FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – The 2022 City of Fresno budget season has concluded as the largest budget adopted in Fresno’s history.
The budget passed on Thursday, June 24 with a majority vote of 5-2.
The Budget season concluded after 115 motions, according to City Manager Thomas Esqueda, an unusually large amount as seen in the past.
The budget supports various projects that will strengthen the city’s public safety, rebuild neighborhood infrastructure throughout the district, invest in and create new neighborhood parks, expand affordable housing opportunities, and increase beautification efforts.
“I am proud to pass my first budget on the Fresno City Council which delivers not only city-wide programs to improve public safety, transportation, housing, and infrastructure, but also direct neighborhood investments for District 4 families,” said Councilmember Maxwell. “When families in East-Central Fresno look outside their windows this next year, they’re going to see their streets and sidewalks being repaired, trees being trimmed, parks being routinely cleaned, new bike trails and walking paths, and be able to feel a sense of pride in their community once again.”
Maxwell’s additions to the annual budget aligned with the goal of reaching a balanced budget and included support for:
- $3.5 million to Council neighborhood infrastructure projects (street and sidewalk repairs).
- $2.4 million for city-wide tree trimming.
- $1 million for a protected bike lane along Barstow Ave. from Blackstone to Fresno State University’s campus.
- $750,000 toward the Eviction Protection Program to protect tenants from unlawful evictions.
- $500,000 for the acquisition of new District 4 parks and green spaces.
- $400,000 toward the preservation of historic District 4 sites.
- $400,000 to create a city-wide climate action plan.
- Funding for a full time Active Transportation Coordinator position to increase bicyclist and pedestrian safety.
- Continuation of Zero Fare bus rides through public and private partnerships, establishing a fare subsidy program for many Fresno residents, including students and veterans.
- Hiring of 120 police officers over a 15-month period, 4 new dispatchers, 9 new crime scene investigators, 42 new firefighters, and 25 new community resource service officers.
Council Vice President Esparza played a critical role in the final budget negotiations between the Council and Mayoral Administration.
After Council Leadership was tasked with presenting a final balanced budget, Council President Luis Chavez and Council Vice President Nelson Esparza met with the administration Wednesday to identify and close the gap in the General Fund.
“This year’s council was diligent and thoughtful throughout the entire budget process, we motioned over 100 changes to the budget and made nearly 50 requests for additional information to make the most informed decisions possible” said Council Vice President Esparza. “I’m proud of the work this council did and the substantial investments that are being made in Fresno’s infrastructure.”
Some of the Esparza’s highlights of the FY22 Budget include:
- Creating a District 7 Pilot Program focused on beautifying Central Fresno. A two-person crew will be picking up litter and illegal dumping throughout the district
- Supporting an ambitious change in the city-wide tree maintenance schedule to decrease the tree trimming cycle from the proposed 20 years to 10 years
- Working with colleagues to secure multi-million dollar investments in increasing Fresno’s housing stock
- Supporting the creation of a Legislative Intern Program that will help more local students become civically engaged and gain experience
- Investing in expanding the City’s Planning Department to provide businesses city wide with better and faster service
- Adding graffiti teams and additional code enforcement officers
- Adding 25 more community service officers, 9 more Crime Scene Investigators, and additional civilian personnel to the police department to support public safety in the City of Fresno
- Implementation of Measure P resources to begin rebuilding Fresno’s parks
- Increasing council infrastructure and personnel resources to better serve resident requests
“This budget is truly a critical step towards rebuilding Fresno,” said Esparza.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
