Good Morning Folks,

If you are in the El Centro area this morning, you should attend the Imperial County Board of Supervisors Meeting around 11am. They will be holding a public hearing regarding a lot merger necessary for a proposed nearly 1 million-square-foot data center. This could be a game-changer for a disparate community. This county is listed as having the greatest unemployment rate in California. However, there is a minority coalition wanting more, and protesting against this lot merger.


Many don’t understand what the DVBA does or what James does. He watches and comments on local and state legislation. This week, he will be attending the Study Session of the City of Cathedral City regarding their proposed fee increases, based on CPI. He is also going to the City of Brawley in two weeks regarding their increase in land use and regulatory services fees.


For proposed DVBA events, please refer to last week’s newsletter.

We have locked down May 28 at the Stockman’s Club in Brawley. This dinner will be all about the riches of the Imperial County. James calls this the place he grew up, the region, not the club.


Don’t forget our monthly Legislative Affairs Forum on the first Thursday of each month at the Rancho Mirage City Hall, front conference room. DVBA provides the Fruit and Donuts, and the City provides the Coffee. These meetings start at 7:30 am and finish before 9 am. Promptly at 9:00 am, the Professional Women in Building take over the room to discuss the ever-growing opportunities for women in careers relating to the construction industry. 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




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

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

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