Some may call me a Fresnan boomerang, but let’s be real: Fresno feels more like a black hole, relentlessly pulling back those who dare to leave and ensnaring anyone who once called it home.

Anthony W. Haddad

The Millennial View

I’ve worked in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Nevada, Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee, Colorado, Indiana, and even Canada. You might say my young life has been like a Johnny Cash song. Along the way, I’ve soaked in diverse cultures, had wild adventures, and truly felt the soul of North America.

I miss the quiet charm of rural Kentucky, the vibrant food scene in Atlanta, the nightlife buzz of Tennessee, leaving Ohio, and the breathtaking beauty of Niagara Falls (from the Canadian side, of course). These experiences remind me that Fresno can be more than a place people feel compelled to leave. It has the potential to be the city people want to stay in.

Am I a Glutton for Punishment?

Here, jobs don’t pay well while costs keep climbing compared to the rest of California. The housing market may seem affordable but Millennials face an uphill battle when it comes to homeownership. Renting is even worse with recent data shows that 34% of Fresno renters spend more than half their income on rent. The sense of community feels elusive, outdoor activities are stifled by the relentless heat, and the food scene? It feels stuck in a time capsule, years behind any place outside the Central Valley (though the food truck vibes are amazing).

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When I tell people I live in Fresno, they often apologize, expressing sympathy for my situation. Yet, they acknowledge that Fresno’s central location is a redeeming quality. After all, we’re just a hop away from Yosemite, a couple of hours from the beach, two and a half from Los Angeles, and about three from San Francisco.

But come on, Fresno, why do we continue to be a drive-through city? Founded in 1872 by the Central Pacific Railroad for that very purpose, does that mean we have to remain stuck in that role?

Fresno Has the Potential to Become ‘The Place’

Fresno has so much potential. We’ve got the land, we’ve got the people, but we lack focus. What do we want Fresno to be?

North Fresno bathes in luxury, the Tower District fights to preserve its artistic flair, and the Manchester area scrambles to reinvent itself. Yet, we seem to be pursuing different visions instead of coming together for a unified identity.

Sure, we’re the agricultural capital, but for most of us, the closest we get to farming is picking up vegetables from a farmers market vendor. Being “ag-centric” isn’t enough to define Fresno’s identity anymore. We need to shed the mentality of being just a drive-through town and start acting like the destination we could be.

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This starts with attracting sustainable businesses that meet the community’s needs. Instead of relying on quick fixes or flashy startups, we need long-term, diversified industries that provide real jobs and steady economic growth.

The Fresno State Bulldogs bring us together during football season — everyone wears red and cheers for our team — but we can’t survive on a few months of Bulldog pride. We need year-round attractions, businesses, and events that keep people engaged and excited to stay.

We do have some gems like the Shinzen Friendship Garden, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Chukchansi Park, and a growing craft beer scene. Yet, even with these, there’s a lingering feeling that nothing is truly ours.

We can’t afford another Bitwise fiasco either. If we’re bringing in ambitious ventures, let’s ensure they’re led by trustworthy individuals. Real vetting of those who want our investment would help, too. Trust needs rebuilding, starting with businesses that offer real, measurable value to the city.

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Embracing Diversity for Growth

Fresno was built by immigrants, and this diversity has the potential to set us apart. We should lean into it, highlighting our cultural richness as a key asset, not an afterthought. Cities like Atlanta and Denver have harnessed their diverse populations to fuel economic growth, and there’s no reason we can’t do the same.

We must invest in career training and education for those already living here, not just cater to outsiders. Imagine if we focused on growing industries like tech, renewable energy, or the arts. Other cities have successfully transformed like Austin, Texas — it evolved from a quirky college town to a tech hub without losing its cultural identity.

Fresno can build its own version of that — a place that attracts businesses while nurturing homegrown talent.

What We Can Do

It’s time for Fresno to stop settling and start building. We must unite as a community and demand more from our city — increased investment in sustainable businesses, greater attention to the arts, and a stronger emphasis on career training for local talent.

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Rather than waiting for a savior company to swoop in, we should advocate for policies that promote real, long-term growth. Our leaders need to prioritize our needs — affordable housing, better jobs, and a vibrant cultural scene that reflects the unique character of Fresno.

We can organize more regular festivals like ArtHop, establish mentorship programs to connect entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders, and mobilize residents to form local advocacy groups focused on these issues. Just like Portland has thrived by investing in local artisans and craft markets, Fresno can harness the power of collaboration to unlock the potential we all know we possess.

In essence, the future of Fresno lies in our hands. By embracing our diversity and fostering a collaborative spirit, we can transform our city into a thriving destination rather than a mere stopover or drive-thru.

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Connect with Anthony W. Haddad by email or on social media.