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Service, Accountability, Results

About Felipe

Felipe Ortiz is a United States Marine Corps veteran, community leader, and public servant running for Indio City Council District 4. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Indio Planning Commission and as a Trustee for the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.

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Born and raised in Colombia, Felipe came to the United States at 17 in pursuit of the American Dream. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2016 and served honorably for four years, earning the rank of Corporal before receiving an honorable discharge in 2020. His military service instilled in him the discipline, accountability, and commitment to others that continues to guide him in everything he does.

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After his service, Felipe pursued higher education at Arizona State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, a Master’s Degree in Political Psychology, and a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Management. He also completed the Leadership Coachella Valley program and the City of Indio Leadership Academy.

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Felipe has spent his professional career in public service. He worked at the Social Security Administration, helping individuals and families navigate complex government systems. He currently works in the California State Assembly, assisting constituents with government issues and advancing solutions at the state level.

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As a Planning Commissioner, Felipe has been involved in reviewing and approving housing and development projects that shape the future of Indio, including the 203-unit Abode Communities affordable housing development. As a Trustee for the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, he helps oversee public health programs that protect valley residents.

Felipe lives in District 4 with his family. He is an active member of the Indio Sunrise Rotary Club and is committed to serving the community he calls home.

Important Issues

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Housing

  • Indio is building too many high-priced homes and apartments. We need starter homes, townhomes, and condos that working residents can actually purchase.

  • As a Planning Commissioner, I’ve seen what happens when we don’t plan for affordability — families are priced out of their own community.

  • I will support zoning policies that incentivize attainable homeownership and streamline approvals for the right kind of projects.

  • The path to the American Dream starts with being able to own a piece of it.

Public Safety

  • Safety isn’t just about crime statistics — it’s about whether your street feels safe when you walk out your front door.

  • I will work to strengthen coordination with IPD, improve response times, and invest in lighting, clean streets, and proactive code enforcement.

  • Illegal dumping, graffiti, and neglected public spaces send a message that no one cares — we need to send the opposite message.

  • Every neighborhood in District 4 deserves to feel safe, clean, and supported.

Fiscal Responsibility & Taxes

  • Indio has successfully used bond measures for important one-time investments. But we cannot keep going back to the well.

  • I believe in spending what we have wisely, keeping strong reserves, and making sure every dollar is justified and transparent.

  • Fiscal discipline is how we keep the public’s trust — and how we stay prepared for challenges we haven’t anticipated yet.

  • Growth is not free, but it should pay for itself through smart planning and responsible development agreements.

Infrastructure & Transportation

  • The Monroe Street and Jackson Street I-10 interchanges are not optional upgrades — they are essential to how Indio functions and grows.

  • I will push to accelerate funding, improve coordination with Caltrans and regional agencies, and hold projects to timelines.

  • Indio’s growth depends on infrastructure that can support it — we can’t plan for more homes and businesses without planning for traffic.

Energy

  • Indio’s joint powers authority with IID to fund new substations is an innovative approach to a real problem — I support that kind of creative, forward-thinking governance.

  • We must make sure projects stay on schedule, costs are managed responsibly, and capacity keeps pace with growth.

  • New housing and businesses need power. Energy infrastructure must be part of every growth conversation.

Regional & State Issues

  • State housing mandates are real — the question isn’t whether we build, but what we build and how we plan for it responsibly.

  • Regional issues like the Salton Sea, air quality, and I-10 infrastructure require Indio to have a strong, credible voice at the regional table.

  • My experience in the California State Assembly has given me insight into how the state works and how to advance Indio’s priorities.

Contact Felipe

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