Special City Council Meeting | August 20, 2026

The City of Palm Springs held a special city council meeting on August 20, 2026, primarily to discuss the appointment of Jeffrey Bernstein to the District 2 city council seat and the potential cancellation of the November 3, 2026, general municipal election for that district. Since Bernstein was the only candidate nominated, the council considered whether to appoint him directly or proceed with the election, which would cost approximately $22,000. Council members debated the financial implications versus the democratic importance of allowing voters to participate, including the opportunity for write-in candidates. Ultimately, a motion was made to hold the election, emphasizing the value of voter choice and community engagement despite the additional cost. The discussion highlighted the balance between budget considerations and maintaining electoral rights, with no final vote recorded in the transcript but a clear intent to proceed with the election process.