Felipe Ortiz announces run for Indio City Council District 4

Felipe Ortiz, current Vice Chair of the Indio Planning Commission, has announced his candidacy for Indio City Council District 4.

The seat is currently held by Councilmember Oscar Ortiz, who is running in the June 2 primary for California State Assembly District 36.

Felipe Ortiz, who was born in Colombia and came to the United States at 17, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2016 and served four years before receiving an honorable discharge in 2020 with the rank of Corporal.

He has worked at the Social Security Administration and currently works for the California State Assembly, where he assists constituents with government issues.

In addition to his role on the Indio Planning Commission, Ortiz serves as a trustee for the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.

“This community has given me so much opportunity,” Ortiz said in his announcement. “Every step of my journey has reinforced the importance of service, accountability, and giving back.”

Ortiz said his work on the Planning Commission has shaped his views on development, pointing to his involvement in approving the 203-unit Abode Communities affordable housing project as an example.

On housing, he said Indio is building too many high-priced homes and not enough attainable options. “As a Planning Commissioner, I’ve seen what happens when we don’t plan for affordability — families are priced out of their own community,” he said.

Ortiz said he would support zoning policies that encourage home-ownership opportunities and streamline approvals for projects that serve working residents.

On public safety, Ortiz said he would work to strengthen coordination with the Indio Police Department, improve response times, and invest in street lighting, code enforcement, and neighborhood cleanliness.

To find out what district you live in, click here.

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