Good Morning Folks,

The first weekend of the Coachella Arts and Music Festival has passed—one down and two to go, with Stagecoach rounding out the third weekend. While the traffic is inconvenient for many of us, these events are a major benefit to the local economy.

As mentioned last week, James tracks costs across local cities, counties, school districts, and water and sewer districts. Cathedral City recently held a study session on proposed Impact, User, Services, and Regulatory fee increases. These adjustments are based on inflationary trends established by nationally recognized sources. For materials, they use the Engineering News-Record Construction Cost Index, and for labor services, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index. The City of Brawley has also completed a study on User, Services, and Regulatory fees and will be presenting to council in the coming weeks. So far, these proposals appear to be in order.

Don’t forget our monthly Legislative Affairs Forum, held on the first Thursday of each month at Rancho Mirage City Hall in the front conference room. DVBA provides fruit and donuts, and the City provides coffee. Meetings begin at 7:30 AM and conclude before 9:00 AM. At 9:00 AM sharp, the Professional Women in Building take over the room to discuss the growing opportunities for women in construction-related careers. For more information, please contact Vickie or James at (760) 776-7001.

Please check out our partner’s Greater Palm Springs Business News Report from Friday: Greater Palm Springs Business News

Imperial Irrigation District Press Release – Strategic Plan

https://www.iid.com/Home/Components/News/News/1455/793

NAHB California and Hawaii Bulletin

NAHB California and Hawaii Leadership Bulletin March 2026

Committee Meetings

Future committee meetings are scheduled for the 4th Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. (bring your own lunch). For more information, please contact Vickie Murguia at Vickie@TheDVBA.org or (760) 776-7001.

Below are the four committees or councils the Desert Valleys Builders Association would like you to consider participating in — and leading — to help pursue your goals and support DVBA’s mission:

• Events
• Golf Classic
• Membership
• Sales and Marketing Council
• Professional Women in Building Council

Best wishes,

James Brownyard

Executive Director

Mission Statement The DVBA is an association of building industry professionals, representing all levels of the construction industry and committed to ensuring that building of all types remain vibrant and strong in our region. We are dedicated to providing excellence in community development while protecting the natural beauty of the Coachella and Imperial Valleys.



Vision Statement To be an industry sector leader and collaborative partner in the complex economic and regulatory environments of the Coachella and Imperial Valleys.

Upcoming Events

UPCOMING EVENTS: SAVE THE DATE

Thursday, May 21

Public Officials Luncheon:

Updates from
The City of Palm Springs

Speaker:

Scott Stiles

Palm Springs City Manager

Location:

Escena Golf Club & Grill

11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Thursday, May 28

Membership Dinner at

Brawley's Stockmans Club

Location:

Brawley Stockman's Club,

Brawley

Dinner

5:30. pm - 7:30 pm

Friday, August 21

14th Annual

Bowling Bash

Location:

Fantasy Family Bowling Center

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Registration Open!

Click here to register now

More information

to follow!

Invitation to Join the Professional Women in Building Council – Empowering Women in the Coachella Valley



We are excited to invite you to join the Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council, part of the Desert Valley Builders Association (DVBA). The PWB Council is a dynamic community of women who are shaping the future of the building industry right here in the Coachella Valley.

Our mission is to support, connect, and inspire women across all sectors of the building industry—from construction and architecture to design, sales, and development. As a member, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Network with accomplished professionals and industry leaders
• Participate in mentorship and leadership development programs
• Engage in meaningful community outreach and advocacy
• Contribute to initiatives that promote the advancement of women within our local building industry

By joining, you’ll be part of a powerful network that celebrates the achievements of women and provides the tools, education, and support needed to thrive in our field.

We would be honored to have you as part of our growing council. To learn more or to become a member, please contact Jill@planetsolar.com or give me a call at 760-590-3325.

We meet on the first Thursday of the month at 9:00 am at the Rancho Mirage City Hall - please join us!

Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more inclusive industry—one that reflects the incredible talent and vision of women in our community.

Warm regards,

Jill Weiss

Chair

Professional Women in Building Council

Renovate Palm Springs

A Vision Towards the Future of Palm Springs

It all started with M.O.R.E. Services.

From co-living to traditional real estate to Renovate Palm Springs, my journey has always been centered around one thing: creating better living experiences while maximizing property value.

In 2014, I began with hands-on projects—refining layouts, systems, and operations across shared living and rental models. Early on, I operated as a fully licensed, structured business—even before local regulations were clearly defined.

When a city inspector arrived to investigate, I was able to demonstrate a fully compliant operation.

That moment defined how I operate today:

Operate ahead of regulation — not behind.

From Sales to Execution

In 2019, I became a licensed real estate professional and launched Desert Premium Properties, representing buyers and sellers with a strong focus on strategy, protection, and results.

By 2023, I identified a clear opportunity in the Greater Palm Springs market: aging housing stock with strong value-add potential. This led to the creation of Renovate Palm Springs (RPS).

My first full renovation project validated the model—overseeing permitting, budgets, timelines, and execution through to resale.

Today, I operate at the intersection of real estate, construction, and market strategy.

What I Do

I work with homeowners, buyers, and investors to ensure properties are positioned correctly from day one through final sale.

• Pre-listing renovation consulting to increase resale value
• Buyer guidance on value-add opportunities
• Builder collaboration on design, finishes, and pricing
• Project oversight to protect timelines, budgets, and quality
• 

Working With Investors

Most investors don’t have a construction problem—they have a positioning and exit problem.

I work alongside investors to:

• Align design, layout, and finishes with real buyer demand
• Provide pricing and resale strategy before construction begins
• Help avoid overbuilding or misalignment with the market
• Position projects for stronger, more profitable exits

My role is to act as a bridge between construction and the market—helping ensure what gets built is what actually sells.



Current Focus

A full gut renovation of a South Palm Desert golf course property is nearing completion—demonstrating the full acquisition → execution → resale model.

Looking Ahead

I’m expanding into development and actively building relationships with local investors and partners to bring well-positioned, high-quality projects to market.

Let’s Connect

If you’re:

• A builder planning your next project
• A homeowner considering selling
• A buyer looking for the right opportunity

Let’s connect early and position it correctly from the start.

Renovate Palm Springs

760-292-3612 ▪ RenovatePS@outlook.com

Latest Industry and Legislative News

Even a new coat of paint can be costly and complicated in an 88-year-old colonial

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Homebuyer mortgage demand drops annually for the first time in over a year, as war fuels uncertainty

The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances decreased to 6.51% from 6.57% last week. Applications for a mortgage to purchase a home were 7% lower than the same week one year ago.

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California Building Industry Association Identifies 2026 Housing Killers and Housing Creators

The California Building Industry Association (CBIA) today announced its 2026 Housing Creators and Housing Killers list, highlighting key legislation currently under consideration by the California State Legislature that could either accelerate or obstruct the development of the millions of homes that California needs to address its housing shortage. 

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California Republicans caught between Trump loyalty and winning swing districts

California Republicans embrace Trump at their convention while candidates in competitive races keep him at arm’s length to win over voters.

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California’s largest and most polluted lake gets a new conservancy

California’s first new conservancy in more than 15 years will oversee restoration, manage habitat and improve air quality at the deteriorating Salton Sea

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California State Legislative Bills 
DVBA is Tracking

SB 1359, as amended, Stern. Gas Transition Responsibility and Electrification Act.

This is another bill trying to phase out the use of natural gas in our homes and businesses. This bill would require that the obligation of a gas corporation to furnish service under these provisions be interpreted consistent with the state’s greenhouse gas emission reduction mandates and policies promoting building electrification, and would authorize the commission to authorize the retirement or discontinuation of natural gas distribution infrastructure where the commission finds that continued operation is inconsistent with the public interest, as provided.

DVBA’s stance is that we need options in our energy resources. To rely strictly on the electrical grid is short-sighted. Natural gas appliances for cooking and cleaning, at home, in hospitality, and industry are often more effective and efficient. This bill wants to eliminate existing gas infrastructure to force the use of electric appliances by default. We have signed on to a coalition letter in opposition this bill.

AB 2569, as introduced, Hart. California Environmental Quality Act: natural hazards and adverse environmental conditions.

This bill would open up cities and developers to additional liabilities. We have seen people trying to sue government agencies for global warming; children trying to blame the ‘Baby Boomers’ for air pollution. These lawsuits get media attention but are difficult to substantiate. This bill would make it easier to say the government agencies and developers knowingly harmed children by building a roadway near housing. The gradual breakdown of roadway materials and car or truck tires adds to PM10 and PM2.5 in the air that may trigger asthmatic attacks and other bronchial problems.

AB 2063, as introduced, Wallis. Legislative information system: bill position letters.

The Legislative Counsel is required to produce specific information about legislative bills going through the legislative process. This bill would add the communications, whether supporting or opposing these bills, be made public through the legislative portal. This provides both the voting legislature more information, but also the affected public.

Make sure to check out the NAHB Membership Savings program for numerous discounts!

STAY CONNECTED