It appears that Fresno will receive $100 million pledged by Gov. Gavin Newsom to revitalize downtown after all.
California’s proposed state budget, which was passed by the Legislature last Friday, includes the promised money to Fresno after uncertainty given the state’s budget deficit for the third consecutive year.
The backstory: Newsom first proposed giving Fresno $250 million in his May 2023 budget revision in order to boost the city’s downtown revitalization efforts.
- Fresno received the first $50 million as part of the 2023-2024 budget, but the remaining $200 million was delayed as California’s financial situation worsened.
- The situation continued to look bleak this year as Newsom’s budget revision in May once again did not include any of the remaining $200 million for Fresno.
The big picture: Dyer announced on Monday that $100 million for Fresno was added to the proposed budget, coming in ahead of schedule after the state previously delayed it until at least next year.
- Funding will go toward infrastructure projects to support future housing, businesses and improvements such as parking, sidewalks and making safer walkable streets. The city said the projects will support Dyer’s vision of having 10,000 new residents living in downtown.
- The city plans to announce more projects in the coming months as the funding rolls in.
- Fresno has already started projects with the initial $50 million allocation to replace sewer and water lines throughout downtown and Chinatown.
What he’s saying: “I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Governor for standing by Fresno and keeping his promise to invest in our community,” Dyer said. “This commitment comes at a critical time to ensure we maintain momentum in our revitalization efforts.”
- Dyer continued, “The state’s investment into Fresno is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Thanks to the Governor, Senator Caballero, Assemblymembers Soria and Arambula, the legislative leadership, the Department of Finance, and so many others who are helping this vision become a reality – Fresno is ready to deliver on a vision that will benefit this community for decades to come.”
