The City of Fresno created a video illustrating how grant funding will help bring more housing downtown. It featured renderings of proposed buildings superimposed with the current layout. This screen grab shows Fresno Housing's CVS Site rendering.

Mayor Jerry Dyer announced Monday that the City of Fresno has been conditionally awarded more than $43 million for capital improvements in Downtown Fresno and Chinatown, with a goal of strengthening housing infrastructure.

The $43.73 million award is part of the California Department of Housing and Community Development Infill Infrastructure Grant – Catalytics Qualifying Infill Area (IIGC) program, intended to promote infill housing by providing funds for affordable and mixed-income housing.

Dyer said the funding — which will come in addition to $250 million awarded from the state —  will help continue Dyer’s vision for the continued evolution of Downtown Fresno. Goals include an increase in residential population from 3,000 to 10,000, as well as introducing reliable grocery, health care and transportation services and economic opportunities for the region.

The funds have been earmarked to improve water, sewer and streets, as well as parking to support up to 862 mixed-income housing units. An accompanying video from the City of Fresno includes housing projects slated for support, including the former CVS site, Gottschalks building, Helm building, JC Penney building and more.

Downtown Fresno CVS destined for housing. Grant, Newsom’s $250M would help

 

The video also states development in Downtown Fresno can be done at any density, up to 15 stories. with no additional requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act and a 100-day entitlement timeline.

“These funds will serve as a catalyst to our revitalization efforts by accelerating housing, including student housing, in the Downtown and Chinatown area,” Dyer said Monday on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Great cities have great downtowns and we are well on our way to having a great downtown.”

Dyer also thanked California Gov. Gavin Newsom for his continued support in Fresno’s Downtown revitalization.

The IIGC award comes after Fresno’s recent Prohousing Designation from the State of California and the State’s $250 million investment to modernize and improve Downtown Fresno’s overall infrastructure.