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History

Before European settlers arrived, the area now known as Cathedral City was part of the territory of Cahuilla Indians. In 1876, the US government allotted alternating 640 acre parcels of land between the Native American tribe, and the Southern Pacific Railroad. As a result, approximately half the land in the city can only be leased from the tribe, not purchased.

Cathedral City was incorporated in 1981, three years after the state passed Proposition 13. Being incorporated after Prop 13 had a significant impact on the property taxes in the city.

In 2016, residents voted to make this a charter city, rather than a ‘general law’ city. Charter cities have more flexibility in how the city is run, compared to a general law city.

Elections

The city divided into five districts in 2017, with one council member elected from each district. Council members are intended to be the first contact for residents of their district; however, each council member has an equal vote on all measures affecting the city.

Each council member serves a term of four years. Elections for districts 1 and 2 were held in November 2024; elections for districts 3, 4 and 5 were held in November 2022.

The city charter determined that there would be no separate election for Mayor. Instead, the offices of Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem rotate annually, based on council member seniority. Each December the current mayor is replaced by the current mayor pro-tem, and the next council member by seniority takes over as mayor pro-tem.

City Staff

In general, council members create policy and provide direction on city matters. The City Manager is reports to the city council, and is in charge of all city staff, including the Chief of Police and the Fire Chief. The City Manager must implement the policies set by the city council.