The steering committee discussing the future of Measure C — the Fresno County transportation sales tax — established a vision statement and goals during a meeting filled with debate over timelines and the membership itself.

By a 27-5 vote Wednesday, members approved the following statement:

“Measure C envisions a reliable, safe, equitable and connected infrastructure and transportation system that enables all residents to travel efficiently and safely, regardless of mode.”

The goals included supporting community health and resilience, enhancing public safety, ensuring accessibility and access for all, and making equitable investments.

Members debated whether the word “road” should be part of the statement.

Fowler representative Lino Martinez questioned why it was not included. He voted for the eventual statement.

“We need to get away from worshiping at the altar of the internal combustion engine,” Nicholas Paladino, of the Fresno Bicycle Club, said.

Nayamin Martinez of the Central California Environmental Justice Network, wanted to make sure “equity” in transportation was included.

Brooke Ashjian, one of three city of Fresno representatives on the committee, was the most vocal and skeptical of the process.

“We are not a community hospital. It’s not a public safety tax,” Ashjian said. “Equitable access? What does that even mean?”

The committee members, picked by Fresno Council of Governments staff and Measure C consultant Kendall Flint, briefly removed Ashjian from the group earlier this month. He returned after support from Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and others.

Debates on Process

Even an informal exercise surveying how much to spend on neighborhood roads drew pushback.

Mark Keppler of Tree Fresno objected to an exercise aimed at deciding what percentage should go to neighborhood roads.

“I’m really uncomfortable with this. I think we’re really jumping the gun here,” Keppler said. “You’re putting this down on paper. You’re making a concrete line. … I think this is a major mistake.”

Of the 22 respondents, six chose less than 50%, with five each voting for 80-90%, 70-80% and 60-70%.

Others asked why such decisions have to be made now. Even the suggestion of holding meetings more often generated mixed responses.

Debate on Membership

Ashjian questioned why 12 members from Transportation for All were allowed to join the steering committee. The Fresno COG Policy Board expanded the group from 26 to 38.

Ashjian asked how the 12 new members got to “dictate” the process.

“What were we, patsies?” Ashjian said.

Flint explained the Fresno COG’s Policy Board position of adding the members to avoid two competing measures on the ballot.

Veronica Garibay with Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, said Fresno COG’s timeline would take too long to present a final Measure C proposal. She claimed it would not be until the spring of 2026 until voters would know what would be on the ballot.

“In the current environment, it would be really hard to pass the measure if there is no community buy-in or support,” Garibay said.

Ashjian implied that Transportation for All wants a “peek behind the curtain” and to forge ahead with its own transportation tax measure if they don’t like the Measure C renewal results.

David Rivas with the carpenters union said his group would not back a measure “that we know will fail.” He supports one plan.

Ashjian and Garibay agreed on one thing — neither liked survey results published publicly in the agenda for Thursday’s Fresno COG Policy Board meeting before the steering committee could discuss.

Survey Results

Measure C officials shared preliminary results from more than 1,200 surveys filled out at Transportation for All events. A majority, 61%, wanted infrastructure as a priority, with approximately one-third of the funds raised by the half-cent sales tax going to roads. Street repair polled well in both rural and urban areas.

Improved roads and sidewalks near schools polled well.

Respondents said they wanted 15% to go toward public transportation. Meanwhile, Ashjian questioned data indicating that 78% of respondents called expanded bus routes “very important.”

“I don’t know anybody that wants to expand buses. And when I’m looking at the buses … the data shows ridership is down,” Ashjian said.

The current Measure C — renewed by voters in 2006 and expiring June 30, 2027 — spends 24% on regional public transportation. Another 14.8% goes toward local jurisdictions that could decide to spend it on public transit.

Survey Wasn’t Statistically Valid

He challenged the survey’s methodology. Flint said the numbers were not statistically valid.

“This is probably the most diverse group you’re going to get of 40-some-odd people,” Ashjian said. “Not one of us rode the bus here.”

One broad takeaway was general distrust in government transparency.

Martinez defended the need for public transportation, saying people in rural areas may not be “privileged” to own a car.

The committee also heard presentations about pavement analysis — the more money spent on roads, the longer they will last — and matching funding sources.

The next steering committee is Thursday, Aug. 14. A recommendation is expected by mid-September.