Palm Desert Planning Commissioner Launches District 5 Council Campaign

John Greenwood has entered the race for Palm Desert City Council's District 5 seat, holding a campaign kickoff event Thursday evening at the Desert Willow Golf Resort.

Greenwood, a lifelong Palm Desert resident, has served as a city planning commissioner for 14 years. He's a licensed California architect who owns an architectural firm in the Coachella Valley and has been involved in various local planning efforts, including work related to the city's General Plan. He has also served on the Rancho Mirage Architectural Review Committee.

The District 5 race is part of Palm Desert's ongoing shift to a five-district council system. The city adopted the new structure in January 2024, with Districts 1, 2, and 3 electing representatives last November. Districts 4 and 5 will hold their first elections in November 2026, completing the transition. Until then, two council members elected under the previous system continue serving out their terms.

Palm Desert's council elections take place during the general municipal election, held on the first Tuesday in November of even-numbered years alongside statewide races.