Inaugural Meeting of the Fresno Commission on Family Affordability and Child Care Access – September 2, 2026

The City of Fresno held its first-ever meeting of the Commission on Family Affordability and Child Care Access on September 2, 2026, from 10:09 AM to 11:12 AM. The commission was formed to address the child care crisis in Fresno, which affects families, the workforce, and the local economy. Commissioners were sworn in, initial business was conducted, and subcommittees were discussed for future work. The meeting was followed by a press conference.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda Approval: The meeting agenda was approved unanimously (10–0) with Council President Esparza excused at the time.
• Minutes Approval: Minutes from the August 21, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (10–0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lisa Flores (via Zoom): Urged the commission to prioritize public participation, especially parents, caregivers, and community members, and to hold listening sessions at schools. She expressed hope that the vice chair would reflect the community's need for transparency and engagement. No other public comments were made in chambers or online.

Discussion Items

• Oath of Office: New commissioners were sworn in by the City Clerk.
• Member Reports & Introductions: Each commissioner introduced themselves and shared their background and passion for child care affordability. Commissioners included representatives from EOC, Fresno County Child Care Resource & Referral, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, Youth Leadership Institute, Supportive Services Inc., First 5 Fresno County, SEIU 521 Childcare Workers, and others. Council Vice President Maxwell and Councilmember Perea also gave remarks. Mayor Jerry Dyer addressed the commission, thanking them and highlighting the city's $2 million contribution to child care and early learning.
• Subcommittee Discussion: Chair Tyler Maxwell presented six proposed subcommittee topics: community engagement and needs assessment, child care supply and capacity, family affordability and access, funding and investment strategy, policy/land use/regulatory solutions, and a suggestion to add a child care workforce subcommittee. Commissioners discussed combining the family affordability and funding subcommittees, adding a workforce subcommittee, and integrating data collection into others. Consensus emerged for 3–4 subcommittees, to be formally established at the October 7, 2026 meeting. Commissioners were asked to consider chairing or serving on subcommittees.
• Calendar Adoption (Item 7A): A hearing was held to adopt the amended calendar year 2026 meeting schedule. Meetings will be held the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 AM, except October 7 at 12:30 PM. The item passed unanimously (11–0) after no public comment.
• Election of Vice Chair (Item 7B): Commissioner Andrea Cervantes Woods was nominated and seconded as vice chair. She accepted and was elected unanimously (11–0). Public comment from Lisa Flores preceded the vote.
• Appointment of Alternates (Item 7C): Commissioners nominated alternates for themselves, all of whom were approved unanimously (11–0). One commissioner did not yet have an alternate and was given until the next meeting. Alternates included Sheryl Moore, Chief of Staff for Councilmember Perea, Councilmember Cabrera (as alternate for Councilmember Esparza), Marco Jimenez, Itsel Robles, Salita Garcia, Dr. Matilda Soria, Daniel Gonzalez, Kendra Division, Lupe Castillo, and Hannah Norman.

Key Outcomes

• Subcommittees: The commission will finalize 3–4 subcommittees at the October 7 meeting. Subcommittees will focus on community engagement, child care supply and workforce, family affordability together with funding/investment, and policy/land use/regulatory solutions. Data collection will be integrated across subcommittees. Commissioner Alvarado suggested a specific emphasis on father engagement.
• Vice Chair: Commissioner Andrea Cervantes Woods was elected vice chair.
• Alternates: Alternates were approved for most commissioners; the remaining alternate will be appointed at the next meeting.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for October 7, 2026 at 12:30 PM. A progress report is expected in six months (March 2027) and a final report with recommendations after one year.

Note on Discrepancy: Chair Maxwell mentioned that only 27% of qualifying children have access to child care slots in Fresno, but later in the press conference he stated 23%. Both figures were used in the meeting; the source document does not resolve the discrepancy.