Indio celebrates growth, honors community leaders at State of the City

Mayor Glenn Miller addresses a crowd of hundreds at the Indio State of the City.

The city of Indio held its State of the City event at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Tuesday to celebrate 95 years of growth and advancements.

The event’s theme, “Progress You Can See,” highlighted the city’s momentum with recognition for businesses, community members and public servants who have contributed to Indio’s progress. Of particular note were the recent openings of the new Public Safety Campus, fire station, dispatch center, and library.

Mayor Glenn Miller announced that City Hall is expected to open sometime next month, and also announced two new flagship events coming next year: a pickleball tournament and a night golf tournament.

The Indio Pickleball Open, an all ages tournament benefiting the Indio Senior Center, is launching January 2026 and will be held at the Miles Avenue Park. Miller, himself a pickleball player, encouraged attendees to pick up a paddle and start practicing at one of Indio city courts at George Patton park or Miles Avenue Park.

In addition, the Lights at Indio Golf Course, the city’s municipal par 3 course, will host a night golf tournament with registration opening soon.

“For years, it’s been a staple for the Hope and other tournaments to go out and have a skins tournament under the lights,” Miller said. “We want that energy, so we’re going to have a tournament.”

The city also highlighted the 30 events in the city throughout the year from concerts and movie nights to the National Night Out and the upcoming BBQ Festival on Nov. 9 and the International Tamale Festival on Dec. 6 and 7.

It wasn’t all about the city, it was also about the people, organizations, and businesses that make Indio a home.

Miller presents the Mayor’s Award to the public safety officials who helped rescue a man drowning in the canal earlier this year.

Larry Bohannan, a sports journalist and golf writer with 50 years of experience at The Desert Sun, was named Citizen of the Year. Bohannan has authored books about golf history and will be inducted into the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation’s 2026 Media Hall of Fame.

The Coachella Animal Network received the Nonprofit of the Year award, accepted by CEO Kim Maguire-Hardee. The organization has spayed and neutered more than 28,000 animals since beginning its mission.

Sloan’s Restaurant earned the Longstanding Business of the Year award, and Indio Taphouse was recognized as New Business of the Year, with Skip Paige receiving the award.

Realtor James Suer received the Spotlight Award for his contributions to the city.

The Mayor’s Award was presented to four public safety professionals: Officer Salvador Cardenas, Officer Jacob Adams, Dispatcher Alyssa Romero, and Dispatcher Cathy Moreno.

Those four were a part of the dramatic scene on June 28 when they rescued an 18-year-old and his dog from the canal.

“[Officer] Cardens, without hesitation, jumped in and coordinated with Officer Adams,” Indio Police Chief Brian Tully recounted. “Cardenas grabbed the individual… and actually was doing chest compressions while staying above water, which brought this young man back to life.”