We’ve long thought the Calexico casino project would be good for the city and it’s nice to finally see a bit of movement on that front, but we hope the city isn’t putting all its eggs in one basket prematurely.

On Monday, the Calexico Planning Commission gave its nod of approval that will move the issue onto the Calexico City Council, which in March will be tasked with approving the project’s environmental impact report, a related zoning change and the development’s specific plan.

That will make the project that much closer to fruition depending on whether an off-reservation designation is awarded to the Manzanita Band of Kumeyaay Indians and whether the state awards a new compact.

But who knows when or if that will happen.

It’s true the city of Calexico will see some prosperity from the opening of a casino. While the city won’t directly see cash from casino sales tax or revenue, the tribe has already entered into an agreement that would see lump sum mitigation cash paid to the city and the school district when it starts up.

That, and the fact that a bustling casino will bring traffic and money that can be spent in other strategically located businesses, will all be good for Calexico and its citizens.

Still, fewer and fewer off-reservation designations are being granted by the federal government, and this project could suffer that fate. We understand a new administration gives new hope, but that’s the tribe’s problem and the city of Calexico needs to be ready for this project to go away.

That said, the city of Calexico must find new ways to generate revenue. Like one planning commissioner said, because of tighter border security, the city can no longer be supported on traffic from Mexicali shoppers. It’s time to start planning for a future that doesn’t include shopping and casinos.

Calexico is struggling mightily, as we have witnessed over the last few months with the city big budget deficit that suddenly could result in a surplus. The council and city staff need to be on the forefront on trying to grow the local economy in a way that doesn’t depend on things that might happen or smoke and mirrors. And if the casino does happen in a few years, that’s all the better.