The city of Fresno scored another win in federal court over the Trump administration. A San Francisco-based federal judge granted the city’s preliminary injunction Tuesday, keeping $262 million in federal funds in place for transportation and housing programs.

The Trump administration threatened to pull the funds for what it called “woke” language in some of the city’s proposals. The White House issued executive orders prohibiting promotion of DEI language and gender ideology, and requiring cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, court papers said.

Fresno, along with several other jurisdictions, sued, claiming violations of the Fifth and Tenth amendments. Specifically, the federal government violated the separations of powers and spending clauses.

“The court finds a likelihood of success on the merits for plaintiffs’ arbitrary and capricious, in excess of statutory authority, and contrary to the Constitution claims,” wrote Judge Richard Seeborg, an Obama appointee.

Seeborg ruled that local governments’ concern over losing funds outweighs the federal government’s concern about recovering money for programs that no longer comply.

He also cited a recent decision regarding the restoration of research grants “because the record provided no evidence of a reasoned explanation or consideration of important factors, including reliance interests, waste and the loss to the public, or alternatives to the change.”

Seeborg called conditions set forth in the executive orders “impermissibly vague.”

Fresno said it receives about $12 million in housing grants and nearly $250 million in transportation grants.

Read the ruling here.

Janz Applauds the Ruling

Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz welcomed the ruling.

“This was never about partisan politics but rather the perseveration of congressionally authorized funds for housing and airport upgrades and safety. The city was put in an impossible situation where it had to choose between forgoing hundreds of millions of dollars of federal funding or certify compliance with illegal, unconstitutional, and vague executive orders thereby placing city staff in legal jeopardy,” Janz said.

The federal government has 30 days to appeal the ruling. Several agencies did not respond to requests for comment made by GV Wire.

The cities of Eureka, Alameda, Redwood City, and South Lake Tahoe, and the counties of Sacramento, Marin, and San Diego joined Fresno in the lawsuit, as well as Saint Paul, Minnesota, Monroe County, New York, and the Monroe Airport Authority.

The jurisdictions are splitting lawsuit fees, so Fresno’s portion is not immediately known, Janz said. If the plaintiffs ultimately succeed, they could be entitled to attorneys’ fees.

Last month, Seeborg granted Fresno a temporary restraining order. Tuesday’s ruling extends it indefinitely.

The case is City of Fresno et al v. Turner, et al (3:25-cv-07070-RS).

Alvarez Officially Announces Council Run

Fernando Alvarez officially announced his campaign to run for Fresno City Council, a move reported in Politics 101 months ago.

“Our district has too often been ignored,” Alvarez said in a news release. “We need a leader who is rooted in this community, who understands the struggles firsthand, and who will fight every day to deliver results. This seat belongs to the working families of District 3 — not to career politicians looking to parachute in for their next opportunity.”

Alvarez is running for District 3, which is composed of downtown and southwest Fresno. Councilmember Miguel Arias is termed out.

State Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula and Fresno Unified Trustee Keshia Thomas also filed to run. As did Anjanette Brown, a member of the Fresno County Republican Party Central Committee.

Alvarez is an elected trustee of the West Park School District board. He recently worked for the Fresno Chamber of Commerce. He has the backing of Scott Miller from the chamber, and former Fresno city councilmember and county supervisor Henry R. Perea.

Maddy Institute Celebration Tonight

The Maddy Institute is celebrating 25 years at an event Wednesday night.

The reception takes place at The Red Room at Pardini’s starting at 5:30 p.m. The program, named for the late Ken Maddy, helps place Central Valley college students in government and public service internships.

“The Maddy Institute has grown into a cornerstone for public policy and civic engagement in the region thanks to the support of our partner universities, community colleges, government leaders, donors, and local partners,” Executive Director Blake Zante said in a statement.

Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, a longtime supporter of The Maddy Institute, will receive the Legacy Award.

Tickets can be purchased here.