Who Is Gary?
Hello, I'm Gary Gardner.
I first “discovered” Desert Hot Springs about 15 years ago as an occasional snowbird from the Pacific Northwest. After I retired in 2015, I could have moved just about anywhere I wanted to live, and I CHOSE Desert Hot Springs – probably for the same reason most of you have. The small-town feel, these expansive views of our gorgeous desert, our award-winning water, the hot spring spas, the charming history, and the friendly people.
I ran and was elected to the City Council in 2018, and re-elected in 2022, after serving on the Planning Commission and chairing the Human Rights Committee. I love this city and its residents, and I want to make sure we continue along the successful path of balancing responsible growth with prudent fiscal management, and diversifying our economy while making sure our cannabis industry thrives. I’m honored to be chosen by my fellow council members to serve as the Mayor Pro Tem for the city this year.
My experiences bring a diverse skill set for public service.
I’m also fortunate to be the city representative on some very key regional government bodies as well, working to deliver for DHS. I serve as chairman of the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, the agency that develops trails and outdoor recreation opportunities and educational efforts in the desert. I also serve on the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission, the agency charged with environmental protection and conserving open space here in the valley. I’m also chair the board of Visit Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, making sure that our hotels and spas are included in regional tourism and marketing efforts, and bringing increased tourism and economic activity to Desert Hot Springs. And I also serve on the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District board, working to keep mosquitos and other vectors and the diseases they bring under control.
I’m proud of my service to our community. Since my first term, I’ve always had an open-door policy and enjoy meeting with residents. My personal cell phone number is on my city business card and on the city web page, and I’ve done my best to be a responsive council member when neighbors have brought me their concerns. Thank you for allowing me to continue to deliver for Desert Hot Springs and to make Desert Hot Springs the best place to live in Southern California.
