Economic Report: Rancho Mirage Expands Affordable Housing and Green Energy Programs

Sponsored, Vision

The City of Rancho Mirage embraces the future with new affordable housing, clean energy, innovative healthcare, and inclusivity.

by | Nov 8, 2025

Rosette Apartments will become a vibrant, affordable midcentury/desert modern-style multifamily community with 15 two-story tuck-under apartment buildings.
Photo Courtesy Rosette apartments

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Set in front of a stunning mountain backdrop, the winsome city of Rancho Mirage is a dazzling blend of natural beauty, rich history, and thoughtful progress. Home to world-renowned resorts and club life, this sweet spot of the California desert offers not only a serene destination for leisure and luxury but also a viable place to live and work. Embracing a future of sustainability, health, and opportunity, the city balances its storied past with ambitious plans for inclusivity and growth, ensuring it remains a captivating destination.

The city’s proactive approach includes expanding housing to accommodate the workforce and seniors, a variety of energy-efficiency measures, and support for small businesses.

Rancho Mirage recently became one of the first cities in the Coachella Valley to earn Housing Element certification from the California Department of Housing and Community Development and is already fueling significant and equitable housing initiatives in the city.

“Every step we take, from expanding affordable housing to strengthening infrastructure, ensures Rancho Mirage remains an exceptional place to call home,” says Mayor Ted Weill.

Five housing projects are underway, adding nearly 900 units, many earmarked for workforce, senior, and veteran residents. These include Catana, Rosette Apartments, and The Crossings at Peterson. The city’s commitment to both affluence and affordability earned nine Gold Nugget Awards at this year’s Pacific Coast Builders Conference in Anaheim — an exceptional number of accolades for a city the size of Rancho Mirage. Cotino, the highly anticipated Storyliving by Disney community, received multiple honors.


MAYOR: Ted Weill
MAYOR PRO TEM: Lynn Mallotto
COUNCIL MEMBERS: Michael O’Keefe, Eve Fromberg Edelstein, Steve Downs
YEAR INCORPORATED: 1973


Eco-Friendly Rebates for Residents

Rancho Mirage supports eco-conscious living through resident rebate programs offered by the Rancho Mirage Energy Authority (RMEA). These programs are designed to reduce energy waste, lower utility bills, and accelerate the shift to clean, renewable energy.

The Residential Energy Efficiency Program offers rebates of up to $5,500 for home upgrades such as insulation, duct sealing, heat pump water heaters, and high-efficiency appliances. The Battery Program Residential Resiliency Battery Program provides up to $1,650 to install a home energy storage system, while the ChargeUp Rancho Mirage EV Charger Rebate offers up to $550 toward the installation of a Level 2 home EV charger. Additionally, residents who choose Green Choice, the 100 percent clean energy option, receive a 10 percent rebate.

Catana will feature 94 affordable units.

Rendering courtesy catana

“With key city facilities powered by 100 percent renewable energy since 2018 and an electric fleet replacing older vehicles, Rancho Mirage is now fully powered by renewable energy, says Jessica Pulliam, the city’s deputy of sustainability. “These rebates empower residents to be part of that progress and help build a cleaner, more sustainable community. Through solar incentives and EV infrastructure, we’re shaping a sustainable community.”

Additionally, the city is investing approximately $6 million to support the construction of an Imperial Irrigation District substation to power three new housing developments located near the Rancho Mirage Dog Park at Key Largo Avenue and Via Vail.


CITY STATS

Total Population
17,265

Median Age
66.7

Population Growth Rate (2025-2030)
0.33%

Bachelor’s & Graduate/Professional Degree
50.3%

Average Household Income
$167,773
The average HHI for the entire Coachella Valley is $128,536. The average HHI for  Riverside County is $112,611.

Median Net Worth
$1,060,980

Average Disposable Income
$121,986

Total Housing Units
14,976

Average Home Value
$903,654

Number of Public Schools
2

Diversity Index
56.2
Indicates the likelihood that two random people in a given area belong to different race or ethnic groups.

Hispanic Population
15.58%

Number of Public Parks
5

Source: Esri/David Robinson GIS


An additional clubhouse amenity for members of Cotino, Storyliving by Disney, and their guests

Rendering courtesy cotino ©disney/pixar

The Crossings at Peterson.

Rendering courtesy RM affordable apartments

Eisenhower Health and Childcare

In 2025, Rancho Mirage–based Eisenhower Health became the largest employer in the entire Coachella Valley, with nearly 3,000 employees.

“We take immense pride in being home to Eisenhower Health’s main campus, a world-class institution providing exceptional care,” Weill says. “Their continued growth and regional impact reflect the leadership and innovation rooted in our city.”

The city is committed to supporting its workforce and keeping it in Rancho Mirage. A unanimous City Council vote approved a $2 million grant to Eisenhower Health’s Passions for Excellence Campaign to support recent expansions, including the Cardiovascular Institute, Memory Care Center, and childcare center, which will help attract and retain top medical talent.

Workforce and affordable housing is a high priority for the city, which will increase capacity with Rancho Mirage Affordable Apartments

Rendering courtesy the crossings at peterson

Shop Local, Thrive Local

The Shop Local Rancho Mirage Digital Gift Card Program supports local businesses during slower seasons and includes restaurants, wellness services, golf courses, resorts, and entertainment venues.

“Shop Local Rancho Mirage reflects how we think about economic development: strategic, community-focused, and results-driven,” Weill says. “It boosts local businesses at key times and ensures that money spent here stays here.”

More than 60 Rancho Mirage businesses accept the digital gift cards, which can be purchased online in fixed amounts. The cards never expire and often include bonus offers — like a 50 percent match — during promotional periods, such as holiday seasons or Restaurant Week. For example, a $200 gift card could yield up to $300 during a promotional period. Who knows? Perhaps the Lord Fletcher’s — the legendary Restaurant Row favorite of Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, and Bob Hope being revived by a new owners passionate about preservation — will be among the restaurants from which cardholders can choose. 

With its picturesque scenery and historic charm, Rancho Mirage is poised for a promising future as it pursues a world-class quality of life for its residents. The city is not only preserving its luxurious appeal but also fostering growth and sustainability for generations to come.

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