City Council - 2026-03-19
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Fresno City Council elected Nelson Esparza as council president and Maxwell as vice president. The council voted unanimously to begin the process of removing Cesar Chavez Boulevard street signs and restoring the original names (Kings Canyon, Ventura, and California Avenue) following abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez disclosed by Dolores Huerta. The Central Southeast Area Specific Plan was continued to June 18, 2026, and a 4PM public hearing item was tabled following opposition from community members and at the advice of legal counsel.
Key Decisions (10)
Election of Council President and Vice President
Council member Nelson Esparza was elected council president and council member Maxwell was elected vice president. Motion passed 7-0.
Resolution to Remove Cesar Chavez Boulevard Signs
Resolution to begin the process of removing Cesar Chavez Boulevard street signs and restoring original names (Kings Canyon, Ventura, and California Avenue). Sponsored by council members Esparza, Perea, Carbassi, with Arias and Vang added as cosponsors. The city retained approximately 80% of original signs and will need to purchase about 20% new signs.
Central Southeast Area Specific Plan Continuation
Item continued from today's agenda to June 18, 2026 at 3:55 PM following a letter requesting 90-120 days to examine content and legal considerations discussed in closed session.
4PM Public Hearing Item Tabled
A public hearing item scheduled for 4PM was tabled to a future date following significant opposition from community members, at the request of the Attorney General's office, and at the advice of legal counsel.
AB 2753 Support Resolution - Barring Sex Offenders from Public Office
Resolution in support of state Assembly Bill 2753 which would bar registered sex offenders from holding public office. Sponsored by council members Carbassi, Perea, and Richardson.
Study on Concentration of Ownership
Resolution directing city attorney to conduct a study on corporate and institutional investor ownership of rental housing properties within the city. Sponsored by council member Perea.
Facial Recognition Technology Resolution Withdrawn
Resolution directing staff to conduct feasibility study of facial recognition technology at City Hall was withdrawn. City attorney will conduct legal research and agendize potential litigation in closed session.
FCTC Family Two LP HOME Agreement
Approved $3,000,000 HOME Investment Partnerships Program agreement with FCTC Family Two LP. Item 2L was moved from contested consent back to approval.
FAX Revenue Agreement
Authorized one year FAX revenue agreement with two optional one year extensions between the city of Fresno. Item 2W.
STX Commodities Revenue Service Contract
Awarded two year revenue service contract with options for three one year extensions to STX Commodities. Item 2Y.
Zoning Changes (1)
Office zones citywide
City of Fresno (text amendment)
Development Activity (7)
Clinton Avenue Apartments
78 new affordable deed restricted apartments. Local Housing Trust Fund provided $3,000,000 in gap financing.
La Hacienda Mobile Estates
56 unit mobile home community stabilization with 17 deed restricted units for lower income households. Homekey Plus funding 17 new units of permanent supportive housing for veterans.
Sierra Crossing
95 units of permanent supportive housing for youth and individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, funded by Homekey.
The Dakota
114 homes including units supporting veterans and their families. Building has gone vertical.
The Mosaic
Affordable housing project planned for completion in upcoming year.
The Visidero Commons
Affordable housing project planned for completion in upcoming year.
Senior Binyon Cottages
First affordable housing development on Faith Land in the city under Senate Bill 4. Will provide 21 units of affordable housing for those 62 years of age and older. Groundbreaking scheduled for March 20, 2026.
Market Signals (6)
Housing Demand
In 2025, the city completed planning applications for over 3,000 housing units, issued building permits for over 2,000 units, and completed construction of over 2,000 units - a 23% increase over 2024.
Housing Demand
Low and lower income units constructed increased by nearly 50% over the previous year with almost 400 affordable housing units completed in 2025.
Housing Demand
ADU production more than doubled from prior year with 41 ADUs completed and 179 more in the pipeline in 2025.
Housing Demand
City helped 50 families achieve homeownership through mortgage assistance program funded by permanent local housing allocation funds.
Sentiment
Council member expressed concern about corporate ownership of rental properties setting rental rates higher than local owners and reducing community investment, prompting a study on concentration of ownership.
Infrastructure
City has invested several million dollars in Grizzlies stadium improvements including new turf, scoreboard, LED lights, speaker system, restrooms, and painting.