City of Fresno

This document outlines the City of Fresno's comprehensive re-evaluation of its policies and programs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure equal opportunity and program accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The plan details objectives and action steps for the next five years to remove barriers to access across various city departments, including Airports, City Attorney's Office, City Clerk's Office, Finance, Fire, Information Services, Parks, Personnel Services, Planning & Development, Police, Public Utilities, Public Works, Retirement Office, and Transportation. The overarching vision is to facilitate the full participation of people with disabilities in all city services and activities.

The Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice for the City of Fresno identifies and evaluates barriers to equal housing opportunity. This plan outlines eight key impediments to fair housing choice, focusing on issues such as housing affordability and quality, equitable access to homeownership, disparities in access to employment and education for protected classes, and the critical need for investment in concentrated poverty areas. It also addresses the inadequacy of accessible housing and support services for individuals with disabilities, insufficient resources for the homeless, and the necessity for enhanced fair housing education and outreach. The strategic goal is to promote inclusive housing patterns, eliminate structural barriers, and ensure accessible housing for all residents, thereby fulfilling the City's commitment to affirmatively further fair housing.

The City of Fresno's Consolidated Plan serves as a roadmap for managing federal housing and community development funds from HUD for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030. The plan prioritizes improving the quality of life through comprehensive housing and support services for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, ensuring access to safe and affordable housing, and fostering community prosperity through strategic neighborhood development. Key focus areas include public services, effective community engagement, planning, and robust financial management for housing and homelessness initiatives.

This document presents a substantial amendment to the City of Fresno's 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan and an amendment to its 2020-2024 Citizen Participation Plan. The primary objective is to reallocate supplemental Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, obtained through the CARES Act, to address the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The strategic priorities for these funds include providing assistance to the homeless, delivering essential services to low-income and special needs households, promoting fair housing initiatives, and improving the transparency and compliance of community development and homelessness activities. Additionally, the Citizen Participation Plan is revised to implement expedited public comment and participation procedures specific to COVID-19-related amendments.

This Consolidated Plan for the City of Fresno outlines the management of federal funds from HUD, including CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA, for community development and housing initiatives. The plan's strategic direction focuses on six key priorities: providing assistance to homeless and at-risk populations, enhancing access to affordable housing for low-income and special needs households, improving community quality of life through modern public facilities and housing, delivering services to low-income and special needs individuals to build human capital, ensuring equitable housing services for residents and providers, and managing funding for community development, housing, and homeless programs in compliance with federal regulations to foster equitable development.