Amy Blaisdell
Chief Communications Officer
City of Palm Springs
(760) 323-8250
City of Palm Springs Fulfills $5.9 Million Settlement Payment to Section 14 Survivors and Descendants
October 7, 2025
The City of Palm Springs would like to inform the community that it has fulfilled the payment terms of its settlement with the survivors and descendants of Section 14 by transferring $5.9 million to their legal representatives. This payment marks the completion of the City’s financial commitment to the agreement approved by the City Council in November 2024.
The 2024 settlement resolved decades-old claims related to actions involving the redevelopment of Section 14 during the 1950s and 1960s. The comprehensive agreement provides direct financial compensation, housing and business investment programs, and cultural initiatives that honor the legacy of the Section 14 community and represent a continued step toward reconciliation.
Under the terms of the agreement:
The City Council approved $5.9 million in direct financial compensation for eligible survivors and descendants. The payment was contingent upon receipt of at least 1,200 signed legal waivers. As of October 6, nearly 1,500 release/waivers have been received by the City.
- The City Council voted to authorize the named claimant representing survivors and descendants and their attorneys the disbursement of individual payments once the required waivers were received. As with all settlements of claims or litigation, the City does not get involved in how the claimants and their attorneys share in the proceeds.
- The settlement also includes $20 million in affordable housing programs to be implemented over the next decade, prioritizing access for former Section 14 families, along with $1 million in small-business support to strengthen economic opportunity in Palm Springs.
- The City remains committed to establishing a public memorial and dedicating a future park to honor the families of Section 14.
- In addition, the agreement provides that the City will offer support for a potential Section 14 Cultural and Racial Healing Center, which may include letters of support. The City is not obligated to fund any such center but remains committed to helping community-led efforts succeed.
The City’s comprehensive reconciliation initiatives — including the settlement payment, housing programs, business support, and forthcoming cultural memorial — represent an ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion for all residents.
“The City approached this settlement with care, transparency, and respect for everyone involved, said City Manager Scott Stiles. “Our goal from the beginning has been to resolve these longstanding claims in a way that is fair, equitable and with a focus on healing and progress.”
CLARIFYING THE TERMS OF THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT FOLLOWING AN INITIAL RELEASE BY SECTION 14 ATTORNEY AREVA MARTIN, WHICH INCORRECTLY STATED THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE AGREEMENT AS $27 MILLION
The City of Palm Springs wishes to clarify the terms of its final settlement agreement with former residents of Section 14 and their descendants, following an initial release by Section 14 attorney Areva Martin, which INCORRECTLY stated the total value of the agreement as $27 million. The City Council's agreement with the claimants includes a direct financial settlement of $5.9 million, designated specifically for compensation of verified former residents of Section 14 and their descendants. The remainder of the funding initiatives for housing and economic development—valued at $21 million—are broader community programs and are not legally tied to the settlement agreement.
As part of the City’s broader commitment to restorative justice, these housing and economic development initiatives are intended to serve the entire Palm Springs community, with designated outreach efforts to ensure that the former residents of Section 14 and their descendants have access to these programs. These programs, including housing support and small business grants, are independently funded by the City not through the general fund and structured to address longstanding economic disparities but are not legally bound within the settlement terms.
Settlement Agreement Details:
- $5.91 Million Cash Settlement: Direct financial compensation for verified survivors and descendants of Section 14 in exchange for written waivers/releases from over 1,200 former Section 14 residents and descendants.
Cultural and Memorial Initiatives:
- The City has committed to exploring the renaming of a community park when new parks come online and establishing a public monument to honor the legacy of Section 14 residents. The City would support a racial healing center driven by the former residents of Section 14 by letters of support, but no land or location has been agreed upon. Additionally, the City has not agreed to convey any land for such purposes.
Housing and Economic Development Initiatives (Not part of the legal settlement)
- $20 Million in Housing Programs (Not Part of the Legal Settlement): These citywide programs include $10 million for a First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program and $10 million for the establishment of a Community Land Trust, with prioritized outreach for Section 14 families. This is to be paid from funds that have previously been designated to be set aside by the City Council, from transient occupancy tax sources, for housing programs.
- $1 Million Small Business Support (Not Part of the Legal Settlement): Through partnership with Caravanserai Project, this program aims to empower local business initiatives for marginalized communities, with a targeted outreach effort for the former residents of Section 14 and their descendants.
The City Council will address and vote on the final settlement offer and the outlined housing and economic development programs at the upcoming City Council meeting on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, where additional details will be provided for public clarity.
The City of Palm Springs appreciates the public's continued engagement and encourages attendance at the council meeting on Nov. 14, which will offer a detailed presentation and allow for community input.
BREAKING NEWS: FORMER RESIDENTS TO SECTION 14 ACCEPT CITY'S $5.9 MILLION FINAL OFFER
Council to vote on settlement offer and bold economic development initiatives at public meeting set for Nov. 14
November 13, 2024
The Palm Springs City Council is announcing today that the former residents of Section 14 have accepted the City’s final offer of $5.9 million -- and will discuss the settlement offer which also includes moving forward with substantial housing and economic development initiatives to benefit Palm Springs residents. The initiatives include a range of investments that will strengthen the city’s commitment to equitable growth, with a significant emphasis on housing accessibility and business support for marginalized communities.
In April, the City Council approved a comprehensive settlement package aimed at addressing historical injustices for the former residents of Section 14 and their descendants. As part of that settlement, the council approved an initial cash settlement of $4.3 million, which was then increased to $5.9 million last Thursday. This increase reflects updated information that an estimated 197 homes were involved in the original abatements, up from the previous 145 homes identified.
The resolution of the claim includes:
- $5.91 Million Cash Settlement: Compensation based on current valuations of personal property losses, to be distributed to verified former residents of Section 14 and descendants.
Cultural and Memorial Initiatives
- $20 Million in Housing Programs: Over ten years, from funds already set aside for housing opportunities, these programs aim to provide affordable homeownership for first-time buyers and establish a Community Land Trust for low-income residents, with priority access for the former residents of Section 14 and descendants.
- $1 Million for Small Business Support: A partnership with the Caravanserai Project will provide grants and low-interest loans to promote economic empowerment for disadvantaged groups, with dedicated outreach to the former residents of Section 14 and descendants.
- Cultural Initiatives to Honor Section 14’s Legacy: Plans for a Section 14 memorial monument and naming rights for future public parks when they come online.
"The City Council is deeply gratified that that the former residents of Section 14 have agreed to accept what we believe is a fair and just settlement offer,” said Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein. “The City Council has always respected the historical significance of Section 14 and with this resolution of the claim which includes $20 million in housing programs and $1 million in business support we are taking bold and important action that will create lasting benefits for our entire community while providing programs that prioritize support for the former residents of Section 14."
The Palm Springs City Council will discuss and vote on the settlement offer in detail at its upcoming City Council meeting on Thursday, Nov. 14.
Thursday’s meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Palm Springs City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. Residents and stakeholders are invited to attend and public comment is encouraged. In addition, the meeting will be available to watch live online at palmspringsca.gov, on You Tube, or on Palm Springs Community Television Channel 17.
On Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, the City of Palm Springs released key findings from the "Section 14 Historical Context Study," a comprehensive report prepared by Southern California consultant Architectural Resources Group (ARG) at the request of the Palm Springs City Council. ARG was specifically selected by the City due to their extensive experience overseeing similar successful studies with other municipalities including Los Angeles, Pasadena, West Hollywood, and Culver City.
The study represents a significant step in addressing and understanding the historical impact of actions that led to the displacement of Section 14 residents during the mid-20th century.
SECTION 14 HISTORICAL CONTEXT STUDY
The City of Palm Springs hired Architectural Resources Group (ARG) to research and analyze the facts surrounding the complex history of Section 14.
REVISED SECTION 14 HISTORICAL CONTEXT STUDY
SECTION 14 HISTORICAL CONTEXT STUDY
The City of Palm Springs invites residents and stakeholders to learn more about the history and facts surrounding Section 14. See below fact sheets and a review of historic City documents:
Fact Sheet - History of Section 14
Fact Sheet - Significance of Section 14 and FAQs
Fact Sheet - Palm Springs Equity Efforts Timeline
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD: SECTION 14 Historical Slide Deck
Click HERE to download Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein’s statement about the City’s recent Section 14 efforts.
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Health & Sanitation Reports, 1933 - 1936
Report of Special Committee on Indian Affairs, March 18, 1948
Section 14 Map, November 1948
Section 14 Abatement Chronology, Sept. 1965 - Dec. 1967
Section 14 Abatements, Phase 1
Section 14 Abatements, Phase 2
Section 14 Abatements, Phase 3
Section 14 Abatements, Phase 4
Section 14 Abatements, Phase 5
Section 14 Abatements, Phase 6
Section 14 Demolition & Hauling Costs
Section 14 Updates to City Manager, 1967 - 1968
Joe H. Leonard and Virginia B. Leonard vs. City of Palm Springs (property owner: Dora Prieto). Suit filed Dec. 12, 1967; Trial Date: May 9, 1968; Court Decision: July 5, 1968
Amy Blaisdell
Chief Communications Officer
City of Palm Springs
(760) 323-8250
City of Palm Springs Fulfills $5.9 Million Settlement Payment to Section 14 Survivors and Descendants
October 7, 2025
The City of Palm Springs would like to inform the community that it has fulfilled the payment terms of its settlement with the survivors and descendants of Section 14 by transferring $5.9 million to their legal representatives. This payment marks the completion of the City’s financial commitment to the agreement approved by the City Council in November 2024.
The 2024 settlement resolved decades-old claims related to actions involving the redevelopment of Section 14 during the 1950s and 1960s. The comprehensive agreement provides direct financial compensation, housing and business investment programs, and cultural initiatives that honor the legacy of the Section 14 community and represent a continued step toward reconciliation.
Under the terms of the agreement:
The City Council approved $5.9 million in direct financial compensation for eligible survivors and descendants. The payment was contingent upon receipt of at least 1,200 signed legal waivers. As of October 6, nearly 1,500 release/waivers have been received by the City.
- The City Council voted to authorize the named claimant representing survivors and descendants and their attorneys the disbursement of individual payments once the required waivers were received. As with all settlements of claims or litigation, the City does not get involved in how the claimants and their attorneys share in the proceeds.
- The settlement also includes $20 million in affordable housing programs to be implemented over the next decade, prioritizing access for former Section 14 families, along with $1 million in small-business support to strengthen economic opportunity in Palm Springs.
- The City remains committed to establishing a public memorial and dedicating a future park to honor the families of Section 14.
- In addition, the agreement provides that the City will offer support for a potential Section 14 Cultural and Racial Healing Center, which may include letters of support. The City is not obligated to fund any such center but remains committed to helping community-led efforts succeed.
The City’s comprehensive reconciliation initiatives — including the settlement payment, housing programs, business support, and forthcoming cultural memorial — represent an ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion for all residents.
“The City approached this settlement with care, transparency, and respect for everyone involved, said City Manager Scott Stiles. “Our goal from the beginning has been to resolve these longstanding claims in a way that is fair, equitable and with a focus on healing and progress.”
CLARIFYING THE TERMS OF THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT FOLLOWING AN INITIAL RELEASE BY SECTION 14 ATTORNEY AREVA MARTIN, WHICH INCORRECTLY STATED THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE AGREEMENT AS $27 MILLION
The City of Palm Springs wishes to clarify the terms of its final settlement agreement with former residents of Section 14 and their descendants, following an initial release by Section 14 attorney Areva Martin, which INCORRECTLY stated the total value of the agreement as $27 million. The City Council's agreement with the claimants includes a direct financial settlement of $5.9 million, designated specifically for compensation of verified former residents of Section 14 and their descendants. The remainder of the funding initiatives for housing and economic development—valued at $21 million—are broader community programs and are not legally tied to the settlement agreement.
As part of the City’s broader commitment to restorative justice, these housing and economic development initiatives are intended to serve the entire Palm Springs community, with designated outreach efforts to ensure that the former residents of Section 14 and their descendants have access to these programs. These programs, including housing support and small business grants, are independently funded by the City not through the general fund and structured to address longstanding economic disparities but are not legally bound within the settlement terms.
Settlement Agreement Details:
- $5.91 Million Cash Settlement: Direct financial compensation for verified survivors and descendants of Section 14 in exchange for written waivers/releases from over 1,200 former Section 14 residents and descendants.
Cultural and Memorial Initiatives:
- The City has committed to exploring the renaming of a community park when new parks come online and establishing a public monument to honor the legacy of Section 14 residents. The City would support a racial healing center driven by the former residents of Section 14 by letters of support, but no land or location has been agreed upon. Additionally, the City has not agreed to convey any land for such purposes.
Housing and Economic Development Initiatives (Not part of the legal settlement)
- $20 Million in Housing Programs (Not Part of the Legal Settlement): These citywide programs include $10 million for a First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program and $10 million for the establishment of a Community Land Trust, with prioritized outreach for Section 14 families. This is to be paid from funds that have previously been designated to be set aside by the City Council, from transient occupancy tax sources, for housing programs.
- $1 Million Small Business Support (Not Part of the Legal Settlement): Through partnership with Caravanserai Project, this program aims to empower local business initiatives for marginalized communities, with a targeted outreach effort for the former residents of Section 14 and their descendants.
The City Council will address and vote on the final settlement offer and the outlined housing and economic development programs at the upcoming City Council meeting on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, where additional details will be provided for public clarity.
The City of Palm Springs appreciates the public's continued engagement and encourages attendance at the council meeting on Nov. 14, which will offer a detailed presentation and allow for community input.
BREAKING NEWS: FORMER RESIDENTS TO SECTION 14 ACCEPT CITY'S $5.9 MILLION FINAL OFFER
Council to vote on settlement offer and bold economic development initiatives at public meeting set for Nov. 14
November 13, 2024
The Palm Springs City Council is announcing today that the former residents of Section 14 have accepted the City’s final offer of $5.9 million -- and will discuss the settlement offer which also includes moving forward with substantial housing and economic development initiatives to benefit Palm Springs residents. The initiatives include a range of investments that will strengthen the city’s commitment to equitable growth, with a significant emphasis on housing accessibility and business support for marginalized communities.
In April, the City Council approved a comprehensive settlement package aimed at addressing historical injustices for the former residents of Section 14 and their descendants. As part of that settlement, the council approved an initial cash settlement of $4.3 million, which was then increased to $5.9 million last Thursday. This increase reflects updated information that an estimated 197 homes were involved in the original abatements, up from the previous 145 homes identified.
The resolution of the claim includes:
- $5.91 Million Cash Settlement: Compensation based on current valuations of personal property losses, to be distributed to verified former residents of Section 14 and descendants.
Cultural and Memorial Initiatives
- $20 Million in Housing Programs: Over ten years, from funds already set aside for housing opportunities, these programs aim to provide affordable homeownership for first-time buyers and establish a Community Land Trust for low-income residents, with priority access for the former residents of Section 14 and descendants.
- $1 Million for Small Business Support: A partnership with the Caravanserai Project will provide grants and low-interest loans to promote economic empowerment for disadvantaged groups, with dedicated outreach to the former residents of Section 14 and descendants.
- Cultural Initiatives to Honor Section 14’s Legacy: Plans for a Section 14 memorial monument and naming rights for future public parks when they come online.
"The City Council is deeply gratified that that the former residents of Section 14 have agreed to accept what we believe is a fair and just settlement offer,” said Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein. “The City Council has always respected the historical significance of Section 14 and with this resolution of the claim which includes $20 million in housing programs and $1 million in business support we are taking bold and important action that will create lasting benefits for our entire community while providing programs that prioritize support for the former residents of Section 14."
The Palm Springs City Council will discuss and vote on the settlement offer in detail at its upcoming City Council meeting on Thursday, Nov. 14.
Thursday’s meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Palm Springs City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. Residents and stakeholders are invited to attend and public comment is encouraged. In addition, the meeting will be available to watch live online at palmspringsca.gov, on You Tube, or on Palm Springs Community Television Channel 17.
On Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, the City of Palm Springs released key findings from the "Section 14 Historical Context Study," a comprehensive report prepared by Southern California consultant Architectural Resources Group (ARG) at the request of the Palm Springs City Council. ARG was specifically selected by the City due to their extensive experience overseeing similar successful studies with other municipalities including Los Angeles, Pasadena, West Hollywood, and Culver City.
The study represents a significant step in addressing and understanding the historical impact of actions that led to the displacement of Section 14 residents during the mid-20th century.
SECTION 14 HISTORICAL CONTEXT STUDY
The City of Palm Springs hired Architectural Resources Group (ARG) to research and analyze the facts surrounding the complex history of Section 14.
REVISED SECTION 14 HISTORICAL CONTEXT STUDY
SECTION 14 HISTORICAL CONTEXT STUDY
The City of Palm Springs invites residents and stakeholders to learn more about the history and facts surrounding Section 14. See below fact sheets and a review of historic City documents:
Fact Sheet - History of Section 14
Fact Sheet - Significance of Section 14 and FAQs
Fact Sheet - Palm Springs Equity Efforts Timeline
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD: SECTION 14 Historical Slide Deck
Click HERE to download Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein’s statement about the City’s recent Section 14 efforts.
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Health & Sanitation Reports, 1933 - 1936
Report of Special Committee on Indian Affairs, March 18, 1948
Section 14 Map, November 1948
Section 14 Abatement Chronology, Sept. 1965 - Dec. 1967
Section 14 Abatements, Phase 1
Section 14 Abatements, Phase 2
Section 14 Abatements, Phase 3
Section 14 Abatements, Phase 4
Section 14 Abatements, Phase 5
Section 14 Abatements, Phase 6
Section 14 Demolition & Hauling Costs
Section 14 Updates to City Manager, 1967 - 1968
Joe H. Leonard and Virginia B. Leonard vs. City of Palm Springs (property owner: Dora Prieto). Suit filed Dec. 12, 1967; Trial Date: May 9, 1968; Court Decision: July 5, 1968
