He also outlined plans for the future in today's state of the city address.

 

An energetic, upbeat and optimistic speech delivered in front of nearly 500 people Thursday as Mayor Steve Pougnet gave his State of the City address.

 

"Just delighted to tell you that tourism is on the mend big time in the it city of Palm Springs and to all the stake holders thank you very very much," said Mayor Steve Pougnet.

 

Tourism in Palm Springs up 22.8 percent since last year compared to only 3 percent in the rest of the Coachella Valley.The reason for the increase, partnerships between the private and public sector.  

 

"Our special events, I've got to tell you, Gay Pride now is off the charts," said Mayor Steve Pougnet in his State of the City Address. "We're doing everything right. Palm Springs resorts working hand in hand with the city, you'll see more events like the film festival and modernism week they're doing so well."

 

Pougnet saying money invested in the city is paying back big time. Transient occupancy tax up 25 percent and growing with airport occupancy also seeing double digit growth.

 

Of course number one on pougnet's list of things to do, revitalize downtown. Step one knock down the old Desert Fashion Plaza.

 

Piece by piece the first bits fell down today, at the hands of Mayor Steve Pougnet and developer John Wessman.

 

Mayor Pougnet saying he will continue to invest in the city, in hotels, tourism, housing, and business development.

 

"The vacancy rate is down significant," said Mayor Pougnet. "It's less than El Paseo and all I want to say here because we're going to talk about it when we get to the fashion plaza is the vibe has changed. I'm just going to say the vibe because it absolutely has changed dramatically."

 

A plan Mayor Pougnet says will help keep the city moving forward into the future. 

 

--Adrianna Weingold

aweingold@kmir6.com