Project Timeline: July-September 2026

The Highway 111 Drought Tolerant Landscape Project involves the removal of 4.45 acres of City-owned or maintained turf. Not all areas of Highway 111 are owned and/or maintained by the City. This project will only improve areas that are currently maintained by the City of Indian Wells and only in areas of turf removal. 

Key components of the project include:  

• Removal of existing turf behind the sidewalks on the north and south sides of Highway 111. Removing turf behind the sidewalk and keeping the turf next to the roadway will allow the City to maintain the appearance of its iconic corridor.  

• Installation of drought-tolerant landscaping in the areas of turf removal, similar to existing portions along Highway 111, and upgrading irrigation systems to smart or drip irrigation technology. 

• Application of mulch and other ground cover to reduce evaporation.

Project Timeline: August-October 2026 

The City will add another stone to the monument to honor additional service members living in Indian Wells. The project includes the construction of new walkways and landscape.

Project Timeline: September-October 2026

In September 2025, the Indian Wells Preservation Foundation (IWPF) expressed interest in collaborating with the City to develop a Historic Neighborhood Recognition Program. Such a program could acknowledge architecturally and culturally significant neighborhoods through interpretive or identification signage. Potential benefits include enhanced community awareness, support for heritage tourism and strengthened historic preservation efforts.

At the April 16, 2026, City Council meeting, the Council approved a pilot program to install historic neighborhood sign toppers and selected two neighborhoods whose residents have expressed support to IWPF. If deemed successful, other neighborhoods can be added. 

The two neighborhoods are:

• Desert Bel Air — Neighborhood consisting of the following streets surrounding Fairway Park: Fairway Drive between Eldorado Drive and west of Cielito Drive, Vista Dorado, Altamira, Alta Colina Way, Painted Desert between Alta Colina Way and Cielito Dr., Villa Serena, Calle Tranquilidad, and Eldorado Drive between Fairway and Painted Desert.

• Indian Wells Village — Neighborhood consisting of the following streets near Ford Elementary School: Miles Avenue, Elkhorn Trail, Cheyenne Drive.

Project Timeline: October-December 2026

This project involves replacing end-of-life palm trees on the City’s iconic Highway 111 corridor. The City has identified 35 palm trees in ‘poor’ condition and 195 in ‘fair’ condition. 

Advancing from a phased approach to a concurrent approach will take advantage of quantity pricing and remove trees that have been identified as potential hazards in the community.  

Guided by the City Council's leadership, the Wireless Master Plan focuses on key initiatives such as network coverage evaluation, infrastructure improvements, streamlined approval processes and partnerships with service providers to enhance connectivity for residents and businesses.

To support the City Council's proactive efforts to improve local cellular coverage and connectivity, the City has launched an interactive cell phone coverage map.

For more information, visit the City’s Wireless Master Plan webpage. 

This project will line the Whitewater Channel downstream from the municipal golf course. Concrete channel lining will be installed on the north and south sides of the channel slopes. Scour will be mitigated by deepened footings along the base of the wall. The channel lining will protect the slopes from erosion, lessening the impacts of sediment transport downstream from the project site.

The Whitewater Channel Lining Project aims to enhance the structural integrity of the Whitewater River Stormwater Channel, a major flood conveyance system for the Coachella Valley. Civil plan design began in 2023, intending to strengthen the channel to withstand future storm events. It also ensures the safety of existing businesses south of the riverbed while creating the necessary conditions to develop new senior and low-income housing.

Location: The Whitewater River Stormwater Channel, downstream from the Indian Wells Golf Resort.

Key Features: Installation of approximately 7,400 linear feet of concrete slope protection along the north and south banks.

Federal Support: The project has garnered significant backing from U.S. Congressman Ken Calvert. The City has successfully secured multiple rounds of federal funding, including $10 million in grants to move the development forward.

The City Council and Indian Wells staff continue advocacy efforts to address the path changes into Palm Springs Airport after the FAA permanently changed the flight pattern for landing to be directly over Indian Wells. The City hired the law firm DLA Piper to assist the City in discussions with FAA. 

As part of Indian Wells’ conservation and sustainability efforts, the City is participating in the Inland Residential Energy Network’s (I-REN) “Cash for Kilowatts” initiative. This program provides technical support and financial incentives to help public agencies and businesses reduce utility costs and environmental impact. 

Recent efficiency upgrades at the Public Works Yard/ Maintenance Building include:

• Cool Roof Application: A reflective coating that deflects sunlight and lowers indoor temperatures.

• High-Efficiency HVAC: A new air conditioning unit designed for regular climate control with less power.

• Modern Ice Machine: An energy-optimized unit that reduces daily electrical draw.

Once the Public Works Yard/Maintenance Building is completely upgraded, it is estimated that Indian Wells will save: 

• $9,210 in lifetime savings on electric utility bills 

• 34,165 kWh of lifetime energy savings 

• 2.7 homes of energy use for one year 

• 19.7 tons CO2 equivalent 

• 326 tree seedlings growing for 10 years

Building on these upgrades, the City is currently working with I-REN to implement similar energy-saving enhancements at the Indian Wells Fire Station. These proactive upgrades ensure that essential facilities operate at peak efficiency while supporting our sustainability goals.

The Energy Efficiency Project will yield cost savings of an estimated $12 million in the first 20 years of the project’s lifecycle, which will produce over 2 million kWh and remove over 2 million pounds of CO2 from the environment. The City has also installed solar panels at the Indian Wells Golf Resort and City Hall, added EV charging stations, improved HVAC and energy storage capabilities and more.

In May 2025, the City Council approved easement and exchange agreements with the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa. With these agreements, the City will receive $3 million in cash and ownership of the 8.6 acres of land that house the Indian Wells Golf Resort’s Club House, parking lots and driving range.

Additionally, the City will also gain ownership of Indian Wells Lane entering the Golf Resort and a one-acre parcel from the former hole 18, which will be used to expand parking. In exchange, the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa will expand Resort facilities over 6.9 acres, including upgrades to its pool and recreation area to accommodate sold-out occupancy.

Each city in California is required to have a General Plan which serves as a guiding document for the City’s long-term growth and development. Our City’s previous General Plan dates back to 1996, and this comprehensive update to our General Plan serves as an important opportunity for our community to consider where we’ve been, and where we’d like to go over the next twenty years. The General Plan addresses a range of important community topics like land use, housing, economic development, transportation, parks and recreation, public safety and more. City staff, elected and appointed officials, business owners, developers and residents can reference the General Plan for guidance on our community’s long-term goals and priorities, helping to ensure that day-to-day decisions bring us closer to our vision for the future of Indian Wells.

The City of Indian Wells adopted the General Plan Update and certified the Environmental Impact Report on February 13, 2025. The Indian Wells City Council adopted the City’s updated Housing Element at the June 2, 2024 Council Meeting, and authorized staff to submit it to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for their review and certification. The Housing Element describes the City’s updated plan for addressing the housing needs of its residents through October 15, 2029. As stated in HCD’s initial review letter dated January 31, 2022, the draft housing element submitted on December 2, 2021, addressed many statutory requirements; however, revisions were necessary to comply with State Housing Element Law (Article 10.6 of the Gov. Code). The City has made the necessary revisions, which were posted online for public review on May 16, 2022, along with email notifications to those who requested updates, per the requirements of AB 215.  No public comments were received on the revisions.  The City is committed to working with HCD to implement the updated Housing Element, ensure the legal adequacy of the City’s General Plan and preserve local control of land use decisions. 

To get involved in the General Plan process, visit our webpage.

Players Course Drone Footage shot by Nick Werner

The Indian Wells Golf Resort's (IWGR) Players Course officially re-opened in December, 2025, after a $13 million renovation.

After years of discussion and countless hours of community input, the City Council approved the remodel of the Players Course, reaffirming our commitment to maintaining the highest standards at the IWGR. Opened in 2007, the Players Course requires updates to remain competitive, as high-end resort-style courses typically undergo significant remodeling every 15 to 20 years. Troon Golf projects the remodel will generate new annual revenues, which will be invested back into the Resort. The remodel aligns with designer John Fought’s original 2006 vision, including the relocation of holes 17 and 18 to the north side of the Whitewater Channel and the addition of returning nine holes.

These changes safeguard course quality and reduce long-term maintenance costs. This project is critical to protecting the economic viability of the IWGR and preserving its competitive market position. As neighboring courses complete similar upgrades, this remodel ensures that the Players Course remains a premier destination. 

The remodel also addresses key operational challenges, including the parking deficiency that limits the size of golf tournaments and banquet events. In addition, the Pavilion required critical safety upgrades, including proper fire access, to meet current regulatory standards and ensure the safety of users. This comprehensive project elevates the player experience and course’s value, enhances golfer satisfaction and drives long-term revenue growth. The increased revenues generated from these improvements will enable further investments across the IWGR, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and ensuring the IWGR remains a leader in the market for years to come.