Coachella Today

City of Indian Wells issued the following announcement on Dec. 11.

The City of Indian Wells continues to strive to create economic opportunities by implementing an Economic Development Division with Management Analyst Kristen Nelson as the lead. The creation of the division was spearheaded by City Manager Chris Freeland in an effort to generate more focused strategies toward the City’s growth and assist businesses with attraction, expansion and retention. When Freeland came to the City in 2019, he brought significant experience in leading development projects and this division was one of his first initiatives.

“Building up the City’s economic opportunities and recovering from a worldwide pandemic are hefty missions to take on that require devoted time and work,” said Freeland. “The City of Indian Wells is committed to enhancing its high quality of living and one of the ways we work toward that mission is by dedicating a division to our economic development. With Kristen’s strong understanding of the City as a whole, this division is on track to improve our efforts toward strengthening Indian Wells’ economic position.”

Nelson has been with Indian Wells since January 2016, previously as the Senior Executive Assistant to the City Manager. Her experience in the private sector includes contracts and legal services and office and records management. She plans to utilize her skills of organization, communication and transparency as she transitions into this new position and division.

“Indian Wells is constantly looking at ways to ensure that residents and visitors are informed about what’s happening in the community and economic development efforts will be no different,” said Nelson. “Staying organized and providing information to the community on a regular basis ensures that everyone is aware of the progress we’re making, especially as we look at COVID-19 recovery.”

As the City looks into opportunities to grow, it continues to adhere to the best interest of residents and boost its standing as a premiere resort destination. The Economic Development Division aims to create policies that help businesses continue to draw in visitors and remain afloat and ease the process for new businesses to move in, such as reviewing the permit and development processes. The City is already updating its General Plan and evaluating the feasibility of an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) to prepare for future infrastructure maintenance.

“We must look at ways to make Indian Wells as business-friendly as possible so that when recovery begins, we’re there to make it a smooth process for existing and future businesses to call Indian Wells home,” Nelson explained. “We have already adjusted guidelines for local restaurants' use of outdoor space when they are allowed to do so under state guidance. We are also proud to be partnering with the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce to ensure that our businesses have access to needed resources.”

Additional details on the Economic Development Division can be found on the department’s webpage. This site will be continuously updated as more information becomes available. 

Original source can be found here.