One year later: Is Amazon delivering on its promises to Desert Hot Springs?

Raymond Kalra

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – One year after Amazon opened its massive PSP3 warehouse in Desert Hot Springs, city officials say the company has surpassed its original job creation projections, bringing thousands of employment opportunities to the Coachella Valley.

But while Amazon is celebrating job growth and employee promotions, some nearby businesses say the economic benefits haven’t been as significant as they originally anticipated.

News Channel 3 spoke with Amazon employees, site leadership, city officials and a nearby business owner to examine the impact of the facility one year later.

Amazon exceeds original hiring projections

When Amazon announced its inbound cross-dock facility in Desert Hot Springs, officials projected it could bring between 1,400 and 2,000 jobs to the area.

Now, the City of Desert Hot Springs says the facility employs approximately 2,400 people, exceeding those initial estimates.

“Amazon has not only met its original hiring goal, but it exceeded it,” said Saida Hernandez, Government Relations and Communications Manager for the City of Desert Hot Springs. “Originally, they said that it was around 1,400 to 2,000, and now it’s 2,400.”

The facility operates as an inbound cross dock, where employees receive, sort and organize inventory before sending it to Amazon fulfillment centers across the region.

City officials say the facility has helped expand employment opportunities while bringing jobs closer to home for residents who previously had to commute outside the community for work.

For Desert Hot Springs, Hernandez said the impact goes beyond employment numbers.

The city sees the facility as an important part of its broader economic development efforts, helping attract additional investment and interest in the surrounding industrial area.

More than 50 employees earn promotions

Along with job creation, Amazon is highlighting opportunities for employees to advance within the company.

According to Amazon, over 50 employees at the Desert Hot Springs facility earned promotions during its first year.

Those promotions include:

25 employees promoted to Process Assistant positions, helping oversee daily warehouse operations and train employees. 11 Process Assistants promoted to Area Manager positions. 10 Area Managers promoted to the next level of management. Three employees promoted to Operations Manager positions. Two employees promoted into Senior Operations leadership roles.

Amazon says those opportunities allow employees to move beyond entry-level positions and develop long-term careers within the company.

One employee who spoke with News Channel 3 described starting as a Tier 1 associate before advancing into operations management and eventually transitioning into a support role.

The employee said those opportunities came through learning new responsibilities, gaining experience and taking advantage of the company’s internal advancement programs.

Amazon also offers its Career Choice program, which provides eligible employees with educational opportunities and assistance pursuing additional training and career development.

During an interview with News Channel 3, site leadership emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for employees to learn different parts of the operation and pursue leadership positions.

The company says it plans to continue focusing on career development and employee growth during its second year.

Nearby restaurant owner remains optimistic about Amazon’s impact

While Amazon’s employment numbers have grown, nearby business owners are hopeful that the facility’s presence will continue creating economic opportunities throughout the community.

Patricia Salazar, who owns a family-operated restaurant near the warehouse, said she was excited when Amazon first began construction.

Her business was hired to provide food for construction workers on several occasions, giving her an early opportunity to benefit from the project.

Salazar said she had hoped to see more restaurant traffic following Amazon’s opening and remains optimistic about opportunities for local businesses to benefit from the facility’s presence in the community.

Her family also operates a nearby tire shop, which she said has experienced some additional customer traffic.

Despite restaurant visits being lower than she initially anticipated, Salazar views Amazon’s arrival as a positive development for Desert Hot Springs.

She hopes continued development in the surrounding area will attract more customers and create additional opportunities for local businesses.

City points to new development and community partnerships

Desert Hot Springs officials say Amazon has also helped generate additional interest in developing the city’s industrial area.

Hernandez told News Channel 3 that the warehouse helped establish momentum for further investment, including interest in a Hampton Inn, a Starbucks and additional logistics facilities.

The city views that growth as an opportunity to create more jobs and expand economic activity beyond Amazon’s warehouse.

Hernandez also said the city did not provide financial incentives or infrastructure investments specifically to support the Amazon project, instead assisting through the planning and development process.

Beyond employment and development, city officials highlighted Amazon’s involvement with local nonprofits and community organizations.

Hernandez said the company has participated in food distribution efforts, supported programs at local senior centers and helped sponsor community events.

Amazon employees also described partnerships with local organizations, including food assistance programs and the Desert Hot Springs Senior Center.

City officials say those partnerships are another way the company is contributing to the community.

Hernandez said the city hopes Amazon will continue supporting local organizations and expanding its presence as an employer and community partner.

Looking ahead to year two

As Amazon marks its first anniversary in Desert Hot Springs, the company is celebrating its workforce and the employees who have advanced into new positions.

Site leadership told News Channel 3 that continuing to create employment opportunities, support employee development and strengthen community partnerships will remain priorities.

For the city, the next chapter includes building on the development interest surrounding the warehouse and attracting additional businesses to the area.

For nearby business owners like Salazar, the hope is that continued growth will translate into more customers and increased economic activity.

One year later, the City of Desert Hot Springs says Amazon has exceeded its original employment projections.

But the experiences of surrounding businesses show that the benefits of a major development are not necessarily felt equally across the community.

As additional projects take shape, residents and local business owners will be watching to see how that growth translates into long-term economic opportunities throughout Desert Hot Springs.

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