Scott Matas

Economy In the next four years, we want to focus on spa revitalization with tax increments back to them. We also want to help them in any way with tourism, marketing, and other ways to really bring forth our hot springs and what Desert Hot Springs is about. Hiking, hot springs, and the views here in Desert Hot Springs are world-renowned, and we want to make sure those are at the forefront of our tourism efforts. Economy With over 2.5 million visitors to Joshua Tree annually, we’re missing significant economic development opportunities. We need to consider building a fuel station and retail services in that area. As housing develops, these services will become even more critical. In 2024, when re-elected as mayor, I will ensure the next four years focus on developing this corridor, with the goal of turning it into a gateway, a safety corridor, and a retail hub for Desert Hot Springs. Drug Policy Moving forward, our focus is on ensuring the cannabis industry continues to provide jobs for Desert Hot Springs residents—over 2,400 jobs, with 30% of them coming from our city. It’s essential to keep these jobs stable and prevent businesses from shutting down. We’re concentrating on the cultivation side and ensuring our dispensaries remain open. Economy I intend to organize and oversee more job fairs and skills training seminars for DHS residents, bringing together not only large employers such as Amazon, but employers who themselves provide job training. I also will bring together non-profit and for-profit training and skills development organizations who are active in the Coachella Valley, so that residents can more easily find career training that is best for them. Taxes / Budget As your Mayor, I will continue to stress the importance of strong financial reserves, and I will make sure that they are maintained. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Our residents are fortunate to have dedicated and heroic first responders keeping us safe and protected. Supporting our first responders and securing adequate funding for increased fire services is a top priority of mine. Funding is tight, but I will do my best to make sure that we have two new fire stations that will result in even better response times, and increase the broad blanket of protection that we expect and deserve.