Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer announced May 12 a proposal that would provide the City with $250M for downtown improvements. Photo by Frank Lopez

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer over the weekend announced that $250 million in state funding for downtown revitalization is still in play.

The reassurance comes after the Legislature on June 15 passed a budget with only $50 million for Fresno – the last day for lawmakers to do so before their pay would be withheld. 

But budget negotiations continue, and Dyer reassured Fresnans that the total funding amount is “anticipated” over a three-year period after negotiations between Gov. Newsom and the Legislature. 

“I cannot say it enough – this $250 million will be transformative,” Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said.  “I am extremely grateful to Governor Newsom, for fighting for Fresno and securing the $250 million.  I am also thankful for Senator Caballero, Assembly Members Arambula and Soria as well as our entire City Council for their unanimous and steadfast support. 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.”

The planned infrastructure will allow for significant capital improvements in Downtown Fresno and Chinatown, including additional parking structures, green space and street and landscape investments. The money will also create safe, walkable neighborhoods with access to community amenities, according to a news release.

The improvement projects will also replace aging infrastructure that will allow for the acceleration of new investments in residential and mixed-use buildings. That will assist with the Mayor’s goal of allowing for 10,000 residents to call this area home. Aside from housing, it will also attract new investments, businesses, and entrepreneurs.