Kate Spates Announces Candidacy for Rancho Mirage City Council

From Andrea Carter & Associates: Today, Kate Spates filed Nomination Papers for Rancho Mirage City Council and announced her candidacy for the upcoming April 10, 2018 election. Kate seeks to bring a fresh perspective to the residents of Rancho Mirage propelled by the more than 30 years of experience as a local businesswoman, champion for desert charities and advisor to several key Coachella Valley institutions including the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership and College of the Desert Foundation.

Spates’ decision to run for City Council stems from a combination of her passion for community service and profound appreciation for her city. Her contributions as a Councilmember will be focused in the areas of maintaining public safety, improving emergency preparedness, attracting quality businesses and economic development while providing new arts, culture, recreation, healthy living and educational opportunities for all residents.

“I want to be a voice for all residents of Rancho Mirage, and I understand the key to that is being a good listener – which is why I will offer several ‘Meet and Greet’ events throughout my campaign,” said Spates. “I want to hear about concerns – encouraging productive discussion and debate – and I also want learn what residents love most about our premier city as well as their priorities for what they would like preserved for future generations.”

Kate has been a desert resident since 1980, when she moved to Rancho Mirage with her mother from Pleasanton, CA. She attended Nellie Coffman Middle School, graduated from Palm Springs High School, earned an A.A. degree from College of the Desert and went on to graduate with a B.A. degree from California State University, San Bernardino – Palm Desert Campus. Spates feels fortunate she was able to complete every level of her education without having to leave the Coachella Valley.

While attending college, Kate worked full-time – oftentimes juggling the responsibilities of 2-3 jobs simultaneously. She gained experience in several different areas of hospitality through her 9-year career in hotel management at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. This gave Spates a strong background in the desert’s top industry – tourism.

Fostering her entrepreneurial spirit, Spates formed an Internet company which created websites and provided digital marketing solutions for a broad range of clients. Spates received a number of awards and accolades in the business community, including being honored by the late John Benoit as ‘Small Business of the Year’ in District 64 of California – along with having the privilege of speaking at Small Business Day in Sacramento.

Following 15 successful years, she sold her business and shifted her focus to consulting and increased nonprofit work. Spates has served as an advisor, committee member and/or board member to several local organizations, including College of the Desert Foundation, Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert, United Way, Coachella Valley Economic Partnership, Desert Classic Charities/CareerBuilder Challenge, Shelter From The Storm, Women Leaders Forum of the Desert, Digicom Learning Academy, The Girlfriend Factor, California CareForce, The Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Academy of Musical Performance and Gulf-California Broadcast Company.

Spates is a mother to twin daughters, Abby and Cassidy, who attend Palm Desert High School and reside with her part-time in Rancho Mirage.

“One of the things I’m most proud of is being known for my ability to build positive relationships and cultivate consensus in the many leadership opportunities I’ve been fortunate enough to serve in over the past 3 decades here in the desert,” added Spates. “My platform is not centered around any one issue facing the City of Rancho Mirage, but rather, my belief that fresh leadership and new ideas are essential for any city or organization to achieve progress for the future. I welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with all Council peers should I be elected to serve the people of Rancho Mirage.”

The Committee to Elect Kate Spates will be hosting a kick-off event on Monday, January 22nd from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Acqua California Bistro, 71-800 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage.

For more information, go to KateSpates.com, email Kate at kate@katespates.com or call 760.503.5283. Kate Spates’ mailing address is 40101 Monterey Ave. #B1392, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270.

Photo courtesy of Andrea Carter & Associates