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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.

Endorsements

• City of Indio Mayor Elaine Holmes
• City of Indio Mayor Pro Tem Waymond Fermon
• City of Indio Councilmember Oscar Ortiz (District 4 incumbent)
• City of Indio Councilmember Glenn Miller
• City of Coachella Mayor Dr. Frank Figueroa
• City of Cathedral City Mayor Raymond Gregory
• City of Cathedral City Councilmember Nancy Ross
• City of Desert Hot Springs Mayor Pro Tem Dirk Voss
• City of Desert Hot Springs Councilmember Gary Gardner
• City of Desert Hot Springs Councilmember Jan Pye

​• City of Palm Desert Mayor Evan Trubee

• City of Rancho Mirage Mayor Pro Tem Michael O'Keefe
• Desert Recreation District Director Luis Espinoza
• Desert Recreation District Director Rudy Acosta
• Valley Sanitary District Director Edgar Santana
• Riverside County 4th District Supervisor Manny Perez
• Assemblymember Greg Wallis
• Riverside County Planning Commissioner / Business Owner Bill Sanchez
• Business Owner Cesar Perez
• City of Indio Planning Commissioner Megan Scarborough-Eckel
• City of Indio Planning Commissioner Michael Slater

"Felipe is consistent and committed to this community. He brings that same level of dedication to every project he takes on, whether it's housing, public safety, or local business"

-   City of Indio Mayor Elaine Holmes

"Felipe's work ethic is rooted in service, which carries into everything he does. As a city commissioner, he listens to our community, studies the issues, and works together with local leaders to produce results for our residents. I am proud to support him in the race to be our next leader for Indio’s District 4.”

-   City of Indio Councilmember Oscar Ortiz (District 4 Incumbent)

"Felipe brings the kind of steady leadership District 4 needs right now. His background in public service and his commitment to this community make him a strong choice for City Council"

-   City of Coachella Mayor Dr. Frank Figueroa

Do You Live in District 4?

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Contact Felipe

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