City of Indio Pushes New Effort to Clean Up Vacant and Neglected Buildings in 2026

As residents set personal goals for the new year, the City of Indio is rolling out one of its own. City leaders are moving forward with an effort to clean up vacant and neglected buildings, hoping to improve safety and bring new life to underused properties.

City Council member Glenn Miller says vacant buildings can quickly become a safety concern when they are not properly maintained. The city’s goal is to hold property owners accountable for keeping buildings secure, well-lit, and maintained, while also encouraging future tenants to move in and invest in the space.

Miller says neglected properties can make entire areas look uninviting and discourage business activity. By requiring responsible ownership, the city hopes to create opportunities for new businesses while supporting those already operating nearby.

Longtime Indio resident and worker Calo Calderon agrees the effort could benefit surrounding businesses. He says seeing empty buildings come back to life is good for the community and helps create spaces that reflect what residents actually need.

The proposed ordinance focuses on making owners, landlords, or property managers responsible for the condition of their buildings. At the same time, the city says it plans to work with property owners to help bring buildings back into use, rather than simply penalizing them.

City officials believe the approach will improve safety, strengthen the local economy, and help Indio continue moving forward in the new year.

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