Last week, Central Valley IAF Sponsoring Committee (CVIAF) drew a crowd of leaders to Fresno City Hall to oppose the Southeast Development Area (SEDA) —a massive, 9,000-acre housing proposal that would redirect billions in taxpayer dollars away from Fresno’s existing neighborhoods. If approved, the project could saddle current and future residents with higher taxes and service rates for generations.

The council chambers were filled to its 250-person capacity, with residents lining up outside the door. CVIAF delivered 60 leaders to the meeting, significantly adding to the energy in the room. Facing the crowd, Fresno Planning Director Jennifer Clark requested that the item be sent back to staff. In turn, the Planning Commission postponed its vote on SEDA.

Andy Hansen-Smith, a CVIAF leader with Memorial United Methodist Church, shared:

“The Planning Commission Chair said he had read the entire packet (including the infrastructure information just available to the Commissioners less than two days before). (He also acknowledged) the amount of phone calls and emails they have received on the item. He then continued the item to an uncertain date.”

Attending the Planning Commission meeting was a central call to action in CVIAF's Community Assembly just days prior, where local housing and development were key issues highlighted. 

CVIAF leaders will continue to deepen relationships and strengthen their base of leaders to stay ready to respond as this issue unfolds.

[Photo Credit: Jim Curnyn, CVIAF leader of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno]