Governor Gavin Newsom speaking with attendees at the 2019 California Democratic Party State Convention at the George R. Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, Calif. (Photo attributed to Gage Skidmore)
By Manuel Hernandez
The City of Fresno is eligible to receive more state funding to build equitable housing more quicker.
Fresno can qualify if it demonstrates environmentally friendly housing development and creates more affordable homes for communities of color and low income.
On April 5, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced 11 new jurisdictions to be designated as Prohousing communities, including Fresno, in a press release on the governor’s office website. This allows for more funding for accelerated housing production for the town.
“Remarkably, in just a few weeks since our last announcement, the number of Prohousing Designations has doubled, a testament to the growing number of communities taking responsibility and committing to building their fair share of housing,” Newsom said in the press release. “Instead of making excuses, these jurisdictions are rising to the challenge, making difficult choices and ensuring that Californians have access to needed housing.”
Fresno joins 22 other regions that can receive funding and additional resources through state grant programs.
Due to the increasing cost of housing in Fresno, residents have voiced their frustration and protested housing costs.
In a 2021 census report, the median home cost is $273,900, with a $1,663 monthly housing cost.
The median income for residents was around $57,000, but nearly 30% of people were at the poverty level, according to the report.
As of this year, the median home price for a home in Fresno went up to $370,000.
In 2022, Fresno’s median rent increased by around 28%, and rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment have grown to a median of $1,400 a month, according to the Fresno Bee.
“Earning this distinction demonstrates our commitment to increasing housing as quickly as we can, and the additional funding it unlocks will create new opportunities to help address the housing crisis we face,” said Mayor Jerry Dyer in a YourCentralValley.com article. “This designation comes at a critical time as we work to address availability and affordability in Fresno.”
It has yet to be announced whether Fresno meets the criteria for the funding or when the city will receive the funds.
The need for housing in Southwest Fresno
If funding is increased, Southwest Fresno may be prime real estate to improve upon.
The City of Fresno has stated that housing is a “fundamental need” that affects families in the Southwest in a 2018 city planning report.
Most housings was built during the 1950-60s, when lead-based paint was still legal, according to the report.
“Four zip codes (93706, 93701, 93702, and 93706) were found to have significant lead-based paint hazards. In 2009, substandard homes and code enforcement have been cited as critical issues,” the report stated. “Finally, as part of the citywide 2015-2019 consolidated plan process, a need for effective code enforcement, including code enforcement services and code violations, was cited as a critical issue.”
Fresno County is one of the highest-ranking counties in the state for lead poisoning rates in children.
The same areas also suffered an influx of vacant and boarded-up buildings, unmaintained parking lots and crumblings structures.
“Blighting property conditions are often related to poor economic conditions within a community or neighborhood that lead to disinvestment, poorer social conditions and community cohesion, lack of jobs and economic opportunity, and public safety concerns that affect the health, safety, and welfare of residents or business,” the report stated.
Flourishing Fresno 