Rancho Mirage — March 9, 2026
Summary
Rancho Mirage City Council held a special meeting to approve a 16.55 megawatt power capacity allocation from the Cook Street Substation co-funded by the city, IID, Riverside County, and development partners. The additional 1.55 megawatt allocation beyond the previously approved 15 megawatts enables the city to support a medical facility project at Gerald Ford and Bob Hope, and approximately 700 units of affordable housing near the dog park. The council voted 5-0 to approve the agreement, with a total estimated cost of $9.3 million and a net general fund impact of $2-3 million after developer reimbursements.
Decisions
- Approved funding and reservation of capacity agreement for Cook Street Substation with 16.55 megawatt allocation
- Authorized City Manager or designate to execute the agreement subject to revisions approved by all parties and city attorney
Votes
Cook Street Substation Funding and Capacity Reservation Agreement - 16.55 MW AllocationApproved5-0
Dollar Figures
$9.3 millionTotal estimated agreement cost for Cook Street Substation
$2-3 millionNet anticipated impact on general fund after reimbursements and other funding sources
Policy Signals
- City prioritizing power capacity expansion to unblock stalled development projects
- Emphasis on cross-subsidy model where developers reimburse city for capacity costs
- Strategic focus on affordable housing (700 units planned) and medical facility development along Bob Hope corridor
- Expectation that additional power capacity scaling will be needed within 10-15 years
- Job creation and economic development positioned as critical municipal goals