[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 193 (Thursday, November 12, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING DR. DAVID READY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RAUL RUIZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 12, 2020

  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.

                          ____________________