Riverside County Supervisors Approve Controversial Thermal Ranch Development After Hours of Public Debate

After months of vocal opposition from Eastern Coachella Valley residents, Riverside County supervisors voted today to approve the controversial Thermal Ranch Club development following an hours-long public hearing.

The proposed project is a 619-acre luxury development planned near the community of Thermal. During the meeting, more than 30 speakers addressed the Board of Supervisors, including developers, labor representatives, environmental advocates, and local residents both in favor of and against the project.

Supporters highlighted the economic benefits, pointing to job creation and long-term employment opportunities tied to construction and ongoing operations. “A project like this means years of work for our field and office support staff,” one speaker told supervisors, urging approval.

Opponents raised concerns about environmental impacts, air quality, water use, and proximity to nearby families. Some residents expressed worries about manure management, potential odors, and health risks, particularly for children living in the area.

Supervisor V. Manuel Perez asked developers to directly respond to the concerns raised. Project representatives outlined mitigation measures, including daily off-site removal of manure for agricultural reuse, environmental oversight plans, and assurances that water availability had been addressed in the environmental review process.

County staff told the board they were satisfied with the developer’s responses and community outreach efforts, noting the project has been under review for several years. “They’ve been in the pipeline for multiple years getting through this process, and here we are today for your consideration,” staff said.

Following the discussion, supervisors voted 4-0 to approve the project as recommended, clearing the way for the Thermal Ranch Club to move forward.

The decision marks a significant step for the development, though it remains a deeply divisive issue for residents in the Eastern Coachella Valley.