Residents of Rancho Mirage are reminded of their decisive vote against the CV Link, a proposed transportation route that would have traversed the city. During the recent City Council meeting on May 1, 2025, officials reiterated that in April 2016, approximately 75-80% of voters chose not to allow the CV Link to run through their community. Concerns primarily centered around the route's impact on local businesses and residential areas, leading to the rejection of alternative proposals.
City officials emphasized that any future consideration of the CV Link would require another vote from the residents, reinforcing the principle that the community holds the power in such decisions. This clarification aims to address ongoing criticisms regarding the council's stance on the matter.
In addition to transportation discussions, the council highlighted significant progress in affordable housing initiatives. Recent collaborations with affordable housing partners have led to the approval of four projects on city-owned land, alongside one private development. These five projects are expected to contribute approximately 850 of the 1,100 income-restricted units mandated by the state, representing nearly 80% of the city's housing goals within the current eight-year housing element.
City leaders underscored the importance of affordable housing not only for economic stability—particularly for major employers like Eisenhower Medical Center—but also as a moral imperative to provide residents with secure living conditions. The council's commitment to these initiatives reflects a proactive approach to addressing community needs and fulfilling state requirements.