In a special closed session meeting this afternoon, (10/3) The Desert Hot Springs City Council voted to hire Frank Luckino, the current City Manager for Twentynine Palms as their new City Manager effective November 6, 2023.
That appointment was publicly announced at the opening of the Desert Hot Springs City Council regular session at 6:00 pm tonight. Luckino will formally resign from his Twentynine Palms position tomorrow, Wednesday, October 4, to be effective October 31.
In an interview with Z107.7 News Luckino said the move was a great opportunity for his career and his family. He said, quote – “I am excited about it, I will be moving on a bigger city, a better salary, and it is what is best for my family.” Luckino Was the City Manager for Blythe before being hired at Twentynine Palms in March of 2015. Prior to that he had positions with the Hi-Desert Water District and Copper Mountain College. Luckino and his wife Shannon will still reside in Yucca Valley. Prior to his move to the Morongo Basin, Luckino was the controller for Planet Hollywood from 1994-97.
Luckino is credited with being a principal in the revitalization of the Twentynine Palms Downtown area, serving through the creation, financing, and subsequent construction of Freedom Plaza, formerly Project Phoenix.
