Fresno City Council Regular Meeting - July 30, 2026

The Fresno City Council met on July 30, 2026, starting at approximately 9:15 AM and continuing past midnight. The agenda included several ballot measure proposals for the November 2026 election, routine consent items, a resolution supporting Fresno Housing Authority maintenance workers, and workshops on e-bike safety, Measure C expiration, and AI-based code enforcement. Public comment was extensive, particularly on redistricting, housing authority layoffs, and term limits. Key votes included approval of a sales tax measure (6-1), failure of a redistricting commission measure (4-3), and tabling of a term limits amendment.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from June 2026 budget hearings and regular meetings.
• Approved reappointments and appointments to various boards and commissions (passed 5-1, with Councilmember Arias voting no due to lack of a District 3 planning commissioner).
• Approved lease agreements with FAA and Flight Level Aviation, consultant services for airport, change orders for terminal expansion, and various public works contracts (street improvements, pressure washing, landscape maintenance, etc.).
• Approved amendments to the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance, adoption of Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map, position authorization for Fire Department, police equipment lease purchase, summer swim contract, housing streamlining text amendment, and several housing-related service agreements.
• Approved resolution supporting Fresno Housing Authority maintenance workers (Item 2-EE) as part of consent but later moved to contested; ultimately passed 6-0.
• Several items were moved to contested consent and discussed individually.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Redistricting Commission (Item 2JJ): Multiple speakers opposed the proposal, arguing it was an advisory commission with council-appointed members, not truly independent. Speakers included representatives from the League of Women Voters and community activists. They urged council to either make it fully independent or not place it on the ballot.
• Housing Authority Resolution (Item 26-978): Maintenance workers, union members, and community advocates spoke in support, describing understaffing and potential impacts of layoffs on residents. Fresno Housing CEO Tyrone Williams explained the financial pressures leading to the layoff decisions.
• Sales Tax Measure (Item 2II): Public comment included both support as a stopgap and opposition due to lack of earmarks for transportation. Several speakers requested more transparency and guardrails.
• Term Limits (Item 2KK): Overwhelming opposition from speakers who called the proposal a self-serving power grab. Many urged council not to place it on the ballot, citing the rushed process and perceived benefit to current officeholders.
• Unscheduled Communication: Public comments on flock cameras, cooling centers, and meeting accessibility.

Discussion Items

• Citizen Redistricting Advisory Commission (Item 2JJ): Council debated amendments to make the commission truly independent with final authority. Co-sponsors argued for an advisory role with restrictions on membership. After public comment and discussion, the motion to approve the original proposal failed 4-3 (Esparza, Karbassi, Maxwell in favor; Perea, Arias, Vang, Richardson against).
• Sales Tax Ordinance for Public Safety and Infrastructure (Item 2II): Council considered placing a half-cent general sales tax on the November ballot to replace expiring Measure C revenue. The tax would maintain the current rate, raise ~$65 million annually, and sunset after 10 years or upon passage of a county transportation measure. The mayor committed to veto if a county measure qualifies. Passed 6-1 (Perea opposed).
• Fresno Housing Authority Maintenance Workers (Item 26-978): Resolution supporting workers and calling on the Housing Authority to avoid layoffs. Councilmember Arias abstained, citing the need for a balanced budget. Passed 6-0.
• Term Limits Charter Amendment (Item 2KK): Proposed to allow three consecutive terms (12 years) with a lifetime ban on returning to office. After extensive public comment and debate, council voted to table the item, effectively removing it from the ballot.
• Workshops: Measure C expiration workshop highlighted potential loss of $54 million annually, impact on 217 city jobs, and service cuts. E-bike safety presentation by police department. Placemetry AI workshop on using street-level imagery for code enforcement.

Key Outcomes

• Approved resolution for FAX Bus Stop ADA improvements (7-0).
• Approved street vacation on North Brawley Avenue (7-0).
• Tabled rezone application (ID 26-909) to August 13 for further review.
• Tabled Copper River transfer agreement (ID 26-1001) to August 13.
• Approved several airport-related leases and change orders (consent).
• Approved tobacco retailer license introduction (Item 2EE) (6-0).
• Tabled termination of marketing agreement with SLWA Insurance (Item 2FF) to September 3.
• Approved fee waivers for eligible parades and special events (Item 2GG) (6-0).
• Approved all remaining contested consent items (2C, 2G, 2M) as moved.
• Closed session: Council approved a settlement in eminent domain case City of Fresno v. Sethi for $7,383,755 plus interest, funded by Measure C and grant funds (5-0).

Note: The meeting adjourned at approximately 12:30 AM on July 31, 2026.