Building a Stronger Indio

Hello, I’m Elaine Holmes, your Mayor in Indio for the past year and a Councilmember since 2010. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to represent my neighbors in District 3 — the Northeast and Southeast areas of our city — and to serve the entire community during a period of remarkable growth and transformation.

When I first ran for City Council in 2009, I did so as a small business owner and a
resident deeply invested in Indio’s future. I promised to be a tireless advocate for local businesses, public safety, education, financial accountability, and a better quality of life for residents of all ages. I am proud to say that promise has guided every decision I’ve made.

What We’ve Accomplished Together

Working alongside my dedicated fellow councilmembers, we have delivered major
improvements across the city, including:

- New Police and Fire Station Headquarters
- New dog parks at Miles Park and Golf Center Parkway
- New parking and trailhead access to the Indio Badlands
- New Indio branding and wayfinding signage
- New Indio Golf Course Clubhouse
- A revitalized Downtown with new restaurants, concerts, and festivals
- A new Sports Park with soccer and baseball fields
- A second COD campus and child development center in Downtown Indio
- Lastmile broadband infrastructure
- New pickleball courts
- A new City Hall and Library
- The Avenue 44 Bridge
- Street improvements and new landscaping citywide

Beyond these major projects, I have worked hard to elevate Indio’s image, safety, and reputation. Today, our city is recognized nationally:

#3 on Forbes’ “Top 25 Most Livable Small Cities” (2025)
#4 Golf Getaway in the Nation
- One of only six U.S. cities on Fodor’s 2026 “Go To” List
- A designated Purple Heart City, honoring our combat wounded veterans

 

My Commitment to Residents and Community

While economic development and public safety remain top priorities, I believe social services are equally essential. I strongly support delivering these services through partnerships with nonprofits, county and state agencies, and our local schools. Much of my time is spent working with seniors, youth organizations, workforce development programs, food banks, homeless service providers, and legal aid groups to ensure residents receive the support they need.

My background in international business and my experience in building two successful businesses here in Indio has helped me bring practical, results-driven leadership to City Hall.

Looking Ahead

We have accomplished so much — but there is more to do to secure a safe, healthy, and prosperous future for Indio. Over the next four years, with your continued support, I will focus on:

- New electrical substations to meet future energy needs
- Diligent oversight of water and utility resources to support sustainability
- Commitment to investing in a high standard of public safety services
- Ensuring emergency preparedness, prevention, and rapid response for the
community
- Strengthening relationships with local school districts
- Expanding collaborations with nonprofits serving youth, adults, and seniors
- Streamlining permitting and reducing burdens on small businesses
- Creating Indio Business Connect to support local entrepreneurs
- Maintaining a businessfriendly environment that attracts responsible investment
- Continued investment in infrastructure, parks, public art, and beautification
- Increasing public engagement in planning for future needs
- Ensuring Indio’s interests are represented at all levels of government

 

Indio has been my life’s work, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved
together. When I drive through our city and see the progress we’ve made — or hear from residents and businesses about the positive changes — I feel immense pride in our community. I hope you feel the same and will join me in continuing this important work.