The Amazon "FAT 1" distribution center in Fresno. Photo by Edward Smith

A small patch of land in Fresno plays an outsized role in the local economy — to the tune of $102.7 million in tax revenue and $13 billion in economic output.

Those are the highlights of an economic study prepared for a group called INVEST Fresno on the South Central Fresno Business District, which includes industrial businesses such as the Amazon and Ulta distribution centers.

Community groups are pushing for a rezone of the 5,629-acre planning area under the South Central Specific Plan that could find some existing industrial uses out of compliance, reported GVWire.com.

While the South Central Fresno Business District represents less than 7.5% of Fresno’s land area, it is home to more than 440 businesses directly employing 22,000 full-time-equivalent jobs and creating more than double that citywide, according to the report. The average annual wage of $68,000 for these jobs is slightly higher than the rest of the city.

Last year, the South Central Fresno Business District generated $102.7 million in tax revenue, or 21% of the City of Fresno’s total tax revenue. It housed $13 billion in economic activity, or 35% of the city’s total economic output, according to the report.

The tax revenue supports essential services including public safety, parks maintenance and support for mental health programs, according to INVEST Fresno.

“Fresno is a great city with enormous potential,” said Ethan Smith, chairman of INVEST Fresno’s Board of Directors. “It is clear we need 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.”