Our Department Mission: “To provide the best professional service to the Tribal Government and the Tribal Community; to promote highest and best use of all Reservation land; to protect, improve and enhance the Tribal land base, while protecting and improving the Reservation environment.”

The Planning & Development Department consists of three divisions: Planning & Natural Resources, Economic Development, and Construction. This diverse team works together to manage a variety of projects, natural resources and to enforce Tribal governmental regulations. Our work encompasses:

- Local and Regional Planning	- Engineering
- Building & Safety	- Geographic Information Systems
- Water Rights and Resources	- Biology & Habitat Conservation
- Property Management & Acquisitions	- Code Enforcement/Nuisance Abatement
- Grants Administration	- Economic Development & Consulting
- Pre-construction Design	- Construction Management
- Contracts Administration	- Tribal parkland management
- Tribal Historic Preservation

Contacts

Chief Planning & Development Officer - Tom Davis, AICP
5401 Dinah Shore Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 699-6800, tdavis@aguacaliente-nsn.gov

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PRESS RELEASE

Tribe Releases Resource Plan to Public

Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan opens for 90 day review

PALM SPRINGS, CA – October 12, 2007: The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, after seven years of study, has released for public review its Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan (THCP) and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), which formally determines the conservation of the Tribe's 31,500 acres of Reservation land in and around Palm Springs.

The Plan identifies plants, animals and habitat that need to be preserved or protected. It also lays out procedures for mitigation of future land development and determines under what circumstance an “incidental take” can be permitted on the Reservation.

“This is the culmination of a long effort by our planners that ensures the Tribe's ability to manage its lands properly,” said Tribal Chairman Richard M. Milanovich. “Rather than hand over this job to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, we've taken the steps to guarantee the Tribe's self-reliance, as well as our sovereignty.”

The THCP streamlines the Tribe's compliance with the Endangered Species Act, and provides for extra restrictions near the base of mountains to protect the Peninsular bighorn sheep. It also sets aside a mountainous area for bighorn lambing where no development can take place.

The THCP differentiates between the Valley Floor Conservation Area which covers land throughout Palm Springs, Cathedral City and Rancho Mirage, and the Mountains & Canyons Conservation Area, which will conserve some 23,900 acres. The valley floor area specifically protects 11 sensitive species including the Fringe-toed Lizard, the Palm Springs Pocket Mouse and Coachella Valley milk-vetch.

“The adoption of the Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan accomplishes three objectives – It furthers the Tribe's sovereign authority over its lands, it provides for a coordinated conservation effort with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) and provides local control of the permitting process,” said Tom Davis, Chief Planning and Development Officer for the Tribe.

The THCP will be presented to the public at an open house on November 8 from 5-7 PM at the Canyon Conference Center at the Spa Resort Casino Hotel. Copies of the Plan and DEIS are also available at the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Planning and Development Department, 777 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, Calif., 92262 It is also available for download on the Tribe's website at www.aguacaliente-nsn.gov. Comments must be received by mail by January 12, 2008, and may be sent to Jim Bartel, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 6010 Hidden Valley Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011. You may also submit comments by facsimile to 760-431-9624.

About the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is a federally recognized Indian tribe located in Palm Springs, Calif., with 31,500 acres of reservation lands that spread across Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and into the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains. The 423-member tribe currently owns and operates the Spa Resort Casino and Hotel in downtown Palm Springs and the Agua Caliente Casino near Rancho Mirage.

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Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan PowerPoint Presentation

Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan
    Appendix A - Tribal Ordinance
    Appendix B - Indian Canyons Master Plan
    Appendix C - Tahquitz Canyon Wetland Conservation Plan
    Appendix D - Trails Management Plan
    Appendix E - Land Use Designations
    Appendix F - Target Acquisition Areas
    Appendix G - Draft Tribal Fire Management Plan
    Appendix H - Projected Cash Flow With Expected Buildout
    Appendix I - Projected Cash Flow With Maximum Buildout

Environmental Impact Statement
    Appendix A - Notice of Intent, Notice of Availability, and List of Recipients
    Appendix B - Applicable Federal Provisions

Implementing Agreement

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Economic Development Division

The Economic Development Division performs business development and real estate activities to support and further Tribal economic diversification goals. Our aim is to generate exceptional economic development opportunities for the Tribe.

The Division works in close cooperation with the Tribal Construction and Planning Divisions to insure integration of all Tribal projects.

Serving as the entry point for business proposals to the Tribe, the Economic Development Division performs research and basic due diligence. Additional business information including a business plan and pro forma financial statements are typically requested for review prior to formal consideration of any business proposal.

Our Real Estate activities provide Tribal Members and other prospective business entities with information related to the land status of reservation properties. Additional areas of focus include Tribal land acquisition, Fee to Trust transfers, assistance with Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) 638 appraisal program, maintenance of property records related to Tribal real estate activities and liaison with BIA on Tribal Trust projects.

Current Projects

Agua Caliente Casino Retail Expansion
Proposed retail project on the West side of Bob Hope Drive from the Agua Caliente Casino. Initial research is being conducted to create an open air retail center that will bring new and exciting retail and entertainment venues to the Coachella Valley.

Alexander Village Development
Scheduled for construction in North Palm Springs, the 21-acre Alexander Village, will be located west of Gene Autry Trail at Via Escuela. The homes, which will range in size from 1,800 to 2,000 square feet and will have much the same look as the original Hollywood Celebrity homes of the 1950s and 1960s.

Spa Resort Casino Masterplan
Initial activities include acquisition and consolidation of properties as well as initiating the conceptual planning to formulate the masterplan vision. The intent is to provide for the expansion of business opportunities for the Tribe within this corridor, in addition to supporting the revitalization of Downtown Palm Springs.
Click here to view images.

Village Traditions Development
Village Traditions is an economic development enterprise of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. This downtown Palm Springs residential development consists of 100 condominium units spread over 5 phases. The first phase is complete with 24 units constructed, 13 of which are sold or in escrow. Prices start in the high $200,000.00 and the units range from 1,432 square feet to 1,881 square feet.

Whitewater Ranch Development
Situated at the gateway to the Coachella Valley (intersection of Interstate -10 and Highway 111), the 200 acre Whitewater Ranch property represents a major Tribal development opportunity for possible commercial, industrial and traveler services uses.  Tribal Staff is developing a request for proposals to complete a land use master plan.

Housing Development
The Tribe is exploring on and off reservation housing development opportunities to include for-sale market rate, multi-family rental, as well as affordable workforce housing units.

Contacts

Economic Development Director - Todd Hooks
5401 Dinah Shore Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 883-1350, thooks@aguacaliente-nsn.gov

Economic Development Project Manager - Mark Dansby
5401 Dinah Shore Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 883-1338, mdansby@aguacaliente-nsn.gov

Realty Manager - Connie Medina
5401 Dinah Shore Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 883-1323, cmedina@aguacaliente-nsn.gov

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The Planning & Natural Resources Division provides planning expertise to the Tribe and manages the land and water resources of the Reservation.  Our mission is to provide the best professional service to the Tribal Government and the Tribal Community.  We aim to promote highest and best use of all Reservation land; as well as to protect, improve and enhance the Tribal land base, while protecting and improving the Reservation environment.

The Planning & Natural Resources Division is comprised of five groups Planning,  Water Resources, Canyons Management, GIS, and Building and Engineering. The Planning Division reviews all plans and projects that affect the Reservation.  We also aim to preserve, protect and restore the natural and cultural resources of the Canyons, as well as, ensuring the safety and enjoyments of its visitors.  We assist Tribal members, the community, local government and developers with any concerns or problems relating to development on the Reservation.

Programs & Projects

Indian Planning Commission
Indian Planning Commissioners are appointed officials of the Tribal Council. It is the responsibility of the IPC members to assist and advise the Planning Commissions of local governments on any and all matters regulating the use or development of any real or personal property belonging to, held, leased from or used under agreement with any Indian allottee, or the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

Chairman	Jessica Norte
Vice-Chairman	David Aaker
Commissioner	Marilyn Glassman
Commissioner	Don Torodor
Commissioner	Barbara Gonzales Lyons
Alternate	Antoinette Saubel
Alternate	Michael Kassinger

Documents and Plans

• Indian Canyons Master Plan
• Section 14 Master Plan
• Outdoor Advertising Display Ordinance
  

Planning, Building and Engineering Services

• Forms and Applications
• Schedule of Fees
• Review Process

Geospatial Information System

• Land Status
  
• Maps and Exhibits
• Spatial Database Management
• Historical Data

Forms and Applications

• Custom Home Project Application
• Environmental Checklist Form
• Grading and Improvement Application
• Non-Residential Development Application
• Plan Check Application
• Plan Check Submittal Form
• Residential Project Application
• Swimming Pool Application
• Wall Fence Application

Contacts

Director of Planning and Natural Resources - Margaret Park, AICP
5401 Dinah Shore Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 699-6800, mpark@aguacaliente-nsn.gov

Administrative Manager - Margaret Gomez
5401 Dinah Shore Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 883-1345, mgomez@aguacaliente-nsn.gov

Senior Planner - Dan Malcolm, AICP
5401 Dinah Shore Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 883-1945, dmalcolm@aguacaliente-nsn.gov

Permit Technician - Sonia Silvas
5401 Dinah Shore Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 883-1330, ssilvas@aguacaliente-nsn.gov

Associate Planner - Sarah Lopez
5401 Dinah Shore Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 883-1944, salopez@aguacaliente-nsn.gov

GIS Manager - Beckie Boulton
5401 Dinah Shore Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 883-1911, bboulton@aguacaliente-nsn.gov

Rangers Director - Rocky Toyama
5401 Dinah Shore Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 831-1980, rtoyama@aguacaliente-nsn.gov

Canyon Foreman - Ralph Kato
5401 Dinah Shore Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 831-7366, kato@aguacaliente-nsn.gov

Manager of Visitor’s Center/Trading Post- Bonnie Short-Beebe
5401 Dinah Shore Drive
Palm Springs CA 92262
(760) 808-4680

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Construction Division

The Construction Department provides management services for the design and construction of capital improvement projects for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians with the highest quality and efficiency.

Current Projects

• Agua Caliente Casino Hotel broke ground in March 2006 and was completed and opened to the public in April of 2008. The hotel is 16 stories with 340 rooms. ROEL Construction Company was the General Contractor and VOA was the architect on the project.
  
  In addition to the new hotel, construction is underway on a showroom adjacent to the new Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. The showroom will be complete early 2009, with a capacity to house 2,000 seats,spectacular stage and lighting. This is a very exciting time for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian Tribe.
  
  
  
  
• The Tribal Building is doing some major repairs to keep up this beautiful building.
  
  
• Spa Resort Casino Hotel is in the design phase with environmental studies underway.
  
  
• Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is currently on hold till further notice.

Contacts

Executive Director of Construction - Rob Donnels
5401 Dinah Shore Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 883-1332, rdonnels@aguacaliente-nsn.gov

Contract Administrator - Joan Swenson
5401 Dinah Shore Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 883-1369, jswenson@aguacaliente-nsn.gov

Construction Superintendent – Mark Smith
5401 Dinah Shore Drive
Palm Springs, Ca 92264
760.883.1934 – msmith@aguacaliente-nsn.gov

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