this project make Palm Springs a safe, desirable place to live, work, and visit?
• Does this project benefit the majority of residents, guests, and/or tourists in our city?
• Does this project improve the health and safety of our residents of Palm Springs?
• Does this project promote the growth of tourism in the city?
• Does this project provide a benefit to the community over a long period?
• Does the City have the staff resources to complete the project in a reasonable timeframe. Or can the applicant implement the project without City resources?

 Application tips:

As you prepare your application, please consider the following guidance:

• The project must be within the City of Palm Springs and on property that is independent of County, State or Tribal restrictions.  Street-related projects must be on City roadways and not on State, County, or Tribal roadways.
• Please vet the scope, expected project schedule, and estimated cost of your project as much as possible prior to submission. At a minimum, utilize the Project Cost Worksheet included with the application form. You need to clarify who will manage the project if approved. Please include information regarding how you arrived at your estimated project costs. We encourage proposals that include thorough research including preliminary estimates by vendors/contractors. For projects that would be undertaken by the City, any necessary subsequent evaluation will be done by City staff. Proposals with greater clarity on expected costs and implementation will be prioritized.
• Applicants are encouraged to seek input from City commissions, departments, or staff prior to making a submission. These are resources that may have considerable knowledge to help shape your proposal. This joint support or additional input can be extremely helpful to the Measure J Commission in the evaluation process.
• Keep in mind that the amount of Community Initiated Funds available is limited. Projects that are smaller and require minimal staff time to implement are desirable as are projects submitted by organizations that can be awarded in the form of a grant.