Fresno City Council Meeting – March 19, 2026: Leadership Election, Street Renaming, and Key Policy Decisions
Fresno City Council Regular and Special Meeting – March 19, 2026
The Fresno City Council held a regular meeting starting at 9:13 AM, with a special meeting convened at 3:00 PM to address the renaming of César Chávez Boulevard. The meeting included the election of council leadership, multiple public hearings, and votes on several resolutions and consent items. Key outcomes include the adoption of a resolution to begin the process of restoring original street names, support for state legislation to ban sex offenders from holding public office, and a study on corporate ownership of housing.
Consent Calendar
- Approved minutes of February 26, 2026, meetings.
- Adopted Ordinance 2026-4 (Bill B-3) amending sidewalk vending time limits.
- Introduced Bills B-4 through B-9 amending various municipal codes.
- Approved a $396,000 consultant agreement with Lighthouse Public Affairs, LLC for lobbying services.
- Approved a lease agreement with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Fresno Yosemite International Airport (10-year term, $3,405,385 revenue).
- Approved rental car concessions agreements with Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz (five-year terms, total revenue ~$24,231,190).
- Approved service facility lease amendments with Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Enterprise.
- Approved a $42,000 increase to Animal Balance contract for spay/neuter services (total $126,000).
- Awarded a $2,059,736.92 construction contract to Rakkar Development & Construction for Roeding Park restroom replacement.
- Approved design-build contract name change for parking automation project (no additional cost).
- Approved $1,996,368 HOME and $1,861,632 HOME-ARP agreements for Davu Village (63-unit affordable housing).
- Accepted the 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report.
- Approved amendments to consultant agreements for landfill remediation services totaling $676,200.
- Approved a water consolidation agreement for Three Palms Mobile Home Park and appropriated $629,600.
- Adopted resolutions of intention to annex properties to Community Facilities Districts Nos. 11 and 18.
- Approved a one-year FAX revenue agreement with Fresno Pacific University ($7,000 annually).
- Rejected proposals for elevator modernization RFQ.
- Awarded a two-year revenue service contract to STX Commodities (no cost to city).
- Reappointed Jacob Bailey to the Active Transportation Advisory Committee.
- Introduced Bill B-9 amending sidewalk vending ordinances regarding vending of services.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Consent and Closed Session items: Multiple speakers addressed the council. Sam Frank (Fresno City Employees Association) urged settling litigation over alleged discrimination, stating the city is “in a deep hole” with $45,000 monthly interest on a judgment. Ari and others raised concerns about the Fresno Police Department’s Military Equipment Use Report, citing non-compliance with AB 481 including missing reporting on drone use, retention policies, and fiscal impact. Several speakers supported settling the La-Kebbia Wilson discrimination case. Brian Smith opposed banning sex offenders from public office.
- Housing Element Annual Progress Report: Gabriel Lozano emphasized the need for programming and security around housing for individuals with mental health and addiction issues. Nikki Real expressed concerns about prioritization of funds.
- Military Equipment Report (3-A): Pastor Isabel Vela opposed expanding military equipment, citing nearly 200 misconduct complaints in 2024 and arguing that equipment does not build trust.
- Street Renaming (Special Meeting): Multiple speakers expressed support for restoring the original street names (Kings Canyon, Ventura, California) and shared emotional connections. Olga Valle, a former farmworker, defended César Chávez’s legacy and urged caution. Others proposed alternative names such as Audra McDonald or United Farm Workers Avenue. Some criticized the speed of the decision, arguing 24 hours’ notice was insufficient.
- Resolution on Sex Offenders Holding Office: Brian Kelly (survivor of sexual assault) raised constitutional concerns about blanket bans. Renée Campos objected to statements made about him during the meeting. Pastor Isabel Vela argued that rights should not be stripped based on political convenience.
Discussion Items
- Election of Council President and Vice President: Councilmember Perea nominated Nelson Esparza for President and Tyler Maxwell for Vice President. Motion carried 7-0. Councilmember Vang initially nominated Nick Richardson but withdrew. Outgoing President Mike Karbassi gave Nelson Esparza a gavel and received a champion belt.
- 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report: Presented by Project Liaison Pagoulatos. The report tracks housing production against the RHNA goal of 36,866 units (with 4,621 units constructed, 12.5% of target). In 2025, building permits for over 2,000 units were issued, a 23% increase over 2024. Affordable housing units increased by nearly 50%. Councilmember Richardson asked about data discrepancies; Director Clark clarified that application and permit data reflect different time periods. Councilmember Vang requested future meetings in District 5. No vote taken.
- Central Southeast Area Specific Plan (Tabled): Originally scheduled for 3:55 PM, the council voted 4-3 to table the item to June 18, 2026, at 3:55 PM. Councilmembers Karbassi, Maxwell, Richardson, and Esparza voted yes; Perea, Arias, and Vang voted no. The motion cited legal concerns discussed in closed session.
- Rezone Application P23-03006 (Tabled): The 4:00 PM hearing for a 55.31-acre rezone in Council District 3 (Southwest Fresno) was tabled 7-0 on a motion by Councilmember Arias, who cited community opposition and advice from the Attorney General’s office.
- Fresno Police Department Military Equipment Use Report (3-A): Presented by Chief Casto. The report covers 293 drone uses, low deployment of other equipment, and zero public complaints. Councilmember Karbassi confirmed compliance with state law. Councilmember Perea shared a personal experience where SWAT equipment saved lives. A public meeting is scheduled for March 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM; the item will be voted on March 26, 2026.
- Resolution on Facial Recognition Technology (2-AA): Councilmember Richardson proposed a study of facial recognition for City Hall security, specifically to screen sex offenders if the building is designated a place frequented by minors. After debate, the resolution was withdrawn 7-0, and the council directed the city attorney to research legality and feasibility and to agendize the issue in closed session.
- Resolution to Study Housing Ownership Concentration (2-CC): Councilmember Perea sponsored a study on corporate ownership of housing stock. The resolution was adopted 7-0 with an amendment changing the reporting party from city manager to city attorney.
- Resolution in Support of AB 2753 (4-A): The council voted 7-0 to support state legislation banning sex offenders from holding public office. Councilmember Arias noted existing disqualifications in California elections code and argued that this would add sex offenses to the list.
- Street Renaming (Special Meeting): The council voted 7-0 to adopt a resolution directing the administration to begin the process of removing César Chávez Boulevard signs and restoring the original street names (Kings Canyon, Ventura, California Avenue). The city will hold additional public hearings; 80% of the original signs are in storage.
Key Outcomes
- Council Leadership: Nelson Esparza elected Council President, Tyler Maxwell elected Vice President (7-0).
- Consent Calendar Approved: Including numerous contracts, resolutions, and ordinance introductions (7-0).
- Housing Element APR: Public hearing held; no vote required; comments to be included in the report submitted to HCD by April 1, 2026.
- Central Southeast Area Specific Plan: Tabled to June 18, 2026, 3:55 PM (4-3).
- Rezone Application (P23-03006): Tabled to a future noticed date (7-0).
- Military Equipment Report: Presented; no action taken. Public meeting March 25; vote March 26.
- Facial Recognition Resolution: Withdrawn (7-0); city attorney directed to research in closed session.
- Housing Ownership Study: Resolution 2026-40 adopted (7-0) with amendment.
- AB 2753 Support: Resolution 2026-41 adopted (7-0).
- César Chávez Boulevard Renaming: Process initiated (7-0); signs to be replaced pending public hearings.
- Contested Consent Items: FAX revenue agreement with Fresno Pacific University approved (6-0). STX Commodities contract approved (6-0).
- Agenda Reconsideration: Motion to reconsider the agenda passed (6-1) to allow tabling of the 4:00 PM rezone item.
- Closed Session: Council met in closed session for labor negotiations and multiple litigation items, with some continued to March 26, 2026.
Meeting Transcript
Past nine, I get uh gets the balance of our colleagues on up to the dais. We're gonna go ahead and uh get started here very momentarily. All right, good morning. We'll call this meeting to order 913 a.m. Uh City Clerk, would you please call the role? Yes, thank you. Councilmember Perea present. Councilmember Carbasi. Councilmember Arias. Presented. Councilmember Maxwell. Present. Councilmember Vang. Present. Councilmember Richardson. Here. Vice President Esparza. Present. Seven members being present, we have a quorum. Great. Uh next we'll have our invocation, and after that, we'll have our Pledge of Allegiance. Uh, would like to invite Father Ruby of the St. Paul uh Newman Center up to uh provide us with the invocation, and uh after that uh council member Richardson is going to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. A reading from the Prophet Micah, chapter six, verse eight. What does the Lord require of us to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God? Gracious and loving God. We gather in your presence, mindful of this sacred calling. Teach us to do justice, to seek what is right and fair for all, especially for those whose voices are seldom heard. Teach us to love kindness, to act not simply with fairness, but with compassion. To see one another not as opponents, but as neighbors, deserving dignity and respect. Teach us to walk humbly, to listen before we speak. And to understand before we judge. Bless all who serve this city of Fresno, our common home, of first responders, educators, community leaders, and volunteers. Strengthen them in their mission and renew their spirit with hope and courage. Bless the leaders gathered here today. Grant them wisdom in their deliberations, integrity in their decisions, and a sincere commitment to the common good. Amen. Is there any changes or items removed from the agenda? Yes, thank you. With regard to changes to the agenda. Special meeting item ID 26376 regarding resolution to begin the process to remove the Cesar Traves Boulevard street sign. The resolution is subject to mayoral veto and should have three asterisks before the title and subject to mayor's veto should be listed at the end of the title. The supplement for this item reflects the changes to the staff report. Item 20, ID 26-308 regarding renewal of the Fresno Police Department Annual Military Equipment Use Report. This item is being moved to General Administration 3A and approval from the council is not being requested at this time. There will be a public meeting on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 at 6 p.m. at City Hall for this item. Approval for this item will be on the March 26, 2026 agenda. To you, ID 26-326 regarding resolution of intention to annex final tract map number 6475. The subject property is in District 7, not in District 5 as previously listed.
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