Frank Figueroa Selected as Coachella’s New Mayor Pro Tem, Focused on Moving Forward

Clarification: City of Coachella Councilmember Denise Delgado says the appointment of Frank Figueroa was not "delayed" due to Mayor Steven Hernandez's absence, but that Council preferred to wait until Mayor Hernandez was in attendance due to "respect for the mayor." We have updated that wording in the article to reflect the clarification provided.

The City of Coachella has taken a key step forward after the city council unanimously selected councilmember Dr. Frank Figueroa as its new Mayor Pro Tem.

The decision followed Mayor Steven Hernandez’s first public appearance since his indictment in October on felony charges of perjury and fraud, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The city council elected to wait until Mayor Hernandez was present at meetings to appoint a member of the council as mayor pro tem.

With a unanimous vote from the council, Figueroa officially stepped into his new leadership role during this week’s meeting. He previously ran against Hernandez for mayor in 2024 and is Coachella’s first openly gay city councilmember. First elected in 2022, Figueroa has focused much of his work on strengthening the city’s financial stability and ensuring grant funding is properly managed.

Figueroa says his priorities remain centered on moving the city forward and uniting the community after months of uncertainty. He acknowledged concerns from residents who feel progress has stalled and emphasized the need for cooperation among council members.

He also addressed broader issues impacting the region, including immigration enforcement and its effects on East Valley communities. Figueroa says local leaders must work to protect and support residents during times of heightened fear and uncertainty.

During the mayor’s legal challenges, Figueroa was the only councilmember to publicly address community concerns, including discussions about possible recall options. Now, as mayor pro tem, he says restoring public trust is a top priority.

Figueroa adds that Coachella is at a turning point, with several major projects in the pipeline. He says it will take collaboration among all five councilmembers to ensure city priorities are met and residents’ needs remain at the forefront.