Indio City Council maps ambitious 5-year plan focusing on economic growth, housing, revitalization

The Indio City Council spent several hours Monday developing a comprehensive strategic plan that will guide the city’s direction over the next five years, with special emphasis on economic development, housing solutions, and continued work on downtown revitalization.

During a workshop facilitated by consultants from BerryDunn, councilmembers identified strategic focus areas that will become the framework for future actions and investments: they include economic development, housing, public safety, roads and infrastructure, and community events.

Key revelations in the process came from community feedback, which showed remarkable confidence in the city’s future. A survey of 216 residents asked participants to rate their confidence that Indio will be a better place to live five years from now. 62% had high confidence in the city (ratings of four or five on a five-point scale) and just 15% had low confidence.

Councilmembers repeatedly emphasized the importance of economic development throughout the session, discussing the need for jobs but also well-paying long-term careers to encourage residents to stay and put down roots in the city.

“We need the jobs that would contribute to their lifestyle and their quality of life,” said Councilmember Benjamin Guitron.

They also discussed a goal of improving shopping options to stop “retail leakage” when Indio residents who work in other cities decide to do their shopping elsewhere.

“I think we need to do a better job of educating them that every dollar they spend in the city of Indio stays in the city of Indio,” Mayor Glenn Miller said, adding that when residents work in Palm Desert or La Quinta it’s easier to do their shopping there. 

“Community pride is huge. I’m starting to hear people say ‘Hey, I want to live in Indio!’ And that’s music to my ears.”

— Mayor Pro Tem Elaine Holmes

Another issue top of mind for residents and councilmembers was housing. Councilmember Oscar Ortiz advocated for a “variety of housing options,” including affordable housing, condominiums, townhouses, sustainably built options, and mixed-use communities.

Mayor Pro Tem Elaine Holmes said there is a tendency to think of housing as only one thing: either it’s affordable housing, housing for families, or senior housing. “But if you look at a community, it has all of that. You live in a community not in segments where you’re separated. That’s truly innovative.”

The ongoing revitalization of downtown emerged as another key priority, with councilmembers reflecting on how far it’s come.

“Ten years ago if there was an event downtown, you’re not going to see as many people as you’re going to see on a second Saturday now,” said Miller. Residents surveys specifically mentioned feeling safer now than they did in the past, and want more improvements.

The group noted that with the city’s efforts, there has been a palpable change in attitude about the city and a change in perception valley-wide. 

“Community pride is huge,” said Holmes. “I’m starting to hear people say ‘Hey, I want to live in Indio!’ And that’s music to my ears.”

Residents surveyed also responded with what they thought was missing from the city. One top issue was a lack of more specialized healthcare options like mental health care. Others wanted an active park facility like a trampoline or skate park.

City staff and consultants will refine the council’s work into specific objectives and performance measures before bringing a draft plan back to the council in May. Final adoption is expected in June or July.

The plan will also address key community concerns identified through stakeholder input, including traffic congestion, housing affordability, and quality of life improvements. 

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