In Fresno, it’s hard to ignore the numbers — and even harder to ignore the people behind them.

With our unemployment rate nearly double the state average, more than 38,000 of our neighbors in Fresno County are currently unemployed. And like the state as a whole, the cost of living continues to climb.

For too many residents, basic needs like housing, energy, food and health care are becoming harder to afford. The question we should be asking isn’t just how we got here, but how we move forward — and ensure that every family has a fair shot at stability and opportunity. 

That path forward must begin with a serious, sustained focus on economic development that creates jobs and generates tax revenue. 

Job creation doesn’t just happen — it takes thoughtful planning and strategic positioning to make Fresno a desirable place for existing businesses to expand and for new businesses to choose.  And tax revenue isn’t just a budget line item — it’s the lifeline for a healthy city with a thriving quality of life for its residents. Together, more jobs and a growing tax base fuel the services our neighborhoods depend on; they help residents stay and build a future here in Fresno, and most importantly, they offer a path to a better future.

As the Mayor and City Council begin discussions on the upcoming budget, the opportunity exists to prioritize people-focused economic growth.

Fresno’s economic strategy must rise to meet this moment. We need to double down on policies that drive job creation, attract new industries and expand the city’s tax base so we can provide essential services and support working families. And we already have a blueprint for success.

Look at the South Central Business District. Although it occupies less than 8% of Fresno’s land area, it generates more than 21% of the city’s sales tax revenue and supports over 48,000 jobs citywide — many of them paying well above the citywide median income. It’s a proven example of how targeted investment can pay off in real economic impact.

But no single area of the city can shoulder the economic future of our entire city. Fresno needs more thriving business corridors, more housing that’s affordable, and more smart, forward-thinking investments in infrastructure — from roads and water to reliable energy and workforce training — that position us to compete for the jobs of the future.

Each percentage point in our unemployment rate represents thousands of people who want to work but don’t have access to the right opportunity. And every line in the city budget reflects a choice about what kind of community we want to build.

We cannot afford to stand still. We need to build a Fresno where growth is broad-based and prosperity is within reach for all.

That starts by putting job creation and revenue generation at the heart of every major decision. Let’s support industries that offer good wages and long-term careers. Let’s streamline the path for responsible development. And let’s make the investments needed to attract and retain businesses across key sectors — from advanced manufacturing and logistics to energy, health care, and beyond.

Fresno has great potential. The only question is whether we will choose to prioritize the kind of growth that lifts everyone. The road ahead is clear. Now it’s time to move forward — together.

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Ethan Smith is Chairman of INVEST Fresno, a coalition of business and community leaders working to expand job opportunities, attract new investment, and promote inclusive economic growth in the City of Fresno.