A Practical Plan for Coachella's Future

Smart Growth & Energy Infrastructure

Coachella has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to control how its remaining undeveloped land gets used — and a responsibility to get it right. Juan brings the same discipline to every land-use vote that he's applied to real estate transactions for 20 years: read everything, ask the hard questions, and put Coachella families first.

Support a permanent ban on data centers in Coachella.

Demand full Environmental Impact Review scrutiny on major development proposals before any council vote.

Partner with IID and the Coachella Electric Financing Authority on energy infrastructure that serves residents, not just developers.

Apply the “Buy Coachella, Keep Coachella” standard to city contracting and economic development decisions.

Hold regular open community office hours — every vote Juan casts will have a public explanation attached to it.

Push for inclusionary zoning requirements that guarantee a percentage of new Coachella developments include workforce and affordable units.

Actively engage the city's Housing Element process — read it, advocate within it, and hold the city accountable to its own targets.

Direct CDBG and HOME federal block grant funds toward housing assistance programs that serve Coachella residents first.

Build partnerships with CalHFA, CDAR, and local lenders to connect Coachella families with down payment assistance and first-time buyer programs.

Prioritize keeping festival and visitor revenue inside Coachella so the tax base that funds housing infrastructure stays local.

Pathways to Homeownership for Coachella Families

Juan has spent 20 years helping Coachella families buy homes, including helping CVUSD teachers stay in their homes during the 2008 financial crisis. He understands what a city council can actually move on housing — and he will move it.