A large majority of Fresno supports the city’s retail distribution and warehouse sector, according to a new survey released by INVEST Fresno.
INVEST Fresno is a local nonpartisan business advocacy organization.
The big picture: According to the survey, 71% of registered voters in Fresno that were polled support the city’s warehouse industry.
- That 71% considered the retail distribution and warehousing sector to be a net positive for the local community.
- On the other hand, 18% of the respondents considered it to be a negative, while 11% were unsure.
Go deeper: The poll found that 38% of respondents stated jobs and wages as the top reason for support.
- That was followed by location, infrastructure and efficiency at 12%, as well as taxes and the economy also coming in at 12%.
- It also found broad support among voters across all of the city council districts. North Fresno, which consists of Districts 2 and 6, had 77% support. Central Fresno, which consists of Districts 1, 4 and 7, came in at 68%, followed by 64 percent for Districts 3 and 5 in south Fresno.
- When asked what the top issues facing Fresno are, 75% of respondents identified cost of living among the top three issues, with homelessness coming in at 59%, jobs and the economy at 43%, crime at 42% and health care at 28 percent. The other three issues identified were local air quality at 19%, climate change at 14% and traffic at 14%.
What they’re saying: “Ethan Smith, Chairman of INVEST Fresno’s Board of Directors, said it is clear that residents throughout the city recognize the value that retail distribution and warehousing brings to the city.
- “These businesses are fueling Fresno’s economy – providing much-needed jobs, health care benefits, and career advancement, not to mention the tax revenue that funds essential services for all residents,” Smith said. “Fresno has the opportunity to facilitate an environment that supports policies to not only retain existing businesses but attract new businesses and industries to the area so Fresno can continue to grow and thrive for future generations.”
