From:Michael Harrington
To:Kristie Ramos, CMC
Subject:Public Comment — Agenda Item 7A
Date:Tuesday, October 13, 2026 1:57:59 PM
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Third Amended and Restated Visit Greater Palm Springs Joint Powers Agreement
I support amateur sports and the economic opportunities they provide. My concern is whether the staff report adequately explains why Rancho Mirage should expand the powers of Visit Greater Palm Springs and how our city would benefit.
Last December, I attended numerous games at the Desert Holiday Classic at Rancho Mirage High School and nearby Cathedral City High School. I met visiting players from Germany and observed the substantial number of teams, families, and spectators.
I also noticed temporary courtside advertising promoting businesses outside Rancho Mirage, as shown in the attached photograph. I was offered dining coupons and discounts for eateries in neighboring cities, but never received comparable offers encouraging me to visit Rancho Mirage restaurants or businesses. Other promotional efforts may have existed, but they were not apparent to me.
What is Rancho Mirage doing to support this established international tournament and encourage visitors to patronize our hotels, restaurants, and merchants?
Could a new regional sports complex in Palm Desert eventually attract tournaments currently held in Rancho Mirage? Would could lose a tournament. Have the potential effects on our existing tourism been evaluated?
The feasibility studies project regional tax revenue, but the staff report does not identify the anticipated fiscal benefit specifically to Rancho Mirage or explain the potential future financial implications of expanding VGPS’s
authority.
I understand that no particular project or expenditure is being approved today. But granting additional governmental powers is itself a significant decision. The reasons for doing so, including the anticipated benefits and risks to Rancho Mirage, should be explained in the staff report and discussed publicly before the vote.
These questions are offered constructively, not in opposition to amateur sports or regional development. Our elected representatives should have a clear public record supporting their decisions on behalf of Rancho Mirage residents.
Attachment: Photograph of temporary courtside advertising at the December 2025 Desert Holiday Classic, Rancho Mirage High School.
Mike Harrington
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