Recognizing Dr. David Ready

Floor Speech

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Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize my constituent, Palm Springs City Manager Dr. David Ready and congratulate him on his retirement after 35 years of work in local government.

For the last 20 years, Dr. Ready has worked tirelessly to rebuild Palm Springs' reputation as a world-renowned tourism destination, leading the city into an unprecedented economic renaissance. During his tenure as city manager, Palm Springs' sales tax revenues have increased five times, the city has developed 50 neighborhood organizations, and the downtown area has been completely revitalized.

Beyond managing a city budget of $291 million, Dr. Ready has also ensured that Palm Springs can provide higher-quality services for its residents. Streets and parks are continually improving, historic sites are being preserved, and Palm Springs continues to house its own police department and animal shelter. Further, Dr. Ready's crucial role in developing air service has brought in tremendous revenue from the Palm Springs Airport.

Dr. Ready's leadership has guided Palm Springs through some of its toughest times, including this year's pandemic. When facing a forecasted decrease in tax revenue this year, Dr. Ready worked diligently with the city council to turn a projected deficit of $15.5 million into a much smaller $1.2 million. The city is adapting to COVID-19, and we have Dr. Ready's guidance to thank.

Dr. Ready is the longest-serving city manager in the Coachella Valley, and the only city manager in the United States with both a law and doctorate degree. His education has served him well and will continue to guide him as he pursues public administration academic research post-retirement.

Dr. Ready's work has truly been tireless, and he leaves behind a booming Palm Springs that has become revitalized in his hands. He says of his work, ``We never lost our focus on how to provide the best services to our community, how to build our economy, how to provide what our community needs.'' This focus has paid off, and Dr. Ready's legacy will last for generations to come.

On behalf of California's 36th Congressional District, I thank Dr. Ready for his incredible service. I am thrilled to join the City of Palm Springs in celebrating his well-deserved retirement.

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