FRESNO, CA – Mayor Jerry Dyer, along with City Manager Georgeanne White, announced the City of Fresno’s proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget at a City Hall news conference Wednesday. The $1,727,071,900 budget prioritizes fiscal accountability, community safety and trust, housing and homelessness, a vibrant downtown, beautification efforts, and much more.
The Mayor’s proposed budget flows from his core vision: an inclusive, prosperous, beautiful city where residents and businesses take pride in their neighborhood and their community. A government that listens, keeps its promises, and is owned by the people. A culture that says, “We work for you.”
Highlights from Mayor Dyer’s proposed budget include:
- Police Department: Increasing sworn positions from 851 to 888 – 33 new officers and 4 new sergeants (Metro Bike Unit, Student Resource Officers, Street Racing Team, FAX); a Park Ranger Program consisting of 20 park rangers; 5 new dispatchers; and the launch of a Mental Health Triage and Response Program.
- Fire Department: Increasing firefighters from 347 to 371 – reflecting an increase of 66 firefighters in just two years, increasing the daily number of firefighters from 95 to 103; Fire Drill Schools; creation of a 4th medical squad; funding software, radios, Hazmat equipment and repairs to several fire stations.
- Housing and Homelessness: $40 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to support “One Fresno Housing Strategy” priority recommendations.
- Vibrant Downtown: Establishing a trolley service connecting Downtown Fresno to South Stadium, the Brewery District, Cultural Arts District, Tower District, Fresno City College and Campus Pointe next to Fresno State, as well as $300,000 for increased beautification and clean-up efforts including more frequent litter control, pressure washing and street sweeping.
- Beautification: Including additional resources for the Graffiti Abatement and Litter Abatement Teams. Prioritizing neighborhood infrastructure projects, trails, repairing sidewalks, paving streets, and planting/trimming trees.
- Parks: Improving and maintaining safe, clean neighborhood parks and playgrounds, senior and youth recreation facilities, and safe walking and biking trails, including the first design of a 49-acre Southeast Fresno Regional Park and development of the Fresno High area’s Van Ness and Weldon Neighborhood Park.
Mayor Jerry Dyer will present the Fiscal Year 2023 Proposed Budget to the Fresno City Council at its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, May 26, 2022. Per the City Charter, the City of Fresno’s budget must be adopted by June 30th.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
