Fresno Commission on Family Affordability and Childcare Access - Regular Meeting - October 7, 2026

The Commission on Family Affordability and Childcare Access met in regular session at 12:30 PM in Fresno City Council Chambers. Chair Tyler Maxwell presided. The primary business was forming three ad hoc subcommittees to study childcare challenges. The meeting included public comment, a Brown Act training workshop by the City Attorney's Office, and unanimous approval of all agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Motion passed 9–0 with no changes.
• Approval of Minutes (September 2, 2026): Motion passed 9–0 with no amendments.

Commissioner Reports and Comments

• Vice Chair Andrea Cervantes Woods noted state and federal proposals recognizing childcare as essential for economic growth, encouraging the commission to stay ahead of potential investments.
• Commissioner Ofelia Gonzalez reported that interest in childcare licensing has grown from approximately 100 individuals last year to 239 this year, reflecting increased workforce development interest.
• Chair Tyler Maxwell raised concerns about increased ICE activity in the Central Valley, stating it creates intimidation and fear that will affect childcare and childhood education, and urged subcommittees to keep this context in mind.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Elizabeth Johnson, Executive Director of the Fresno Discovery Center and Fresno Unified Trustee, spoke in support of the commission’s work and urged a broad view of childcare needs including non-traditional hours, school-break care, and on-demand care. She highlighted the Discovery Center’s STEAM programs as enrichment and childcare, and noted potential for using school closure spaces for childcare. She requested support for affordable childcare and licensing upgrades.

Workshop – Ralph M. Brown Act Training

• Amanda Freeman from the City Attorney’s Office presented a training on the Brown Act covering open meeting requirements, serial meetings (hub-and-spoke and chain communications), social media restrictions (no replying to or reacting to another commissioner’s post on commission-related topics), and the exemption for ad hoc committees with fewer than six members. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about social media and one-on-one communications. The training also briefly covered common law conflicts of interest.

Hearings – Formation of Ad Hoc Subcommittees

Three resolutions were considered separately. Each received public comment (none offered) and was adopted unanimously 9–0.

1. Resolution ID 26-1306 – Childcare Policy, Land Use, Funding, and Regulatory Solutions Ad Hoc Subcommittee (Item 7A)

   • Scope: Examine zoning, permitting, development standards, fees, funding sources, and policy changes affecting childcare facilities.
   • Appointed members: Chair Tyler Maxwell, Fabiola González, Cindy J. Hernandez, Debra D. Young.

2. Resolution ID 26-1310 – Childcare Supply, Capacity, and Affordability Ad Hoc Subcommittee (Item 7C)

   • Scope: Review provider locations, licensed spaces, enrollment, waitlists, costs, and assistance programs; hear from families and providers.
   • Appointed members: Andrea Cervantes Woods, Debra D. Young, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Ofelia Gonzalez, Lavera L. Smith.

3. Resolution ID 26-1309 – Childcare Workforce Development and Sustainability Ad Hoc Subcommittee (Item 7B)

   • Scope: Focus on recruitment, training, retention, provider sustainability, wages, benefits, and professional development.
   • Appointed members: Andrea Cervantes Woods, Ofelia Gonzalez, Elizabeth Gonzalez.

Key Outcomes

• All three ad hoc subcommittees were formed and members appointed by unanimous votes (9–0 each).
• Subcommittees are to meet independently (not subject to the Brown Act), select their own chairs, and report findings back to the full commission at future monthly meetings.
• Chair Maxwell directed subcommittees to be bold in recommendations and to consider all options, including pioneering approaches.
• The full commission is expected to deliver a report card to the Fresno City Council and Mayor’s office within six months (by approximately April 2027), with a comprehensive final report due in one year.
• Additional appointments to subcommittees may be added at subsequent meetings upon re-agendizing.