Fresno City Council Regular Meeting - September 3, 2026

The Fresno City Council met on September 3, 2026, for a regular meeting starting at 9:00 AM. The agenda included ceremonial proclamations, a consent calendar, a workshop on the South SATA economic analysis, and a resolution to initiate a text amendment prohibiting data centers. After extensive public comment and deliberation, the council approved a 10-year moratorium on data centers and passed consent items. The meeting also featured a workshop on the fiscal analysis of the Southeast Area (SATA) Specific Plan, which drew significant public opposition.

Ceremonial Presentations

• Proclamation for Dr. Katherine Flores Day – Declared September 3, 2026 as Dr. Katherine Flores Day in Fresno, honoring her career as a physician, founder of the Doctor's Academy, and advocate for health equity.
• Proclamation for International Green Building Week – Declared the week of September 7–11, 2026 as International Green Building Week in Fresno, recognizing sustainable building practices.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On the SATA Workshop: Multiple residents and community organizations spoke in opposition, citing concerns about sprawl, environmental impacts, cost to existing residents (especially utility ratepayers), lack of demand for 10,000 housing units on 467 acres, and insufficient attention to underserved communities (e.g., Southwest Fresno). Some speakers supported the plan for job creation and investment in southeast Fresno.
• On the Data Center Resolution: Nearly all public speakers supported a ban on data centers, citing high water and energy consumption, air pollution, low job creation, and the need to protect agricultural land and public health. Several speakers urged an immediate emergency ban rather than a 10-year moratorium.
• Other Comments: A resident from District 3 objected to consent items, alleging lack of community engagement. Additional comments addressed concerns about transparency, vacant properties, and funding delays.

Discussion Items

1. South SATA Economic Analysis Workshop (Item 3-A)

• Presentation: Jennifer Clark (Planning Director) and Amy Lapin (EPS consultant) presented a fiscal analysis for the South SATA area (approximately 2,017 acres). Key findings:
  • Pre-development cost for sewer trunk main: $72 million (2029 dollars), to be financed via a revenue bond (~$86 million) repaid through an infrastructure Community Facilities District (CFD).
  • Net annual general fund surplus at build-out: $17.2 million.
  • Housing capacity: 10,070 units (20% multifamily) on 467 acres east of Temperance, with average home price assumed at $525,000.
  • Annual Measure P revenue estimated at $1.8 million; street maintenance costs $7.1 million.
  • An Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) could generate up to $1.6 billion over 45 years, but would reduce the general fund surplus.
• Council Questioning: Councilmembers Vang and Arias raised concerns about density (2,000 sq ft lots), financial risks, reliance on optimistic absorption rates, and the lack of a plan for fire/police services. Councilmember Arias questioned who requested the plan and whether it was fiscally prudent. No vote was taken; the workshop concluded with staff to provide written responses to follow-up questions.

2. Resolution to Initiate a Text Amendment Prohibiting Data Centers (Item 2-N)

• Sponsor: Councilmember Richardson.
• Discussion: The resolution directs staff to draft a text amendment banning data centers (defined as facilities exceeding 20,000 sq ft or 2 MW power demand, primarily for AI or cloud storage) for 10 years. Councilmembers debated the definition, scope, and potential loopholes.
• Amendments Adopted:
  1. Require immediate notification to the council of any application for a data center (primary, incidental, or auxiliary).
  2. Clarify that the prohibition applies to any territory annexed to the city after the ordinance’s effective date.
• Outcome: The resolution passed 6-0 initially (Councilmember Perea absent). After Councilmember Carbasi requested reconsideration (having missed the vote), the item was reopened and passed 7-0 with Perea present via Zoom.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar (Items 2-A through 2-J, 2-L, 2-M): Approved 6-0. Notable items included $9.76 million HHAP-6 funding for homeless services, a construction contract for the Herndon Canal Metro Trail ($4.06 million), and approval of the 2027 STEP grant ($630,500).
• Contested Consent Items:
  • Item 2-K (2027 STEP Grant): Approved 6-0.
  • Item 2-O (Reallocation of $100,000 from Public Works to City Council): Approved 6-0.
  • Item 2-N (Data Center Prohibition): Initially approved 6-0, then re-approved 7-0 after reconsideration.
• No Vote on SATA Workshop: The workshop was informational; no action taken.

Other Business

• Closed Session: The council met in closed session to discuss labor negotiations and anticipated litigation. No reportable actions were announced.