Council President Nelson Esparza

07/29/2026

Good government starts with putting residents first.

I'm proposing four Good Governance ballot measures focused on protecting essential services, being responsible with taxpayer dollars, increasing accountability, and giving residents a stronger voice in how our city is governed.

✅ Protect funding for roads and public transit without raising taxes.
✅ Keep General Fund dollars invested in Fresno's existing neighborhoods.
✅ Establish real lifetime term limits for City Council.
✅ Create an independent redistricting commission to keep politics out of drawing council district lines.

This Thursday, the Fresno City Council will vote on whether to move these measures forward to the November ballot. I hope you'll follow along and stay engaged.

07/24/2026

Today, I announced the first in a series of ballot measure proposals focused on good governance and Fresno's long-term fiscal stability.

With Measure C set to expire next year, the Mayor, Councilmember Karbassi, and I will ask the Fresno City Council to place a local measure on the November 2026 ballot that would maintain the current local sales tax rate not increase it to help protect funding for road repairs, public safety, public transit, and other essential City services.

If approved by voters, the measure would serve as a temporary bridge until a countywide transportation measure is in place, while ensuring transparency through annual independent audits.

Ultimately, this proposal is about giving Fresno voters the opportunity to decide how we continue investing in Fresno's future.

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, we honor the ideals of freedom, democracy, and the generations who have helped shape our nation. Wishing everyone a safe and happy Independence Day.

07/03/2026

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with students from the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project (CLYLP). As a proud CLYLP alumnus, it’s an honor to return each year to share my experiences in local government and encourage the next generation of leaders. Thank you for the opportunity!

07/01/2026

06/27/2026

This week, I proudly voted in support of the City of Fresno’s balanced FY2027 Budget. I am proud to have led a budget process that reaffirms our commitment to investing in essential community programs, services, and infrastructure that strengthen our neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for residents.

District 7 secured several important investments this year, including funding for the Manchester Park skate park, a new tot lot at Lafayette Park, long-overdue road paving improvements throughout our community, an increase in eviction protection resources for families, the start of a childcare program, expanded spay and neuter services, and much more.

I remain committed to advocating for investments that deliver meaningful results for District 7 while helping build a stronger Fresno for everyone.

For full budget details, visit: www.fresno.gov/finance/budget/

06/25/2026

Running red lights has become far too common on Fresno streets, and the consequences can be devastating. Today, we introduced a plan to bring a Red-Light Camera Pilot Program to Fresno as part of our commitment to improving traffic safety, preventing serious crashes, and protecting our community.

This effort is about accountability and changing dangerous driving behavior, because changing behavior saves lives. Our goal is simple: create safer streets and help ensure more Fresno families make it home safely every day.

I also want to thank Joe Martinez for sharing the story of his son, Paul Martinez, and for his continued advocacy for safer streets in our community. Families like the Martinez family should never have to experience the pain of losing a loved one because of a preventable traffic collision. Efforts like this are about doing everything we can to help prevent that tragedy from happening to another family.

06/19/2026

We’ve been in celebration mode all week long as our community comes together for Juneteenth here in Fresno.

I was honored to join the annual Juneteenth Flag Raising at City Hall, where we recognized the life and legacy of Rodney Murphy and his lasting impact on students and education in Fresno. I also had the privilege of celebrating the 76th Anniversary of the NAACP Fresno Branch, honoring decades of leadership and advocacy in the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality.

Grateful to be part of a weekend that brought our community together in remembrance, pride, and unity. ❤️💚🖤

06/17/2026

This week, my office had the opportunity to host the Miss California Teen contestants for a tour of Fresno City Hall, and it was wonderful getting to meet so many inspiring young leaders from across California.

A special shoutout to the two incredible contestants representing Fresno, we’re proud to see our city so well represented on this stage. Wishing all of the participants the very best of luck this weekend as they compete for the crown! 👑💐

06/12/2026

It was such a joy to join the 6th grade promotion celebration at Teague Elementary and help cheer on these incredible students as they walked through their graduation tunnel into this exciting next chapter. 🎓

I was also proud to donate yearbooks so students could have a special keepsake to remember the friendships and milestones they made along the way.