May 8 Weekly Briefing: Budget balanced, power agency activated, local shop is extra busy, and more

Happy Thursday! We recommend you eat lighter starting today so you have plenty of room for this weekend’s first ever Asada Fest in Downtown Indio. There will be fun for the whole family, face painting, bounce houses, an obstacle course, live music, a guacamole-making contest, and, oh yeah, tons of delicious asada from local favorites like Tacos A Mar O Tierra, Outside The Masa, Elowtitos, and more!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Hungry Like the Wolf” by Duran Duran

LEADING OFF

*Two power transmission towers at sunset. (File photo: Shutterstock)*

Indio vote activates new Coachella Valley power agency

The Indio City Council’s unanimous vote Wednesday night to join the Coachella Valley Power Agency Joint Powers Authority (JPA) has officially activated the new regional agency. The JPA aims to address critical electricity infrastructure shortfalls in the eastern Coachella Valley.

Driving the news: The approval makes Indio the third entity to join the agency, following support from Riverside County supervisors on Tuesday and the city of La Quinta in March.

Why it matters: Though 65% of Imperial Irrigation District’s (IID) rate-paying customers live in the Coachella Valley, Riverside County residents are ineligible to serve on its board, which consists only of Imperial County members.

A 99-year agreement between IID and the Coachella Valley Water District that made IID the electrical service provider for much of the area is set to expire in 2032.

The big picture: The eastern Coachella Valley represents the fastest-growing region but faces development constraints due to electrical infrastructure limitations.

Developers often receive will serve letters requiring “tens of millions of dollars in upfront costs” for new substations, making many projects unfeasible, according to CVAG Executive Director Tom Kirk.

How it works: The new JPA will not replace IID but will work with it to address specific local needs, with representatives selected from participating city councils.

Funding may come from multiple sources including member assessments, debt issuance, grants, surcharges on retail electric rates, and development impact fees.

What’s next: The city of Coachella is expected to consider membership in the coming months, while current members enter an implementation phase.

The agency will operate as a publicly owned utility model with “no shareholders, no investors,” providing service at cost, according to CVAG’s assistant director of energy.

Dive deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

*Despite a slight dip in tax revenue, the city has a balanced budget with enough funds for projects with cost overruns.*

💰 City’s $111 million budget is balanced despite revenue challenges

Faced with slowing revenues and rising costs, Indio city leaders on Wednesday voiced approval for a balanced $111 million city budget for the coming fiscal year, relying on $6.7 million in reserves to close a funding gap.

Public safety remains the city’s largest expenditure at nearly $70 million, with $46 million going towards the Indio Police Department and $23.2 million for the fire department, which is expected to see a $1 million increase in costs in the coming fiscal year.
“We can’t continue to take $1 million, $1.4 million hits,” said Mayor Glenn Miller. “We’ve got to come up with some creative ways to be able to look at ways to either change our service or partner with people.”
By the numbers: Capital improvement projects are facing budget challenges, with the Police Headquarters requiring an additional $5 million and the Monroe interchange project potentially needing another $8 million from the city after estimates rose from $117 million to $174 million

🗳️ Councilmember announces plans to run for higher office

Indio City Councilmember Oscar Ortiz has announced his candidacy for the District 36 California State Assembly seat in the November 2026 election, seeking to replace Republican incumbent Jeff Gonzalez who was elected in 2024.

Ortiz, a Democrat who has served on the Indio City Council for seven years, previously served as Indio’s mayor in 2023 and currently chairs the Coachella Valley Association of Government Energy and Sustainability Commission.
“I’m running for State Assembly to raise the concerns of workers in our state,” Ortiz said in a statement. “We need representatives who are willing to bring bold, innovative solutions to solve the increasingly complex challenges facing our region.”
Details: District 36 spans three counties, covering Coachella, Indio, the Palo Verde Valley, portions of the Diamond and San Jacinto Valleys, areas of San Bernardino County including Needles, all of Imperial County, and several Native American reservations

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS

What to do in and around Indio this weekend.

Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez Town Hall
Today | 5:30 p.m. | Indio Community Center
Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez invites 36th District constituents the opportunity to receive a legislative update, learn more about issues being addressed in Sacramento and throughout the district, and ask questions directly of their elected representative.

Food Truck Fridays
Friday | 5 p.m. | Towne Street and Bliss Avenue
Carne asada fries, birria tacos, fresh pizza, gourmet donuts, and so much more await at the city’s weekly Food Truck Friday.

Indio Farmers Market
Saturday | 9 a.m. | Towne St. and Bliss Ave.
It’s the last Farmers Market before it closes up shop for the summer. Take this chance to explore a mix of fresh produce, local goods, handmade crafts, and more.

Big Paws & Big Hearts Adoption Event
Saturday | 10 a.m. | Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce on Smurr Street, Indio
Palm Springs Animal Shelter kennels are full and they’re hoping you have room in your heart for one of the large dogs in their care. At this special event, adoption fees for large dogs will be waived, adopters get one full year of free vaccinations, and six months of free dog food.

Comedian Erik Griffin
Saturday | 8 p.m. | Little Street Music Hall
Erik Griffin is an American stand-up comedian, writer, podcaster and actor. From 2011 to 2017, he portrayed Montez Walker on the TV series “Workaholics.” ($27)

AND FINALLY …

*A Mother’s Day bouquet custom made at Indio Florist. (Photo: Instagram @indioflorist)*

We know we don’t have to remind you that Mother’s Day is this weekend. You’ve already got that all figured out, right? If you’re sending flowers, you’re not alone, and chances are you’re giving some business to Indio Florist on Oasis Street, which has been around since the 1940s and is always busy this time of year .

Meet Manuela: The current owner and head designer for Indio Florist, Manuela Ortiz, has been a designer for almost 20 years and has owned the business for about nine years. She said this time of year is one of the busiest with the conjunction of Mother’s Day and prom season.

Dive deeper: While Valentine’s Day is just as busy, it’s also more difficult because everyone wants those bouquets delivered on Feb. 14. This week is more spread out, she said, noting, “Every day we’re sending flowers out.”

By the numbers: And don’t forget Prom season, when dozens of high school boys come into the shop with their moms and pictures of their dates’ dresses trying to figure out what a corsage or a boutonniere is.

There were three proms last weekend, another three this weekend, and two next weekend.

What’s trending: Ortiz helps the students pick out the perfect flowers, usually recommending white with a colorful ribbon to match the date’s dress. Other trending colors for flowers include the classic red and pink as well as purple and blue.

In the weeds: The florist sources her flowers from Los Angeles, San Diego, Ecuador, Colombia, and Holland. With tariffs in place, Ortiz said she’s already starting to notice the increase in prices on those international blooms.

Learn more about the long history of Indio Florist in our full story