Business, Finance & Tech
Palm Springs Names Gary Alexander Alex Cooley as New Economic Development Chief
The city of Palm Springs has selected Gary Alexander "Alex" Cooley as its next Chief Economic Development Officer, bringing in an experienced economic development professional to help guide the city's business growth and investment efforts.
Cooley is scheduled to begin his new role Dec. 7, bringing years of economic development experience from Virginia and Texas.
Most recently, Cooley served as director of business development for the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership in Virginia, where he led efforts to attract new investment and support local businesses.
In Palm Springs, Cooley says he plans to focus on expanding business opportunities, attracting new investment and supporting emerging industries.
Those priorities include technology, sustainability and the creative economy, sectors the city hopes to grow as part of its broader economic development strategy.
City leaders say Cooley's experience building relationships and partnerships will be an important asset as Palm Springs works to strengthen its local economy and attract new businesses.
Palm Springs Mayor Naomi Soto said Cooley's background in economic development and partnership building will help advance the city's economic development goals.
The appointment comes as Palm Springs continues working to create new opportunities for businesses, encourage investment and support industries that can contribute to the city's long-term economic growth.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
November 10, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
So, Madonna in the Dance Tent… were you expecting that? And who else on this lineup has your attention? 👀 #Coachella2027 #Coachella #Indio #coachellavalley
Who has the BEST cell service in the Coachella Valley? 👀 Which carrier do YOU use, and how’s your service?👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #fyp #nbcpalmsprings
Breakfast for just $1 while helping local families this holiday season! Starting Thursday, Spencer’s Restaurant in Palm Springs is offering ANY breakfast menu item for just $1, with proceeds benefiting DAP Health’s Winter Fest. The annual effort provides food, blankets and toys to families in need across the eastern Coachella Valley. Want to give a little more? The restaurant’s owner will match additional donations up to $10,000! The deal runs from 7:30–10 a.m. through November 22. Reservations are required through OpenTable. Would you take advantage of a $1 breakfast to support a great local cause? #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #DAPHealth #SpencersRestaurant #WinterFest #SupportLocal
☕️Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Are you a veteran?
Firefighters, furry friends and a great cause! Palm Springs Life magazine has teamed up with the Palm Springs Fire Department and Animal Samaritans for a new charity calendar featuring local firefighters and adorable adoptable animals. Calendars are $20, with a portion of sales benefiting the Animal Samaritans Rescue Fund and the restoration of El Diablo, a historic 1931 American fire engine. It's a great way to support two local organizations while bringing a little extra cuteness to your wall! #PalmSprings #AnimalSamaritans #PalmSpringsFireDepartment #AdoptDontShop #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings
Overriding the jury, the voters, and the families? This decision is sparking major outrage across the state. What’s your take? #therogginreport #news #trendingnews #fyp #nbcpalmsprings
The FAGE WTA Finals are bringing some of the world’s top women tennis players to the Coachella Valley — but the impact goes far beyond the court. From hotels and restaurants to local tourism and small businesses, just how much of an economic boost is this tournament bringing to the desert? @maria_nvtv is a closer look at what this international sporting event could mean for our local economy. #WTATennis #WTFinals #CoachellaValley #LocalEconomy #PalmSprings
Palm Springs Pride's theme this year was “BE INCLUDED.” So why was Code Pink told it couldn't march? For the second year in a row, the anti-war and feminist group was denied a place in the Pride Parade. Organizers say the group's message doesn't directly support the LGBTQ+ community and point to concerns raised by community members. Code Pink says its members include LGBTQ+ people and argues that exclusion goes against the spirit of Pride. After the parade ended, the group took to the route anyway. Was this a matter of protecting the purpose of Pride — or a contradiction of its message of inclusion? Where do you stand? #PalmSpringsPride #CodePink #LGBTQ #FreeSpeech #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings
Palm Springs Pride is celebrating 40 years of community and inclusion this year. And while hundreds of thousands of people painted the town rainbow, others took the occasion to protest against the exclusion of one group from the parade. Tune in to our on air newscasts at 8:30 and 11 p.m as our @newsbyalondra takes us inside the festivities and protest that took place this year.
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) John Moreno Jr. with the TFL 2) Kingston Pellum with the snag or, 3)Parker Lewis with the interception #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball