One of the most exciting programs ever undertaken by Cathedral City is about to get underway.

The "Cathedral City Economic Stimulus Program" was approved by the City Council, operating as the Redevelopment Agency Board, in April. The RDA is entirely separate from the City's General Fund operations such as Police, Fire and other essential services. Monies were redirected from a moribund Street Facade Improvement program towards this immediate and urgently needed stimulus package. For our City's new car dealerships, this means a greatly expanded ability to attract customers via promotions funded both by the City and the dealerships themselves. Much of the City's General Fund (which supports Police, Fire, etc.) is derived from auto sales taxes.

What this means for local merchants
Beginning June 1, each new or used car sale at participating dealers will include the added bonus of $100 in "Cathedral City Bucks" -- coupons redeemable at participating merchants "same as cash." Merchants then redeem these for payment by check from City Hall.

There is no cost to register for this program, which any merchant in Cathedral City may do by contacting the Chamber. More details will be provided by the Chamber as soon as all aspects of the program are finalized. It is anticipated that a minimum of $50,000 will flow to local businesses from this program during the summer months, which should leverage an even greater amount of spending.