The City of Coachella is an progressive, service-oriented and responsive partner to businesses. The Economic Development program's staff facilitates the retention, growth, and expansion of businesses by communicating and providing business-friendly programs and services that are aimed toward a balanced economy, a net increase in city revenues and a positive city image.

Coachella, now over 43,000, saw its population double between 2000 and 2010, and is continuing to be one of the fastest growing municipalities in California.  With the famous music festivals nearby, Coachella has also seen its name recognition and profile grow exponentially over the last decade.

Known as the City of Eternal Sunshine that has a small town atmosphere, but big city advantages, Coachella was initially founded in 1876 as Woodspur.  Renamed in 1901, it was incorporated in 1946 and is the Valley’s farthest city to the east.  Its border extends partially up the easternmost hills mountain range known as the Chocolate Mountains.

Here, 98% of the population is Hispanic, 70% of the land is still virgin territory, and family values and agriculture are vital threads of the community’s fabric.  A booming 95% of the country’s dates are produced in Coachella and its neighboring communities. Other important crops include grapes, citrus, corn, artichokes, peppers, carrots and myriad of other row crops.  The Coachella Grapefruit is named after the city, and was at one time so crucial to its economy  that the portion of Highway 111 running through town is known as Grapefruit Boulevard.

Perhaps this abundance of fresh produce is why Coachella is home to some of the most delicious and authentic Mexican fare, as evidenced by the long lines at restaurants such La Cazuela, Jalisco’s, Las Flores,  Sol Sports Restaurant, and Mariscos El Capitan.

Coachella is becoming known as a local for entertainment, with Spotlight 29 Casino, Augustine  Casinos and Fantasy Springs Casino all bordering city limits, offering a wide array of gaming options and stellar live performances throughout the year.  Additionally, four vital fiestas are held here annually. Cinco de Mayo (a tribute to Mexican culture and pride) on May 5; Fiestas Patrias or “El Grito”, which celebrates Mexico’s independence from Spain,  on September 16;  each second Saturday of December the evening Coachella Christmas Parade; and every December 12, the Virgin of Guadalupe (patron saint of Mexico) is honored.

One little-known fact is that Ernie Ball/Music Man—the 50 plus year old company and venerable maker of guitars, basses, and strings, —creates all of its strings in Coachella and ships them to over 200 countries  worldwide.