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(2.4) 2035 LQ General Plan - Chapter II (11.19.13) - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT   ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT   II-­‐163             ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT     PURPOSE   The   Economic   Development   Element   is   intended   to   establish   a   framework  for  the  maintenance  and  expansion  of  a  healthy  economic   climate  in  La  Quinta.  The  City’s  economic  health  is  vital  to  everyone  –   residents,   business   people,   and   visitors.   As   such,   this   Element   is   intended   to   guide   decision   makers   to   assure   that   the   City   offers   a   balanced   job   market   for   its   residents;   high   quality   retail   and   office   developments  for  business  owners;  and  healthy  sales  and  property  tax   revenues  to  fund  City  services,  programs  and  activities.     This  Element  has  been  prepared  at  a  time  when  the  City’  economy  has   been  significantly  impacted  by  the  recession  of  2008-­‐2012.  Economic   cycles,  however,  will  result  in  good  and  bad  economic  times  in  the  City   during  the  life  of  this  General  Plan.  In  2012,  the  City  has  the  opportunity   to   plan   for   the   next   economic   upturn   and   assure   that   the   City’s   economy  expands  and  is  successful  when  growth  once  again  occurs.   This  Element  also  provides  guidance  to  assure  that  the  City’s  economy   provides   sufficient   revenues   to   maintain   and   improve   City   services   through  2035.     The  Economic  Development  Element  is  most  closely  tied  to  the  Land   Use  Element,  insofar  as  the  pattern  and  balance  of  land  uses  in  the  City   are  key  to  assuring  a  healthy  economy.  It  is  also  associated  with  the   Circulation  Element  –  both  in  the  need  to  provide  easy  access  to  job   centers  and  shopping,  and  the  need  to  generate  adequate  revenue  to   fund  the  high  cost  of  roadway  maintenance  and  improvements;  the   Livable  Community   Element,   which  strives   to   establish   a   framework  for  a  resource  efficient  environment  in  all  aspects   of   City   life;   and   other   Elements,   including   Parks   and   Recreation,   Open   Space   and   Housing,   which   all   are   associated  with  quality  of  life.           ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT   II-­‐164   The  goals,  policies  and  programs  provided  in  this  Element  are  intended   to  guide  future  economic  growth  in  the  City  in  the  broadest  sense.  The   City  utilizes  a  number  of  tools  to  foster  economic  growth.  In  particular,   the  City  adopts  an  annual  Economic  Development  Plan,  which  contains   goals  and  activities  to  help  stimulate  the  local  economy  and  bring  new   investment  to  La  Quinta.     BACKGROUND   The   City   has   evolved   from   a   small   residential   suburb   providing   affordable   housing   and   limited   commercial   opportunities,   to   a   community  that  provides  a  broad  range  of  housing  for  permanent  and   seasonal  residents;  and  one  that  is  a  destination  for  regional  shopping.   The  City  has  historically  had  three  dominant  economic  sectors  around   which   its   economy   has   revolved:   resort   hotels,   golf   and   retail   commercial.  The  growth  in  these  sectors  have  spurred  development  of   all  types  in  the  City.  They  will  continue  to  be  an  important  part  of  the   City’s  economy.     As  a  basis  for  this  Element,  a  brief  summary  of  statistical  data  on  the   City’s  population,  housing  and  employment  growth  is  provided  below.   This  demographic  data  clearly  demonstrates  the  significant  growth  the   City  has  experienced  in  the  recent  past.     Population     According   to   the   US   Census,   population  in   the   City  increased   from   12,470  in  1990,  to  24,084  in  2000,  and  37,467  in  2010.  This  represents  a   93.1%  increase  between  1990  and  2000,  and  a  55.5%  increase  between   2000  and  2010.  The  Southern  California  Association  of  Governments   (SCAG)  estimates  that  the  City’s  population  will  reach  41,625  in  2020,   and  46,297  in  2035.       The  median  age  of  the  City’s  population,  45.6  years,  shows  that  La   Quinta  is  home  to  a  number  of  families,  particularly  since  24%  of  the   City’s  total  population  is  under  19  years  of  age.     Housing  Units   The  2010  Census  determined  that  there  are  23,489  housing  units  in  the   City,   and   that   the   total   housing   vacancy   rate   stands   at   36.9%.   It   is   important  to  note  that  the  Census  estimates  the  seasonal  vacancy  rate   at  27.5%,  and  that  the  City’s  net  vacancy  rate  is  12.4%.  The  vacancy  rate   highlights   the   importance   of   the   seasonal   resident   to   La   Quinta’s   housing  market.          ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT   II-­‐165   The   vast   majority   of   housing   units   (90%)   are   attached   or   detached   single   family   homes.   The   balance   are   multi-­‐family   homes   (9%),   and   mobile  homes  (1%).     As  with  other  economic  sectors,  the  City  has  experienced  a  significant   decrease  in  the  number  of  new  homes  constructed  in  recent  years.   From  2010  to  January  2012,  there  were  96  housing  units  of  all  types   (single  family  homes,  apartments  and  condominiums)  built  in  the  City.   By  comparison,  8,473  housing  units  were  built  from  2000  to  2009,  or   an   average   of   almost   850   units   annually.   As   growth   in   residential   development   will   spur   commercial   growth,   the   housing   market’s   recovery   will   be   an   indicator   of   improved   economic   conditions   throughout  all  market  segments.     Households  and  Income   The   2010   Census   identified   14,820   households   in   the   City,   which   translates   to   an   average   household   size   of   2.5   persons.     SCAG   estimates  that  there  will  be  16,580  households  in  La  Quinta  in  2020,   and  17,948  households  in  the  City  in  2035.         It  is  estimated  that  the  City’s  median  household  income  in  2010  was   $72,181,  and  per  capita  income  stood  at  $43,450.  The  median  household   income  has  increased  significantly  in  the  last  twenty  years,  and  the  City   now  ranks  higher  than  the  County  median  household  income,  which   stood  at  $54,296  in  2010.       Employment   In  1990,  there  were  5,368  employed  residents  in  La  Quinta.  By  2010,   that   number   had   risen   to   over   19,700.   As   shown   in  Table   II-­‐13,   the   majority  of  residents,  or  61.6%,  work  in  white-­‐collar  jobs,  followed  by   service   and  sales  jobs,   and   blue   collar   jobs.   The   largest   sector   of   employment  is  Sales   (14.61%),   followed   by   Management  (13.25%).   Please  note  that  this  Table  shows  employment  regardless  of  whether   the  job  is  in  La  Quinta  or  elsewhere.     ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT   II-­‐166     Table  II-­‐13   Employment  by  Occupation,  2010   Occupation     Employed     %  of   Employed   Architect/Engineer  189  0.96%   Arts/Entertainment/Sports  646  3.27%   Building  Grounds  Maintenance  1,002  5.07%   Business/Financial  Operations  958  4.85%   Community/Social  Services  430  2.18%   Computer/Mathematical  125  0.63%   Construction/Extraction  1,343  6.79%   Education/Training/Library  1,031  5.22%   Farm/Fish/Forestry  73  0.37%   Food  Prep/Serving  1,758  8.89%   Health  Practitioner/Technicians  872  4.41%   Healthcare  Support  268  1.36%   Maintenance/Repair  430  2.18%   Legal  248  1.25%   Life/Physical/Social  Science  85  0.43%   Management  2,620  13.25%   Office/Admin  Support  2,080  10.52%   Production  442  2.24%   Protective  Services  618  3.13%   Sales/Related  2,889  14.61%   Personal  Care/Service  1,168  5.91%   Transportation/Moving  494  2.50%   Total  19,769  100.00%   Source:  Nielsen  Claritas,  December,  2010.     The  major  employers  in  La  Quinta  are  shown  in  Table  II-­‐14.  The  recent   economic  downturn  will  have  affected  the  data  in  this  Table,  as  the   school  district  has  experienced  significant  budgetary  reductions,  but   the  importance  of  retail  and  resort  industry  employers  is  still  clearly   significant  in  the  City.              ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT   II-­‐167   Table  II-­‐14   Major  Employers  in  La  Quinta   Employer  Employment   Desert  Sands  Unified  School  District  2,471   La  Quinta  Resort  &  Club  1,600   WalMart  Supercenter  800   Rancho  La  Quinta  700   PGA  West  285   Imperial  Irrigation  District  150   Lowe’s  Home  Improvement  150   Home  Depot  100   Stater  Brothers  100   Tradition  Golf  Club  100   Source:  County  of  Riverside  EDA    2009     Economic  Drivers   Three  economic  sectors  have  been  key  to  the  City’s  growth:  tourism,   golf  and  retail  sales.       Tourism  and  the  Resort  Industry   La  Quinta  has  benefited  from  the  Coachella  Valley’s  climate,  physical   environment   and  reputation   in   the   tourism   industry.   Although   for   many  years  the  City  battled  the  perception  of  “Palm  Springs”  as  the   only   tourism   destination   in   the   region,   a   number   of   factors,   and   aggressive  marketing,  have  allowed  the  City  to  develop  its  own  identity   as  a  tourist  destination.  The  relatively  low  intensity  of  development  in   the   City   and   region,  its   wildlife   and  open   space,  and  the   lack   of   congestion  throughout  the  Valley  relative  to  more  urban  areas  have  all   served  to  promote  short  and  long  term  visitors’  interest  in  the  City.     Tourism   in   the   City   is   not   limited   to   hotel   development.  Resort   residential  development  is  also  an  important  economic  driver  in  the   City.  The  regional  demand  for  second  homes  and  vacation  homes,  as   well   as  retirement   housing,   have   resulted   in   a   number   of   golf   and   recreation  oriented  projects  geared  to  part-­‐time  residency.  The  City  is   home  to  a  number  of  seasonal  residences,  which  represent  27.5%  of  the   City’s  housing  stock  and  increase  the  population  by  almost  50%  each   winter;  and  fractional  ownership  or  timeshare  projects,  which  attract   tourists  for  shorter  periods,  ranging  from  a  week  to  a  month.     Resort  residential  development  began  at  PGA  West,  but  has  expanded   to  include  golf  course  country  club  developments  such  as  Rancho  La   Quinta,   retirement   communities   such   as   Trilogy,   and   exclusive   communities  such  as  The  Hideaway.  The  City's  growing  reputation  as  a     ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT   II-­‐168   destination   resort   community  adds  depth   to   the   economy,   while   generating   lower  annualized  demand   for  roads,  public   services   and   utilities.       Golf  Courses  and  SilverRock  Resort   The  City’s  winter  residents  and  visitors  have  long  been  attracted  to  the   many  golf  courses  that  have  been  developed  in  the  City.  Much  of  the   single  family  residential  development  in  the  City  is  built  around  these   golf  courses.  Golf  is  a  revenue  generating  industry  in  the  City,  both  in   terms  of  retail  sales,  and  in  terms  of  the  increased  disposable  income   golf-­‐oriented  visitors  and  residents  bring  to  the  City.       Golf  has  also  been  a  successful  marketing  tool  for  the  City.  The  City   promotes   golf   and   recreation   in   its   marketing   efforts   across   the   country.  In  addition,  professional  golf  tournaments  in  La  Quinta  have   raised  the  public  awareness  of  the  City  as  a  destination.     The   SilverRock   Resort   represents   a   potentially   significant   economic   development  opportunity  for  the  City.  SilverRock  is  a  525  acre  property   on  which  the  City’s  golf  course  has  been  developed.  The  course  has   hosted   professional   and   amateur   tournaments,   and   has   been   a   featured   course   in   the   PGA’s   Bob   Hope   Classic   in   the   past   (the   tournament  is  now  the  Humana  Challenge).  The  golf  course  is  the  first   phase  of  an  adopted  Specific  Plan  for  the  entire  property.  The  Specific   Plan  includes  two  hotels,  one  a  boutique  hotel,  as  well  as  resort  retail   and  related  development.  Prior  to  the  current  economic  downturn,  the   City   had   actively   marketed   the   hotel   and   resort   commercial   development,   and   was   actively   working   toward   its   implementation.   The  current  market  has  stalled  these  development  plans,  but  the  City   can  expect   that   in   the   next   economic   cycle,   the   development   opportunities   offered   by   SilverRock   will   be   significant.       It   will   be   important   to   conduct   outreach   activities   with   potential   developers,   local  stakeholders,  event  sponsors,  and  the  local  community  to  ensure   future  development  of  SilverRock  embraces  current  and  future  trends,   such  as  health  and  wellness,  in  order  to  remain  relevant.     As  the  revenue  potential  for  this  property  is  tied  to  golf,  the  City’s   continued  marketing  of  the  golf  course,  and  its  use  for  professional   and  amateur  events,  will  continue  to  be  significant  to  the  City’s  long   term   economic   health.   The   land   around   the   existing   golf   course   is   planned  for  hotel  and  resort  retail  development.          ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT   II-­‐169   Retail  Commercial  Development   In  the  last  two  decades,  the  most  significant  growth  in  the  City  has   been  its  retail  sales.  In  1995,  there  were  $121  million  in  taxable  sales  in   the  City.  By  the  year  2000,  that  number  had  grown  to  $318  million;  and   to   $683   million   in   2005.   Even   in   recessionary   times,   the   City’s   total   taxable  sales  in  2009,  the  last  year  for  which  full  year  data  is  available,   were  $623  million.       Commercial   lands   are   identified   throughout   the   City.   Approximately   65%  of  all  commercial  land  in  the  City  is  developed  in  2012.  There  are   184  acres  of  vacant  General  Commercial  land  in  the  City,  139  acres  of   vacant   Tourist   Commercial   land,   and   13   acres   of   vacant   Village   Commercial   land.   In   the   future,   the   expansion   of   commercial   development  will  include  not  only  Highway  111,  Washington  Street  and   Jefferson  Street,  but  also  commercial  lands  identified  on  the  Land  Use   Map   in   the   southeastern   portion   of   the   City,   including   lands   on   Madison  Street,  and  on  the  east  side  of  Monroe  Street,  in  the  Sphere   of  Influence.       Retail  commercial  development  has  focused  historically  in  two  areas:   the  most  significant  expansion  has  occurred  along  Highway  111,  and  the   Village  has  developed  a  reputation  as  a  specialty  retail  center.  Both   these   areas   will   continue   to   play   an   important   role   in   the   City’s   economy.     Highway  111   The  Highway  111  corridor  represents  the  majority  of  retail  activity  in  the   City.   It   has   been,   and   will   continue   to   be   the   focus   of   regional   shopping,  and  can  be  expected  to  continue  to  attract  national  retailers.   The   challenge   in   the   long   term   will   be   its   redevelopment,   as   the   majority  of  the  corridor  is  now  developed,  and  pressure  for  expansion   will   continue   as   the   City   and   region   grows.   Development   along   Highway  111  has  been  dominated  by  shopping  centers,  auto  dealerships   and  big-­‐box  retail  pads.  As  retail  development  continues  to  change  in   the  future,  the  pattern  of  development  along  Highway  111  may  change   as  well.     Automobile  dealerships  contribute  significantly  to  the  City’s  revenues.   In  2010,  there  were  $43.3  million  dollars  in  vehicle  and  auto  parts  sales   in  the  City,  down  significantly  from  2005’s  $121.9  million.    In  the  recent   recession,   the   difficulties   of   the   auto   industry   as   a  whole   were   reflected   in   the   City’s   dealerships   as   well.   The   City   has   traditionally   supported  existing  dealerships,  and  actively  recruited  new  ones,  and   will   continue   to   do   so.   Their   continued   success   and   expansion   will     ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT   II-­‐170   contribute  to  the  City’s  long  term  financial  health.  Vacant  land  within   the  La  Quinta  Auto  Center,  and  lands  planned  for  auto  dealerships  in   the  Dune  Palms  and  Highway  111  Specific  Plan  must  be  preserved  for   these   uses;   and   active   recruiting   to   develop   these   properties   will   continue  to  be  an  important  economic  development  strategy.       Highway  111  also  provides  the  City  with  the  best  opportunity  for  Mixed   Use   development  –  or   more   specifically   the   integration   of   more   intense  residential  development.  Its  access  to  transit,  and  proximity  to   employment   centers,   schools   and   other   services   make   it   ideal   for   mixed   use   projects.   These   projects   in   the   future   may   include   retail   below  residential  units,  but  could  also  include  residential  projects  next   to   existing   or   future   commercial   development.   Mixed   Use   projects   serve  multiple  purposes:  they  bring  residents  close  to  shopping  and   employment  opportunities,  which  is  good  for  the  businesses  because   their  customers  are  close  at  hand;  they  lower  the  number  of  vehicle   trips  by  allowing  people  to  walk  between  home  and  work  or  home  and   shopping;   and   they   help   the   City   meet   its   regional   planning   goals   established   in   the   Southern   California   Association   of   Governments   Sustainable  Community  Strategies.       The  Land  Use  Element  and  the  Livable  Community  Element  provide   greater  detail  on  Mixed  Use  development  in  the  Highway  111  corridor.     The  Village   The  City  has  also  seen  the  expansion  of  the  Village  as  a  specialty  retail   district  with  a  focus  on  cultural  and  special  events  and  venues.  The   Village  has  established  its  identity  in  part  through  the  Civic  Center  and   Park,  which  also  includes  the  Library  and  Senior  Center;  the  La  Quinta   Arts  Festival,  which  occurs  on  the  Civic  Center  campus  annually;  the   development  of  the  Old  Town  shopping  and  dining  area,  which  has   provided  a   focus   for   the   specialty   retail   market;   and   through   the   conversion  of  single  family  homes  to  offices  and  restaurants.  Critical  to   its   economic   health   is   the   expansion   of   this   retail   niche,   and   the   continued   attractiveness   of   residential   living   in   a   pedestrian-­‐friendly   environment.  The  Village  can  provide  another  opportunity  for  Mixed   Use  development  in  the  City,  but  on  a  completely  different  scale  than   the  Highway  111  corridor.  Mixed  Use  development  in  this  neighborhood   will  be  of  a  smaller  scale,  consistent  with  the  commercial  development   in  the  area,  and  will  integrate  with  the  existing  mix  of  single  family   homes  and  smaller  apartment  projects  that  already  exist  in  the  area.   The  Village  is  also  the  commercial  area  for  the  Cove,  being  located  at   the  base  of  the  Cove.  It  has  taken  advantage  of  this  position  in  the   past,  and  will  continue  to  do  so  into  the  future.        ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT   II-­‐171     The  Village  will  continue  to  be  challenged  by  its  isolated  location,  and   its  small  land  area.  It  has  not  yet  developed  to  its  full  potential,  and  can   provide  La  Quinta’s  residents  and  visitors  with  a  greater  range  of  shops   and   businesses,   all   located   in   easy   walking   distance   for   most.   As   it   expands,   the   Village   will   need   to   include   pedestrian   and   golf   cart   facilities,   shaded   paseos   and   seating,   and  an   interconnection   of   projects  that  make  it  an  all  day  destination  for  shoppers  and  business   people.  The  Village  also  will  benefit  from  offering  full  time  residents   jobs,  shopping  and  entertainment  opportunities,  so  that  activity  and   revenues  are  not  dependent  on  visitors  and  part-­‐time  residents.     Please  also  see  the  Land  Use  and  Livable  Community  Elements.     The  City’s  Economic  Development  Plan   The  City  maintains  an  Economic  Development  Plan,  updated  annually,   that  helps  guide  its  economic  development  efforts.  The  Plan’s  primary   focus  is  on  the  long  term  economic  health  of  the  City,  as  opposed  to   immediate  short  term  economic  influences.  As  such,  it  provides  the   City’s  decision  makers  and  staff  with  a  vision  for  the  economic  future   of  the  City.  However,  since  the  Plan  is  updated  annually,  it  allows  the   City  to  consider  changes  to  its  economic  development  policies  based   on  current  trends.     The   Plan   supports   the   City’s   active   involvement   in   economic   development.   Historically,   this   has   included   active   recruiting   of   businesses,  the  commitment  of  funds  to  assist  with  infrastructure  and   other   costs,   and   working   closely   with   property   owners,   developers,   and  brokers  in  the  recruitment  and  retention  of  businesses,  and  the   diversification  of  the  City’s  economy  to  take  advantage  of  emerging   economic  trends,  and  fill  gaps  in  the  existing  market.       As  the  City  continues  to  grow  and  mature,  the  Plan  must  also  address   changes  in  the  Highway  111  corridor,  and  the  reuse  and  redevelopment   of  retail  centers  in  this  area.       Changing  Municipal  Revenues   The   most   significant   challenge   for   the   City   in   the   short   term   implementation  of  the  Economic  Development  Plan  is  the  2012  loss  of   the   La   Quinta   Redevelopment   Agency.   The   Agency   contributed   significantly   to   the   City’s   ability   to   promote   economic   development   projects,  and  its  elimination  will  significantly  impact  the  City’s  ability  to   participate   in   economic   development   through   infrastructure   investment   and   land   acquisition.   The   City   must   look   to   creative     ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT   II-­‐172   partnerships   and   financing  models   in   the   future   to   replace   the   Agency’s   efforts.   In   addition,   the   City   has   a   vested   interest   in   encouraging   legislative   efforts   to   reintroduce   redevelopment   or   another  economic  development  tool  at  the  State  level  in  the  future.     The  City’s  economy  directly  impacts  government’s  ability  to  provide   services.  La  Quinta  relies  on  a  large  number  of  revenue  sources  from   regional  and  state  programs  and  agencies,  but  is  dependent  on  three   sources  of  revenue  for  general  services:  sales  tax,  property  tax  and   transient  occupancy  tax.  Although  all  revenues  have  been  reduced  in   recent  years,  Table  II-­‐15  shows  the  major  sources  of  revenue  received   by  the  City.       Table  II-­‐15   Major  General  Fund  Revenue  Sources,  2008-­‐2012    2008-­‐09  2009-­‐10  2010-­‐11  2011-­‐12   Property  Tax  $5,681,900  $5,406,000  $6,509,500  $5,957,300   Sales  Tax  $9,062,000  $7,490,000  $6,637,000  $7,136,000   Transient   Occupancy   Tax   $5,600,000  $4,128,000  $4,000,000  $4,500,000   Motor   Vehicle   In  Lieu  Fees  $3,942,100  $3,931,500  $3,627,800  $3,315,000   Franchise  Fees  $1,764,400  $1,584,500  $1,454,600  $1,457,730   Total  $26,050,400  $22,540,000  $22,228,900  $22,366,030   Source:  2011-­‐2012  City  Budget       Because   of   the   current   recession,   all   income   sources   have   been   significantly   reduced.   As   a   result,   the   City   has   considered   and   implemented  revenue  enhancements  and  reductions  in  expenditures   to   counter   the   revenue   losses.   Although   through   the   life   of   this   General  Plan  economic  downturns  and  upturns  will  continue  to  occur,   the  City’s  ability  to  carefully  plan  for  downturns  by  expanding  reserves   during  upturns  will  be  critical  to  the  City’s  long  term  economic  health.   As  described  in  the  Parks  and  Recreation  and  Public  Facilities  elements   of  this  document,  the  City  still  intends  to  provide  its  residents  with  a   full  range  of  services,  and  preserve  its  quality  of  life  in  the  long  term.  In   order  to  meet  the  demand,  the  City  must  assure  that  sufficient  revenue   is  generated  to  provide  these  services.        ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT   II-­‐173   PLANNING  FOR  THE  FUTURE   The  City  will  continue  to  experience  economic  growth  and  downturns   throughout  the  life  of  this  General  Plan.  In  order  to  protect  the  services   the  City  provides  its  residents,  the  City  will  need  to  continue  to  adapt   and  grow  to  stabilize  its  revenues  and  expenditures.     An   economic   analysis   was   conducted   to   determine   the   costs   and   revenues   associated   with   the   build   out   of   the   Land   Use   Map.   That   analysis  found  that  the  City’s  revenues  could  increase  to  $115.1  million   annually,  including  considerable  increases  in  transient  occupancy  tax   and   sales   tax.   The   analysis   also   found,   however,   that   expenditures   could  rise  to  $121.2  million,  including  general  services,  public  safety  and   recreation.  This  is  primarily  due  to  the  costs  associated  with  providing   services  to  residential  development,  which  does  not  ‘pay  for  itself’  in   terms  of  revenue  generation  to  the  City.  As  a  result  of  the  high  number   of  residential  units  in  the  City,  revenue  generating  land  uses,  including   commercial   and   resort   development   in   particular,   may   need   to   be   expanded  and  enhanced  to  assure  long  term  economic  stability.       The  Land  Use  Element  identifies  the  potential  for  3.2  million  square   feet  of  commercial  space,  including  resort  hotel,  retail  and  office  space   in   the   City   limits   at   build   out.   The   effective   use   of   this   space,   particularly  for  revenue  generating  businesses,  hotels  and  resorts,  is   key  to  the  City’s  economic  health.  At  build  out  of  the  City,  the  660   acres   of   General   Commercial   and   Village   Commercial   land   could   generate  $24.1  million  annually  in  sales  tax  revenue  to  the  City,  more   than  tripling  that  revenue  source.  However,  it  is  critical  that  the  uses   that   develop   on   these   lands   be   primarily   focused   upon   generating   sales  tax  revenue,  such  as  retail  uses,  while  carefully  balancing  other   important  land  uses  with  less  revenue  potential,  such  as  professional   office  developments.  The  City  must  also  consider  the  potential  for  the   redevelopment  and  expansion  of  existing  retail  centers  over  the  life  of   the  General  Plan,  to  assure  that  under-­‐performing  projects  do  not  limit   the  potential  for  revenue  in  the  long  term.         The  incorporation  of  Mixed  Use  in  the  Zoning  Ordinance  for  all  General   Commercial  and  Village  Commercial  lands  also  provides  the  City  with   an   opportunity   to   increase   revenues   and   limit   costs.   The   synergies   associated  with  Mixed  Use  can  reduce  vehicle  trips  (and  the  associated   road   maintenance   costs),   increase   the   use   of   transit,   and   allow   the   addition  of  residential  units  in  tandem  with  higher  revenue  commercial   projects.  Mixed  Use  development  in  the  future  may  facilitate  a  more     ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT   II-­‐174   balanced  cost-­‐revenue  for  the  City,  and  should  be  considered  on  that   basis  as  projects  are  proposed.     The  ability  of  the  City  to  provide  a  full  range  of  services  and  a  high   quality  of  life  is  directly  tied  to  its  annual  budget.  The  Land  Use  Map   establishes  the  development  potential  of  lands  within  the  City  and  its   Sphere  of  Influence.  Based  on  this  Map  and  the  development  potential   associated  with  it,  an  analysis  of  potential  revenues  and  costs  to  the   City’s   General   Fund   was   prepared.   The   assumptions   included   the   following  components:      For  residential  development  in  the  City,  a  total  of  31,603  units,   and  a  build  out  population  of  79,956  at  100%  occupancy.    For   residential   development   in   the   Sphere,   a   total   of   21,500   units,  and  a  build  out  population  of  54,395  at  100%  occupancy.    For  commercial  development  throughout  the  City  and  Sphere,   building  coverage  of  22%.    For  industrial  development  in  the  Sphere,  building  coverage  of   22%.    For   Tourist   Commercial   lands,   a   total   of   3,074   hotel   rooms   (including  1,160  rooms  at  SilverRock  Resort  and  500  rooms  at   the  Travertine  project),  with  an  average  occupancy  rate  of  65%,   and  a  hotel  room  rate  averaging  $184.     As  shown  in  Table  II-­‐16  below,  the  analysis  concludes  a  negative  cash   flow  to  the  City.  The  analysis  then  added  the  build  out  of  the  Sphere  of   Influence,   based   on   the   Land  Use   designations   assigned   on   the  La   Quinta  Land   Use   Map.   As   shown   in  Table   II-­‐17,   below,  the   analysis   identifies   that   build   out   of   the   Sphere   of   Influence   significantly   increases  the  negative  cash  flow  the  City  will  experience.      ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT   II-­‐175   Table  II-­‐16   Buildout  Revenues  and  Costs   City  Limits  Only   REVENUES   TAXES       Property  Tax  $14,139,771     Document  Transfer  Tax  $826,658     Sales  Tax  $  24,088,281       Transient  Occupancy  Tax  $  40,529,562       Franchise  Tax  $  7,098,909     LICENSES  AND  FEES       Business  License  $  953,993       Animal  License  $  151,964       Development  Permits    $472,444       Miscellaneous  Permits  $  225,801       General  Government  Fees  $  21,709       Community  Service  Fees  $  1,649,899       Departmental  Fees  $  1,888,387     INTERGOVERNMENTAL       Motor  Vehicle  In-­‐Lieu  $  8,833,184       MVLF  $  424,302       Fines  and  Forefeitures  $  1,584,772       Other    $852,944     OTHER  REVENUE       Miscellaneous  Revenue  $  434,184     REIMBURSEMENTS       Gas  Tax  Fund  $  5,369,673       Landscaping  &  Lighting    $  1,040,606       Library  &  Museum  $  4,327,862            TOTAL  REVENUES    $114,914,907     EXPENDITURES   GENERAL  GOVERNMENT       Legislative  $  2,395,945       City  Manager  $  1,135,769       Development  Services  $  4,534,437       Management  Services  $  3,659,078       City  Clerk  $  1,849,570       Finance    $  3,195,626       Community  Services      $14,388,927      Building  &  Safety    $  11,713,218    Planning      $  4,564,809    Public  Works  $    15,245,973   POLICE  $  58,468,000         TOTAL  EXPENDITURES    $121,151,351            Net  Impact    $(6,236,444)       ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT   II-­‐176   Table  II-­‐17   Buildout  Revenues  and  Costs   City  and  Sphere  of  Influence   REVENUES   TAXES       Property  Tax  $24,149,225     Document  Transfer  Tax  $1,361,634     Sales  Tax  $  34,496,740       Transient  Occupancy  Tax  $  40,529,562       Franchise  Tax  $  12,243,046     LICENSES  AND  FEES       Business  License  $  1,086,151       Animal  License  $  262,084       Development  Permits  $  814,795       Miscellaneous  Permits    $  389,424       General  Government  Fees  $  37,441       Community  Service  Fees  $  2,845,479       Departmental  Fees  $  3,256,784     INTERGOVERNMENTAL       Motor  Vehicle  In-­‐Lieu  $  15,086,138       MVLF  $  731,768       Fines  and  Forefeitures  $  2,733,157       Other    $1,299,247     OTHER  REVENUE       Miscellaneous  Revenue  $  748,810     REIMBURSEMENTS       Gas  Tax  Fund  $  9,257,806       Landscaping  &  Lighting    $  1,040,606       Library  &  Museum  $  4,327,862            TOTAL  REVENUES    $156,697,758     EXPENDITURES   GENERAL  GOVERNMENT       Legislative    2,395,945       City  Manager    1,135,769       Development  Services    4,534,437       Management  Services    3,659,078       City  Clerk    2,132,733       Finance  3,195,625       Community  Services  19,847,690      Building  &  Safety  17,459,664    Planning  6,719,998    Public  Works  16,737,998   POLICE    92,817,000         TOTAL  EXPENDITURES    $170,635,905            Net  Impact    $(13,938,147)        ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT   II-­‐177   In  order  to  assure  that  the  City  continues  to  receive  at  least  as  much   revenue  as  it  has  expenses,  the  fiscal  impacts  of  future  development   projects  and  annexations  must  be  carefully  monitored.     The  City  must  continue  to  fully  consider  the  importance  of  the  resort   industry  in  its  planning.  Catering  to  a  broad  range  of  visitors  –  from   hotel  guests  to  winter  residents  –  and  assuring  that  their  needs  are   met   is   vital   to   the   City’s   economy.   The   land   designated   for   tourist   commercial   development,   particularly   the   hotel   sites   at   SilverRock   Resort,  have  the  potential  to  increase  transient  occupancy  tax  from  its   current  $4.5  million  annually  to  as  much  as  $40.5  million.  The  City’s   Economic   Development   Plan   has   focused   on   SilverRock’s   hotel   and   tourist  retail  development  in  the  past,  and  the  City  must  continue  to   promote  and  market  the  property  for  these  uses  in  the  future.     By   2035,   the   City’s   core   will   likely  be   built   out   and   the   Highway   111   corridor  will  have  experienced  significant  reuse  and  redevelopment.   Care   must   be   taken   to   assure   that   the   development   that   replaces   existing  projects  is  geared  to  meet  future  trends  and  opportunities.       The  City  must  also  consider  carefully  the  balance  of  costs  and  revenues   when   considering   expansion   of   its   boundaries   into   its   Sphere   of   Influence.   Although   the   recent   elimination   of   redevelopment   in   California  will  have  changed  the  revenue  potential  for  this  area,  the   City  must  fully  consider  costs  and  revenues  when  contemplating  future   annexations.   The   annexation   of   the   Sphere   of   Influence   has   the   potential  to  be  a  financial  drain  on  the  City,  if  development  is  primarily   residential   in   nature.   Of   particular   concern   is   that   this   area   will   not   generate  any  property  tax  revenue  for  many  years  to  come,  due  to   bonded  indebtedness  of  Riverside  County.  If  residential  lands  are  to  be   annexed,  these  lands  will  need  to  offset  their  fiscal  impact  to  the  City   to  assure  that  the  annexation  is  revenue  neutral.  The  Master  Plan  for   the   east   Sphere,   and   annexation   proposals   in   the   future,   must   demonstrate  a  balance  between  costs  and  revenues,  and  may  need  to   be  revenue-­‐positive  in  order  to  be  supportable.     The  City’s  Economic  Development  Plan  will  continue  to  be  a  valuable   tool   to   guide   future   revenue   expansion   in   the   City.   As   an   annually   updated  document,  it  can  respond  quickly  to  changes  in  market  trends,   and  direct  the  City’s  focus  to  take  advantage  of  these  opportunities.             ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT   II-­‐178   GOALS,  POLICIES  AND  PROGRAMS   GOAL  ED-­‐1     A  balanced  and  varied  economic  base  which  provides  fiscal  stability  to   the  City,  and  a  broad  range  of  goods  and  services  to  its  residents  and   the  region.     v Policy  ED-­‐1.1   The   Land   Use   Element   shall  maintain  a   balance   of   land   use   designations  to  address  economic  needs,  meet  market  demand,  and   assure  a  wide  range  of  development  opportunities.      Program  ED-­‐1.1.a:  Use   the   City’s   GIS   capabilities   to   annually   monitor   the   remaining   capacity   of   vacant   and   under-­‐utilized   lands   to   assure   that   sufficient   inventory   exists   to   address   market  needs.      Program  ED-­‐1.1.b:  Development  proposal  review  for  commercial   development   shall   include   consideration   of   the   proposal’s   compatibility   with   surrounding   existing   uses,   its   efficient   and   revenue-­‐generating  use  of  the  land,  and  its  compatibility  with   the  City’s  Economic  Development  Plan.     v Policy  ED-­‐1.2   Support   and   assist   in   the   retention   of   existing   businesses,   and   the   recruitment  of  new  businesses.      Program  ED-­‐1.2.a:  Continue  to  annually  update  and  implement   the  City’s  Economic  Development  Plan.      Program  ED-­‐1.2.b:  Participate,  where  feasible  and  justifiable,  in   public/private  partnerships  or  other  means  for  the  retention  of   existing   businesses,   and   the   development   of   new   projects   which  generate  significant  economic  activity.      Program  ED-­‐1.2.c:  Focus  marketing  and  publicity  efforts  on  the   commercial  and  resort  sectors,  as  revenue  generation  sources.      Program  ED-­‐1.2.d:  Every   five   years,   in   the   Economic   Development  Plan,  complete  an  analysis  of  existing  commercial   projects   to   identify   under-­‐performing   locations,   and   develop      ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT   II-­‐179   strategies   and   public/private   partnerships   to   improve   or   redevelop  these  projects.      Program  ED-­‐1.2.e:  Establish  a  program  to  regularly  monitor  City   costs   and   revenues   based   on   existing   development   and   projected   development   allowed   under   the   Land   Use   Map.   Consider   amendments   to   the   Land   Use   Map   to   increase   revenue   generation   potential,   based   on   the   cost   revenue   analysis  and  sound  economic  forecasting.      Program  ED-­‐1.2.f:  Improve   and   enhance   the   City’s   application   process  for  commercial  development  proposals.     v Policy  ED-­‐1.3   Encourage  the  expansion  of  the  Village  as  a  specialty  retail,  dining  and   residential  destination.       Program  ED-­‐1.3.a:  Maintain,  in  the  Zoning  Ordinance,  standards   and   guidelines   that   encourage   the   development   of   a   pedestrian-­‐friendly,   interconnected   neighborhood   with   a   balance  of  residential  and  commercial  development.      Program  ED-­‐1.3.b:  Include  the  Village  in  the  Mixed  Use  Overlay  in   the  Zoning  Ordinance.      Program  ED-­‐1.3.c:  Continue   to   sponsor   and   support   special   events   in   the   Village   and   at   the   Civic   Center,   as   a   means   of   attracting  visitors  to  the  area.     v Policy  ED-­‐1.4   Support   and   facilitate   the   reuse   and   redevelopment   of   commercial   projects  on  Highway  111.       Program  ED-­‐1.4.a:  As   provided   in   the   Land   Use   Element,   establish  comprehensive  standards  for  Mixed  Use  development   in  commercial  zones.       Program  ED-­‐1.4.b:  Development   proposals   for   the   reuse   and   redevelopment   of   existing   projects   shall   be   encouraged  to   implement   creative   design,   include   pedestrian   access,   and   facilitate  transit  and  alternative  transportation.       ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT   II-­‐180   v Policy  ED-­‐1.5   Projects  proposed  on  commercial  land  shall  be  evaluated  for  their  job   creating  and  revenue  generating  potential.       Program  ED-­‐1.5.a:  The  City  may  require  the  preparation  of  fiscal   impact   analyses   for   commercial   projects   when   deemed   appropriate  in  the  application  review  process.     v Policy  ED-­‐1.6   Assure  that  all  revenues  due  to  the  City  are  collected.       Program  ED-­‐1.6.a:  Establish   and  maintain   a   comprehensive   program  to  enforce  the  payment  of  transient  occupancy  tax,   sales  tax,  and  other  fees  and  licenses  due  to  the  City.     v Policy  ED-­‐1.7   All  annexation  applications  by  land  owners  shall  include  a  fiscal  analysis   that   fully   addresses   the  fiscal   impact   of   the   proposed   annexation.    Subsequently,   all   annexation   applications   shall   also   include   a   Development   Agreement   application   or   other   mechanism   that   demonstrates   how   the   annexation   will   be   revenue   neutral   or   revenue  positive  for  the  City.     v Policy  ED-­‐1.8   Aggressively   lobby   for   the   passage   of   legislation   that   restores   redevelopment   funds   to   local   jurisdictions,   or   provides   other   equivalent  economic  development  tools.     GOAL  ED-­‐2     The  continued  growth  of  the  tourism  and  resort  industries  in  the  C ity.     v Policy  ED-­‐2.1   Actively  pursue  the  build  out  of  the  SilverRock  Resort.       Program  ED-­‐2.1.a:  Through   the   City’s   Economic   Development   Plan,  annually  review  the  land  use  allocation  within  SilverRock’s   Specific  Plan  to  assure  that  future  development  meets  market   needs  and  generates  a  long  term  revenue  stream  for  the  City.       Program  ED-­‐2.1.b:  Continue   to   promote   professional   and   amateur  golf  tournaments,  activities  and  events  that  publicize   SilverRock  in  the  local,  state  and  national  media.      ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT   II-­‐181     v Policy  ED-­‐2.2   Support  increased  room  occupancy  at  the  City’s  existing  hotels  and   resorts.       Program  ED-­‐2.2.a:  Continue  to  participate  in  co-­‐op  marketing,   and   include   the   City’s   resorts   and   hotels   in   City-­‐sponsored   marketing  and  advertising  efforts.       Program  ED-­‐2.2.b:  Incorporate  short  term  vacation  rentals  into   the  City’s  transient  occupancy  tax  revenues.      Program  ED-­‐2.2.c:  Consider   incentive   programs   for   hotel   remodeling   and   refurbishing,   tied   to   increased   transient   occupancy  tax  revenue  generation  in  the  future.     v Policy  ED-­‐2.3   Actively  pursue  the  development  of  additional  hotel  properties  in  all   economic  ranges,  to  accommodate  all  segments  of  the  visitor  market.     RELATED  GOALS   GOAL  LU-­‐2:  High  quality  design  that  complements  and  enhances  the   City.     GOAL  CIR-­‐1:  A  transportation  and  circulation  network  that  efficiently,   safely   and   economically   moves   people,   vehicles,   and   goods   using   facilities  that  meet  the  current  demands  and  projected  needs  of  the   City.     GOAL  LU-­‐6:  A  balanced  and  varied  economic  base  which  provides  a   broad   range   of   goods   and   services   to   the   City’s   residents   and   the   region.     GOAL  SC-­‐1:  A  community  that  provides  the  best  possible  quality  of  life   for  all  its  residents.