Share
The Urban Institute has published a mid-October interview conducted by Erica C. Poethig with former Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin.
In the article “How local philanthropy is addressing Fresno, California’s severe economic inequities,” Poethig, who is the institute’s vice president and chief innovation officer, asks Swearengin: “What led to Fresno’s social and economic inequities?”
Her answer:
For 60 years, leapfrog development has been driving wealth to the outer edges of the city, building single-family homes on the very farmland that is meant to power our economy. What feels to some like growth and progress is “white flight” that is undermining our economy and destroying the stability of our neighborhoods.
While we have begun to move the needle on some of our most persistent economic, environmental, and social challenges, these conditions are a direct result of decades of discriminatory policies and redlining followed by land-use policies that further isolated and segregated our community.
Honor the Voice of Disenfranchised Neighborhoods
In regard to solutions, Swearengin, who is the CEO of the Central Valley Community Foundation, says:
Conversations about inequality are difficult — both to initiate and to carry through — but they are the necessary first step to addressing the challenge of inequality. It requires civic leaders to be vulnerable, which is not always a comfortable space to be in. As mayor, I found that the best outcomes came from being willing to challenge the status quo and honoring and valuing the voice of Fresno’s disenfranchised neighborhoods.
You can read the complete interview at this link.
Tim Walz Urges Democrats to Fight Back Harder Against ‘Bully’ Trump
24 hours ago
Ancient DNA Reveals a New Group of People Who Lived Near Land Bridge Between the Americas
2 hours ago
Cabrera, Three Relievers Combine to Lead Marlins to Win Over Giants
16 hours ago
Spike in Steel Tariffs Could Imperil Trump Promise of Lower Grocery Prices
16 hours ago
Dodgers’ Mookie Betts Out With Broken Toe After Late-Night Bedroom Mishap
16 hours ago
California Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Hilton Vows to Repeal Transgender Athlete Law
20 hours ago
Trans Athlete Competes in California Championships in Clovis Despite National Controversy
23 hours ago
Tim Walz Urges Democrats to Fight Back Harder Against ‘Bully’ Trump
24 hours ago
Ancient DNA Reveals a New Group of People Who Lived Near Land Bridge Between the Americas
2 hours ago
Cabrera, Three Relievers Combine to Lead Marlins to Win Over Giants
16 hours ago
Spike in Steel Tariffs Could Imperil Trump Promise of Lower Grocery Prices
16 hours ago
Dodgers’ Mookie Betts Out With Broken Toe After Late-Night Bedroom Mishap
16 hours ago
California Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Hilton Vows to Repeal Transgender Athlete Law
20 hours ago
Trans Athlete Competes in California Championships in Clovis Despite National Controversy
23 hours ago
Tim Walz Urges Democrats to Fight Back Harder Against ‘Bully’ Trump
24 hours ago
Townsizing? Land Snorkeling? A User’s Guide to the Latest Travel Lingo
1 hour ago
Categories

Townsizing? Land Snorkeling? A User’s Guide to the Latest Travel Lingo

Trump Trade War Has Already Had Huge Effect on California Ports

Cambodian American Chefs Are Finding Success and Raising Their Culture’s Profile. On Their Terms

Ancient DNA Reveals a New Group of People Who Lived Near Land Bridge Between the Americas

Cabrera, Three Relievers Combine to Lead Marlins to Win Over Giants

Spike in Steel Tariffs Could Imperil Trump Promise of Lower Grocery Prices

Dodgers’ Mookie Betts Out With Broken Toe After Late-Night Bedroom Mishap
