After weeks of uncertainty, the California Legislature is expected to allocate $250 million for downtown Fresno when it finalizes the state budget in the upcoming week.
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer announced Saturday that the city anticipates receiving the funding.
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The backstory: In May, California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a $250 million investment in the state budget for downtown Fresno, which was met with excitement from Dyer.
- But Dyer’s plans to use the money – including for two new parking structures – faced opposition from local social justice groups, and within the last couple weeks is started to look bleak as the legislature haggled over the budget.
Driving the news: Any and all concerns were quelled Saturday when Dyer said the legislature and Newsom have reached a budget deal that includes funding for downtown Fresno over a three-year period.
- Along with new parking structures, Dyer’s plan includes using the funds for green space, street infrastructure and landscape investments.
- According to Dyer, the funding will allow for the acceleration of new investments in residential and mixed-use buildings, furthering the goal of having 10,000 people live in and around downtown.
What they’re saying: “I cannot say it enough – this $250 million will be transformative,” Dyer said.
- Along with praise for Newsom, Dyer thanked Sen. Anna Caballero (D–Merced), Asm. Joaquin Arambula (D–Fresno) and Asm. Esmeralda Soria (D–Fresno) for their support in securing the funds.
- “This funding will support infrastructure upgrades essential to accelerate new housing and supporting businesses that are at the forefront of our downtown core’s rebirth,” Dyer said.
