Welcome to Wednesday! We’ve noted before that we don’t do a “best of” type contest of any sort, primarily because it takes time and resources we don’t have. But one local independent media outlet does — The Coachella Valley Independent — and we think it’s the best of the best ofs out there. Earlier this month, The Independent threw open the doors for nominations for everything from best accountant to best yoga. Got a local person, business, or restaurant you think deserves recognition? You have until this Friday to nominate them at this website. Sadly, there is no category for best Palm Springs newsletter 🤷🏼♀️
🎶 Setting the mood: “August 10” by Khruangbin
LEADING OFF
Palm Springs leads valley housing sales despite market challenges
The latest Desert Housing Report for July 2025 shows Palm Springs maintaining its position as the Coachella Valley’s most active housing market, though the city faces similar headwinds affecting the broader region as inventory levels rise and selling times extend.
Driving the News: Palm Springs recorded the highest unit sales in the Coachella Valley with 128 homes sold during the three-month period ending in July, up from 120 units during the same period last year, representing a 6.7% increase.
- The city also led the region in dollar sales volume at $113.4 million, up significantly from $95 million the previous year.
- Regional sales across the valley declined 6.8%, with total sales dropping to 608 units from 652 units last year.
By the Numbers: Pricing trends in Palm Springs reflected the broader valley pattern of modest declines in home values.
- The average price of a detached home (2,175 square feet) decreased 0.8% to $1,184,288 from $1,194,227 a year ago.
- Attached homes saw a 2% decline, with the average 1,250 square foot unit priced at $444,794 compared to $453,888 last year.
- Valley-wide, the median detached home price fell 1.9% to $652,500, while attached homes dropped 1.7% to $450,000.
Inventory and Market Dynamics: Palm Springs inventory surged to 661 units available at the end of July, up from 548 units a year ago, marking a 20.6% increase and giving the city the largest inventory in the valley.
- Valley-wide inventory reached 2,961 units, representing a 30.7% increase from the previous year.
Local Insight: Market conditions show signs of a buyer-friendly shift, with extended selling times and increased negotiating room.
- Homes in Palm Springs now take a median 57 days to sell, up from 47 days last year, though this remains below Indio’s valley-high of 62 days.
- Properties are selling at an average discount of 4.4% below list price, compared to 3.0% last year.
What to Watch For: Despite the challenges, Palm Springs’ strong sales performance and dollar volume suggest continued buyer interest in the market. However, the substantial increase in inventory and longer selling times indicate a shift toward more balanced market conditions.
BRIEFLY
💰 Desert Healthcare District offering $1 million for youth mental health grants
The Desert Healthcare District and Foundation recently announced $1 million in available funding to strengthen mental and behavioral health systems for youth and families throughout the Coachella Valley, with nonprofit organizations able to apply for grants of up to $250,000 over two years.
- Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, and applicants must attend a mandatory informational meeting Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. via Zoom (register here). Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits serving residents within District boundaries and provide current audited financial statements.
- The funding targets prevention, early intervention and culturally responsive services through three strategies: strengthening mental and behavioral health education delivery, improving access to services, or strengthening follow-up care to promote stability.
- Bottom line: This year’s request was developed based on community input from the Empowering Resilient Youth Data Walk, which brought together 62 leaders from more than 40 organizations in June.
Read the complete request for proposals document here
TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS
Parent Support Group
10 a.m. | Leisure Center
Designed for parents of all ages, this drop-in drop-out group is made to foster relationships
Poetry Club
4 p.m. | Welwood Murray Memorial Library
Led by T.S. Leonard, meet monthly to discuss and work on your poetry. Every month a different theme. This month’s theme is luck.
Game Night
4 p.m. | Starbase 505
Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or just game-curious, our board game library has something for everyone—from classics to quirky indie gems.
Know Your Rights Workshop
5 p.m. | James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center
Join Riverside Legal Aid for a free workshop focused on helping tenants understand and protect their housing rights.
SAVE THE DATE
AND FINALLY …
Palm Springs International Airport has taken a seat in the past — literally — by bringing back replica curbside benches that channel the terminal’s original midcentury design, complete with some that are shaped like flying saucers.
Driving the news: The airport worked with Gary Wexler, son of original architect Donald Wexler, to custom-order two circular “UFO” bench planters, 10 concrete benches, and six matching receptacles that authentically reflect the 1960s terminal design.
- The project took the better part of a year from start to finish, though discussions about restoring the original aesthetic had been ongoing for years.
The reaction: Social media response has been overwhelmingly positive, with travelers praising the attention to detail and the airport’s commitment to preserving its architectural heritage.
Why it matters: While most airports settle for generic furniture, Palm Springs actually bothered to dig into its archives and recreate pieces that honor its unique design legacy — proving that sometimes the little details really do make a difference.
