Rancho Mirage — January 16, 2026
Summary
Rancho Mirage City Council held its January 15, 2026 regular meeting with all five members present. The council unanimously approved all agenda items including recognition of Ritz-Carlton staff for lifesaving actions, adoption of the Historic Resources Survey Update, designation of a 1974 Stan Ellen Sackley-designed residence at 70641 Tamarisk Lane as historic, and approval of the Global Wildlife Discovery Museum with a 21,967 sq ft building on Highway 111 featuring 10,000 specimens with $16 million in funding committed. Council discussed 2026 priorities including public safety funding sustainability, affordable housing goals (250 units remaining), economic development master plan implementation, and Highway 111 cultural corridor development.
Decisions
- Adopted Ordinance No. 1233 (2nd Reading) approving Tenth Amendment to Development Agreement for Ritz Carlton Residences Project
- Approved December 18, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
- Adopted Resolution No. 2026-01 approving Calendar Year 2026 Salary Schedule
- Approved contracts and demands as presented
- Adopted Resolution No. 2026-02 approving Historic Resources Survey Update with authorization for staff to make minor revisions
- Adopted Resolution No. 2026-03 designating residential home at 70641 Tamarisk Lane as Historic Resource
- Adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration (SCH#2025100436) and approved Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP25-0003 for Global Wildlife Discovery Museum
- Approved Annexation of 6.76 acres to Community Facilities District No. 1 for Global Wildlife Discovery Museum
Votes
Recognition of Lifesaving Actions by Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage StaffApproved5/0
Consent Calendar (A-F)Approved5/0
Development Agreement Amendment No. DA21-0002 for Ritz Carlton Residences ProjectApproved5/0
Historic Resources Survey UpdateApproved5/0
Historic Preservation Case No. HP25-0006 – Tamarisk Lane DesignationApproved5/0
Environmental Assessment Case No. EA25-0003 and Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP25-0003 – Global Wildlife Discovery MuseumApproved5/0
Intention to Annex Territory to Community Facilities District No. 1Approved5/0
Award of Contract for Roadway and Sand Fence ImprovementsApproved5/0
Dollar Figures
$16 millionAnticipated construction cost for Global Wildlife Discovery Museum shell
$8 millionGrant approved by SEAG and Riverside County Transportation Commission for signal synchronization program
$15Discount on early entry tickets for Passion4Pinot event for Rancho Mirage residents (promotional code RM26)
Policy Signals
- Rancho Mirage prioritizes public safety funding while managing revenue constraints; council aims to maintain current service levels within budget constraints in 2026.
- Affordable housing focus includes seniors, veterans, and workforce housing for hospitality and hospital employees; 850 of 1,100 required units entitled (80% completion on housing element cycle).
- Economic development strategy advancing through master plan implementation including Highway 111 specific plan modernization and wireless infrastructure expansion.
- Historic preservation integration into broader city identity with updated Historic Resources Survey enabling identification of significant mid-century properties.
- Cultural corridor development along Highway 111 connecting amphitheater, library, observatory, and museum to enhance visitor experience and economic vitality.
- Fiscal responsibility maintained as core principle alongside service delivery and business community partnerships.
- Museum operations subject to director hiring and ongoing educational programming to maintain visitor engagement and fresh exhibits.
- Partnerships with external agencies (CAVAG, CVWD, IID, County) to share infrastructure costs and advance regional projects.