Regular Meeting of the Fresno City Council - October 22, 2026

The Fresno City Council convened in regular session on October 22, 2026, immediately followed by a special meeting. With Councilmembers Perea and Vice President Maxwell absent, the body conducted six ceremonial proclamations, approved a large consent calendar, directed the study of a sex offender housing ordinance (SHIELD Act), and established a 90-day safety pilot program for the Tower District. Extensive public comment focused on the re-establishment of the Immigration Legal Defense Fund and the SHIELD Act.

Ceremonial Presentations and Council Reports

• Scott Mozier Day: The council proclaimed October 22, 2026 as Scott L. Mosier Day, honoring the retiring Public Works Director for 24 years of service. Mayor Dyer and Councilmembers praised his leadership on the $140 million Veterans Boulevard project and his responsiveness to community needs.
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month: A proclamation was presented noting over 7,200 domestic violence reports filed with Fresno PD last year and over 7,656 adults and children served by the Marjorie Mason Center, which provided over 76,000 nights of safe shelter. Over 25 domestic-violence-related homicides have occurred in Fresno in the last five years.
• Fresno IdeaWorks Day: Councilmember Perea recognized the downtown makerspace, which contributed 4,060 volunteer hours in 2024.
• Mobile Food Vendor Association Day: Councilmember Arias detailed the association's origin following the 2021 shooting of a vendor and their ongoing advocacy for safe, licensed street vending.
• Greg and Dre Day: Recognized retiring radio hosts Greg Hoffman and Andre Covington for 25 years of broadcasting.
• United Against Hate Week: Mayor Dyer and the Community Liaison Office proclaimed the week of October 18–24.
• Councilmember Reports: Councilmember Richardson announced a video explainer on state propositions and discussions on winter warming center policies. Mayor Dyer and Councilmember Arias reviewed a four-hour community meeting in the Tower District with over 800 attendees addressing public safety.

Consent Calendar

• Approved by a vote of 5 to 1, with Councilmember Richardson dissenting primarily over the Immigration Legal Defense Fund (Item 2BB).
• Key approvals included: $4.3 million in city funds and a parcel for the Senior Affordable Modular Housing Project; $950,000 for the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission Advance Peace Program; agreements for airport concessions, police equipment, and the 20th, 21st, and 23rd Appropriation Amendments.
• Item 2BB (Immigration Legal Defense Fund): Re-established with an amendment limiting eligibility to Fresno residents without a criminal conviction. The item was placed back on the consent calendar following a procedural motion.

Public Comments and Testimony

• Immigration Legal Defense Fund (2BB): Supporters included Jesus Martinez (Central Valley Immigrant Integration Collaborative), Marbella Hernandez, Zara Marin (Power California), Shar Thompson (Tenants Together), and Lourdes Medina. They argued the fund is critical for due process and family stability amid federal enforcement surges and that the one million dollars is a necessary step. Neil O'Brien opposed the fund, arguing city funds should benefit all residents equally rather than creating a special benefit for one group.
• SHIELD Act (4A): Janice Bellucci (Alliance for Constitutional Sex Offense Laws) and Nicholas Arnolds opposed the directive, arguing it would defy state law, lead to costly litigation, and increase homelessness among registrants. Roger Honeycutt stated that a vast majority of registrants are law-abiding and cited a recidivism rate of less than one percent. A survivor of sexual abuse spoke in favor of tighter regulations, emphasizing the lasting trauma to victims.
• Tower District Pilot Program: Lisa Flores questioned the concentration of liquor licenses and the efficacy of passive policing.
• Unscheduled Communication: Brandy Vegas requested more predictable meeting schedules for community engagement. Lisa Flores urged the city to prepare warming centers for the anticipated El Niño season.

Discussion Items

• Habitat for Humanity Disposition (9:05 AM): The council held a joint meeting to approve the transfer of 0.18 acres at 33 East Atchison Street to Habitat for Humanity for affordable housing. Approved unanimously in two votes (6-0).
• CFD No. 9 Annexations (9:10 and 9:15 AM): Two hearings to annex territory and levy special taxes for Community Facilities District No. 9 were approved unanimously (6-0).
• SHIELD Act Directive (Item 4A): Councilmember Karbassi introduced a resolution to initiate a study of regulations on sex offender housing operators. He argued the city must act against a "cottage industry" importing violent predators with no local ties, citing the case of David Alan Funston. Councilmember Richardson supported the study but warned of strong state preemption under California Health and Safety Code Section 1566.3, which limits local zoning authority over small residential care facilities. Councilmember Perea strongly supported the directive, focusing on the wellbeing of victims. The directive passed 6-0.
• Tower District Pilot Program (Special Meeting): The council reviewed a 90-day safety pilot program for the Olive Avenue corridor following three recent shootings. The plan creates a designated vendor market zone, increases street lighting from 38 to 75 watts, and adjusts loading zone enforcement to begin at 10 PM. The resolution passed 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Discrepancy Noted: The agenda listed two major land-use hearings (Central Southeast Specific Plan, ID 26-1243, and SW Fresno Rezone, ID 26-1244) as continued to December 3, 2026. However, the City Clerk announced during the meeting that these items were tabled without a return date by Councilmembers Karbassi and Arias.
• Consent Calendar adopted (5-1).
• SHIELD Act study directive adopted (6-0).
• Tower District 90-day pilot program adopted (6-0).
• Closed session concluded with no reportable actions.