because health care
Tourism is the primary economic driver and employer in the Coachella Valley and vacation rental guests support our community’s small businesses, restaurants, and retail stores by:
Providing more than 4,800 local jobs annually
Generating more than $930 million in annual revenue
The additional tax revenue from vacation rentals helps to support local community programs and essential services like police, fire, and education while saving households an average of $1,500 annually in taxes.
GCVCC LEGISLATIVE SCORECARD
GCVC PAC ENDORSEMENT GUIDE
With385beds,aLevel 1TraumaCenter,10 operatingrooms,and 31ERtreatmentbeds, DRMCistheanchorof DesertCareNetwork.
With145beds,aLevel4 TraumaCenter,anda PrimaryStrokeCenter, JFKMemorialHospital servestheCentraland EasternCoachellaValley.
With179beds,aLevel4 TraumaCenter,anda continuingcarecenter, HDMCisacriticalhealth resourceforthehidesertcommunities.
GREETINGS BUSINESS COMMUNITY
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) stands as a powerful voice for our business community, tirelessly advocating for policies that promote growth, prosperity, and a thriving economy. In an everchanging political landscape, it is crucial to have an organization like the Chamber that not only supports local businesses but also champions the interests of entrepreneurs, large and small, across our region. As we gear up for another election cycle, it is more important than ever to understand the vital role the GCVCC plays in shaping the future of the Coachella Valley—and why voting for business-friendly candidates is key to that mission.
What Is the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce?
The GCVCC is a unified and influential organization that brings together local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders with one common goal: to make the Coachella Valley a premier place to live, work, and do business. With over 1,000 members across a broad spectrum of industries, the GCVCC is dedicated to fostering a business environment that encourages innovation, investment, and job creation. From small family-owned shops to large corporations, we serve as the connective tissue that links businesses to opportunities, resources, and, importantly, to the policymakers who shape our economic landscape.
The Importance of Voting for Business-Friendly Candidates
Our local and state governments make decisions every day that directly impact businesses—decisions about taxes, regulations, workforce development, and economic incentives. Business-friendly candidates understand the needs of our business community and work to create a climate where businesses can thrive. They support policies that reduce burdensome regulations, encourage investment, and stimulate job growth. Voting for these candidates isn’t just a decision at the ballot box; it’s a commitment to a prosperous future for our entire region.
At the GCVCC, we believe that a robust business environment creates a ripple effect that benefits everyone. Thriving businesses mean more jobs, better wages, and increased local investment in infrastructure, education, and community services. By electing leaders who prioritize these values, we can ensure that the Coachella Valley remains competitive and continues to attract the businesses and talent needed to keep our economy strong.
The Chamber’s Role in Advocacy
The GCVCC goes beyond traditional networking and business support; we are a proactive advocate for the needs of our members. Our PAC and Legislative Committee works year-round to monitor legislation, meet with elected officials, and provide input on issues that affect local businesses. We fight for fair taxation,
advocate for infrastructure improvements, and push for policies that foster a healthy economic environment. We are the voice that speaks up for businesses when they cannot, ensuring that the needs of our business community are always front and center in the minds of our legislators.
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber PAC plays a crucial role in this advocacy work, particularly during election season. Our PAC is dedicated to supporting candidates who share our vision for a vibrant, businessfriendly Coachella Valley. We thoroughly vet each candidate, examining their track record, their stance on critical issues, and their commitment to supporting policies that promote economic growth.
A Voter Guide Vetted by the GCVC PAC
This voter guide is a culmination of that vetting process. It is not just a list of names; it is a strategic selection of leaders who we believe are the right choice for the future of our community. The candidates endorsed by the GCVC PAC are those who have demonstrated a clear understanding of the challenges facing our business community and who have committed to working alongside us to overcome them. They are the candidates who will champion the causes that matter to our members and who will help drive our region toward a brighter, more prosperous future.
As you review this guide, remember that your vote is more than a civic duty—it is a powerful tool for shaping the future of the Coachella Valley. By supporting business-friendly candidates, you are investing in the continued success of our community. Together, with the GCVCC and our dedicated advocacy work, we can ensure that our region remains a thriving hub of innovation, opportunity, and economic growth.
Julio Figueroa AT&T 2024 - 2025 Board Chair
Desert Water Agency 2024 - 2025 Legislative Committee Chair
Brandon Marley President and CEO
Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce
Victoria Llort
GCVCC LEGISLATIVE SCORECARD
Below you can find the scorecard for each current state elected official within our region and the current representative of the district that will be within the Coachella Valley after this year’s election. Please note that these are based on bills and where the GCVCC Legislative Committee took a position during this past and current fiscal year.
Assembly District 36 Garcia
A few bills of note from this year.
AB 1779 - Retail Theft
Irwin Support - Passed
Part of the public safety legislative package. The bill allows for broader jurisdictional flexibility when prosecuting theft offenses that occur across multiple counties. Under the revised law, criminal actions related to theft (such as receiving stolen goods or organized retail theft) can be prosecuted in any county where the crime took place, where stolen goods were recovered, or where any action related to the crime was instigated.
SB 92 - PAGA Reform
Umberg Support - Passed
PAGA Reform Act. Key provisions of SB 92 aim to streamline the litigation process, improve transparency, and balance the interests of both employees and employers.
AB 98 - Warehouse Bill
Carillo Opposed - Passed, sent veto request to Governors office
This bill mandates buffer zones of 300 to 500 feet between truck loading bays and sensitive areas such as homes, schools, and parks. It also requires developers to include detailed truck routing plans to minimize neighborhood impact and necessitates the replacement of demolished housing with affordable units. It also includes the requirement for energy-efficient features like solar panels, cool roofs, and electric vehicle charging stations. By 2030, all forklifts and certain other equipment in these warehouses must be zero-emission.
The following content is paid for by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber Political Action Committee (GCVC PAC). The content is not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee. Photos and biographies were received from candidates or pulled from their campaign websites.
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber Political Action Committee (GCVC PAC) is proud to announce its endorsements for the 2024 election cycle. The GCV PAC operates under the guidance of an independent Board of Directors comprising business professionals from across the Coachella Valley, reflecting the diverse and dynamic economy of our region. As a non-partisan body, the GCVC PAC is not affiliated with any political party and remains committed to advancing the interests of the business community within the Coachella Valley.
This year, the GCVC PAC engaged with a wide array of candidates seeking endorsement. Over 40 candidates submitted their endorsement packets, reflecting a strong interest in working with the Chamber to support a business-friendly environment. The GCVC PAC meticulously reviewed each submission, considering candidate responses, voting records, public statements, experience, and other relevant information to make informed endorsement decisions.
In some circumstances, the GCVC PAC opted to not do endorsements in certain races. The GCVC PAC may opt to do those endorsements at a later date before this years election in November. Below, you will find our endorsements with short biographies for our state endorsements and a 100 word or less statement from each council candidate.
GCVC PAC ENDORSEMENT GUIDE STATE
California State Assembly
Endorsed: Greg Wallis (Incumbent)
Greg is running to represent the 47th Assembly District because he believes California deserves better. As a third-generation Californian, he believes that our state should be the land of economic opportunity and social mobility. Greg’s core beliefs, namely the importance of hard work, independence, and perseverance, reflect the California mindset. By focusing on affordability, opportunity, and cutting-edge technology, Greg is confident he can help our region rise to the level of innovation California is known for.
California State SENATE
Endorsed: Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (Incumbent)
Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh is the embodiment of the American Dream and the hope and opportunities America provides every single person. Now, she is fighting everyday to keep that American Dream alive and well for working class families.
Senator Ochoa Bogh is the daughter of Mexican immigrants and has lived in California for over 30 years. She was raised on a few simple principles: personal responsibility, hard work, and a good education can unlock your future potential.
City Council
City of Coachella
Endorsed: Denise Delgado (Incumbent)
In the last four years, I have worked hard to improve our quality of life and ensure that our hard-earned taxpayer dollars are invested responsibly. As a councilmember, I am proud to say that since 2020 we have had many wins and progress. I have the experience and knowledge to make educated decision-making regarding governmental affairs, policymaking, and city management. I earned the reputation of being hardworking, honest, and holding our city accountable for delivering quality services deserving of taxpayers’ dollars. My platform is always to increase community engagement, resources and increase the quality of life for Coachella residents. I’m running for re-election because my work isn’t done; there are issues that I want to continue to work on that our city faces.
Endorsed: Dr. Frank Figueroa (Incumbent)
As a council member, I am constantly speaking with residents, listening to their needs, and working with them to improve our city. In having those conversations, it’s become clear that Coachella residents want new leadership. I’m running with a fresh, bold vision for our city: Improving public safety by hiring more police officers, adding vehicle license plate readers, and increasing firefighter funding. Expanding our first time home buyer program, so that owning a home is achievable for all Coachella working families. And developing Coachella as a top tourist destination, so that we create good paying jobs and the opportunity to succeed for all Coachella residents.
I understand that we are facing challenges that need bold leadership. As a councilmember and as a financial manager, I understand that we need to generate new revenue and also better allocate funds to areas that our community really needs. We need to hire more police officers and increase firefighter funding. We need to expand our first time homebuyer program to help Coachella families own their first home. And we need to make sure Coachella gets a piece of the tourist market. I am passionate and ready to work with my fellow council members and community to put the needs of our residents first.”
Endorsed: Steven Hernandez (Incumbent)
Endorsed: Scott Matas (Incumbent)
I am running for re-election to complete my vision. During the past four years COVID slowed progress of many projects and I am seeking another term to complete those items. For a full look at my platform please visit scottmatas.com
City of Desert Hot Springs
City of Desert Hot Springs
Endorsed: Roger Nunez (Incumbent)
I’m running because I believe in the future of Desert Hot Springs as a city with more unrealized potential than any other city in the Desert. I’m running because I live here and am raising my family here and I want to make the city better. We’ve made great strides and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in my first term and want to continue that work in my second term.
Endorsed: Dirk Voss
I’ve been a homeowner of Desert Hot Springs for 12 years. from 2015-2018 and again from 2023 to present, I’ve served on our City Planning Commission. In that time, I was Chairman during the largest economic development growth period the City has seen. There is much more work to be done over the next 3/5/10 years focused entirely on economic development, city planning, addressing transportation access to the freeway and making sure that DHS who is the gateway to the Coachella Valley and Joshua Tree Basin is properly developed to be a benefit to the Valley. Economic Development, Public Safety and Community Engagement are the priorities.
City of La QUinta
Endorsed: Linda Evans (Incumbent)
I’m honored to have served as La Quinta’s Mayor since 2014. I am seeking re-election to continue the work and momentum underway in all aspects of the city operations and leadership to benefit our residents, businesses, and tourism industry. We have multiple projects underway and working to get them completed is a priority for me. I am driven by the support, participation, and engagement of our residents & business owners – it makes the job to serve our community so much more enjoyable. I want to ensure La Quinta’s financial success and high standards for generations to follow. Thank you.
Endorsed: Kathleen Fitzpatrick (Incumbent)
In the past 7 years, I have built upon my career in public service helping to assure the fiscal strength of La Quinta by setting aside robust reserves, balancing the budget every year, and completing infrastructure and other capital improvements. I want to continue my service to focus on improving our economic outlook on Hwy. 111 by better utilizing existing properties for mixed use. I will continue to focus on Talus, developing our Village expansion plans, implementing an asset management program for our existing facilities, growing our economy beyond tourism and continuing to work with law enforcement to ensure cost effective community safety. It would a pleasure to serve another 4 years!
Endorsed: Steve Sanchez (Incumbent)
Over the last eight years, I’m proud of our city and the work we’ve done together.
As your Councilmember, I’ve worked for La Quinta- we’ve balanced our budget, improved our parks, streets, attracted new businesses, and have supported law enforcement by ensuring our city has the resources necessary to keep La Quinta the Gem of the Desert.
I’m a proud patriot and Marine Corps Veteran, with overseas deployments, I’ve worked in telecommunications, government, advertising, and commercial real estate
La Quinta is a well-run city; it’s a safe city; and our residents and visitors enjoy its prosperity and quality of life.
City of Palm Desert
Endorsed: Scott Chris
Palm Desert has been home my entire life. My wife and I grew up in District 1. We are raising our son here with another due in January. As a business owner here for nearly a decade, I am invested in our city. Our elected officials took an oath to serve the interests of the residents of Palm Desert, and not govern based on partisan beliefs. Palm Desert has something for everyone. I am running because I believe our leaders must represent Palm Desert with civility, respect, and common sense.
Endorsed: Kathleen Kelly (Incumbent)
In two terms on Council, leading twice as Mayor, I have unified the Council around important multi-year goals: 1) Expanding our CSU Campus, 2) Redeveloping our regional mall for future success, 3) Recruiting more unique local businesses, 4) Assuring topflight policing and emergency services, 5) Protecting our fragile desert resources, and 6) Assuring secure revenue to maintain infrastructure. I have the skills to assure completion of these projects. My established regional leadership (chosen by peers in my 6-city area to represent us at SCAG) is also needed to tackle challenges like air quality, affecting business success and quality of life.
Endorsed: Gina Nestande (Incumbent)
Serving on the Council for almost 8 years, I have gained the knowledge and experience to best serve the City of Palm Desert. I want to continue implementing the City’s Strategic Plan and Vision for Palm Desert. Our residents expect their quality of life be maintained. Public Safety is my top priority. 2. Having a balanced budget that maintains our quality of life is vital. Our top two sources of revenue come from Sales Tax and TOT. It is important to support continued Economic Growth with projects like Desert Surf Resort and The Acrisure Arena. 3. As a former teacher and parent, I will continue collaboration efforts to expand the California University Palm Desert campus with expanded degree programs that will help diversify our economy.
The Desert Wildlife Center, opening soon in Indio, will rescue and rehabilitate local birds, reptiles, and mammals. As development encroaches on their habitats, the center will offer a safe haven and educate the community on peaceful coexistence. Together, we can ensure a future for our region’s wildlife.
