Despite a budget shortfall of at least $20 million and awaiting $200 million more promised from the state, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer is bullish on growth. During his State of the City address on Thursday, Dyer said he wants to spend $900 million on 440 future city projects.

Quoting from the Biblical scripture Ecclesiastes, Dyer said there is a time to tear down and a time to build.

“In the city of Fresno, it is a time to build,” he said.

The projects include a new 911 call center, roads, and parks.

Dyer also called on Gov. Gavin Newsom to fulfill his commitment of $250 million from the state budget to help with downtown infrastructure projects.

Although the city received the first installment of $50 million in 2023, the rest has been delayed.

“I’m going to say this loud enough for the government to hear … the delayed $200 million in state funds is absolutely essential,” Dyer said.

He asked Newsom to include “at least $100 million more” in the May budget revision.

A spokesperson for the governor said they do not have any updates to share until the May revision.

Ever an advocate for downtown Fresno, Dyer said the city plans two major parking garages — one in the existing parking lot on H Street across from Chukchansi Park; and the other at the CVS pharmacy site on Fulton and Merced streets.

The Tulare Avenue underpass — which has shut down traffic around Chinatown — will finally open by the end of June, Dyer said.

“This reopening will symbolize a physical and economic reconnection of these two vital areas, downtown and Chinatown,” Dyer said.

Belt Tightening of City’s Budget

Dyer said the budget chasm was more than $20 million.

“This shortfall grew substantially during the budget process due to a shortfall in sales tax and other revenue streams as well as rising expenses driven by inflation, employee contracts, service agreements, and unfortunately utility costs,” Dyer said.

He will officially unveil his budget, and how he plans to balance it — as required by city charter — next week.

Dyer said this year’s budget is “challenging.” Every department had to find savings and make cuts.

“Like your household and businesses, our city must also live within its means,” Dyer said.

The city no longer has access to one-time funding sources such as the post-pandemic CARES Act and American Rescue Act, Dyer said.

SEDA Essential

Dyer said growth is facing “a pivotal moment,” and advocated for the expansion plan known as the Southeast Development Area.

A massive proposed expansion project, SEDA would add 45,000 housing units on 9,000 acres — bringing the rural land into the city.

“Madera has seen new developments that could have been located in the Southeast Development Area. Think about all that property tax that we lost in our city,” Dyer said.

Discussed at the city council meeting last week, Dyer said he wants to start with a scaled-back SEDA, which would cover the zone bounded by Jensen, North, Minnewawa, and Temperance avenues.

“(South SEDA) will deliver the most expedient return on investment such as infrastructure costs while providing a good balance of housing and industry,” Dyer said.

Starting small would delay any annexation and concerns about urban sprawl, Dyer said.

Dyer said thanks to a recently negotiated tax sharing agreement between the city and county, SEDA would pay for itself over the coming decades.

Dyer Highlights Programs; $100M Bond Coming

Since last July, the city has fixed 2,000 potholes, Dyer said. The city still faces a $1.2 billion backlog of painting and road projects.

Dyer plans to pursue a $100 million bond “that will allow us to pave more now and pay later.”

“The longer we wait, the more it costs. And the more people lose their tires in our city,” he said.

In his speech, Dyer highlighted various programs implemented during his five years as mayor. He talked about his Beautify Fresno program, removing trash and graffiti from the city.

Homeless sheltering increased, now totaling 877 beds. More than 10,000 have received shelter since 2020, Dyer said.

Violent and property crimes decreased in the last four years. Dyer attributed this to hiring 88 new police officers and making them the highest paid in the Central Valley. The fire department also added 70 personnel, and medical squad units improved efficiency.

The Fresno Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual event at the Fresno Convention Center. President/CEO Scott Miller said the luncheon sold out, with an estimated 1,200 attendees occupying more than 100 tables.

Watch Mayor Dyer’s Full Speech