FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Fresno city staff presented a financial analysis of the proposed South Southeast Development Area, or South SEDA, to the City Council for the first time, outlining projected revenues and expenditures tied to the multi-million-dollar development.
According to city estimates, South SEDA would generate $45.1 million through various taxes while requiring an estimated $27.9 million in expenditures for services such as police and fire protection. So, the analysis projects a net fiscal surplus of $17.2 million.
Jennifer Clark, director of the Planning Department, said the development is expected to have a positive financial impact.
“As a general rule found that South SEDA can pay for itself. South SEDA will have a net positive general fund impact, and it can be used to benefit existing residents and neighborhoods,” Clark said.
Mayor Jerry Dyer described the projected surplus as a conservative estimate and said the development represents a responsible approach to future growth.
Despite the city’s analysis, several residents questioned the financial projections, expressing concern that the forecast may not account for unforeseen economic challenges.
“If this is passed, this is an open checkbook. That is just so not right,” Helen Raming said.
“As the young people in my office would say the math ain’t mathing,” Dillon Savory said.
The proposed South SEDA area encompasses nearly 2,000 acres and is divided into two sections. Land south of Jensen Avenue is zoned for what the city has characterized as “flexible research and redevelopment,” while property east of Temperance Avenue is primarily planned for residential use.
“This concentration of population density is proposed to be developed onto just 467 acres of land,” Brett Thompson said.
The city’s economic consulting firm advised officials that the project would require an enterprise revenue bond totaling about $86 million to fund development costs.
During the presentation, Dyer discussed the project’s anticipated upfront sewer infrastructure costs and said the city plans to implement the development in phases.
“Upfront cost to the city in today’s dollar 2026 is $65.9 million but we know construction wouldn’t start until 2029, so the reality it that’s $72 million dollars upfront, sewer cost. Whether those monies are bonded or how we will pay that back, we know there are a number of financial opportunities to be able to do that,” Dyer said.
The City Council reviewed the financial analysis as debate continues over the scope, density, and long-term fiscal impacts of the proposed South SEDA development.
No vote was taken Thursday, but the city council will be planning its next move following this report.
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