Rancho Mirage council approves annexation for Global Wildlife Discovery Museum project

Rancho Mirage city council members voted unanimously on Feb. 19 to adopt a resolution approving Annexation 204 into Community Facilities District No. 1, the final step in the city's annexation process for the preliminary development plan PDP25‑3 for a proposed Global Wildlife Discovery Museum.

Jacob Veil Cruz, a city financial analyst, told the council the annexation territory consists of three parcels totaling approximately 6.76 acres located on Highway 111 south of the Atrium Shopping Center. He said two parcels (those with parcel numbers ending in 023 and 028) changed ownership on Feb. 13, when they were purchased by RSH Ralph Properties LLC; staff reissued ballots to the new owners and timely received them for today's special election. Ballots received were unanimous in favor of annexation, with the clerk reporting votes cast in favor equaled 100% of ballots returned.

Following no public testimony on the hearing, Council member Downs moved to adopt the resolution calling the special election, declaring results, approving the annexation, and directing recordation of an amendment to the notice of special tax lien. The motion was seconded and passed 5–0.

Why it matters: Annexation into the city's Community Facilities District establishes the territory for a special‑tax lien and clears a procedural step that permits financing or special tax mechanisms associated with future development. The parcel ownership change required staff to reissue ballots; staff confirmed those ballots were returned in time.

Next steps: The council directed recording of the amendment to the notice of special tax lien and implementation of the annexation; further entitlements, environmental reviews, and project approvals will follow the city's development and permitting process.