Omar Rashad

Fresno

Government Accountability Reporter at Fresnoland

accountability reporter @fresnoland // proud community college grad // once led @eccunion, muckraked at @cpmustangnews

Articles

7 things you should know about Fresno's budget

2 weeks ago | fresnoland.org | Omar Rashad

What's at stake? Most of the funds supporting affordable housing come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Mayor Jerry Dyer said if those funds are cut, it could greatly impact Fresno at large. Mayor Jerry Dyer’s record-breaking $2.36 billion proposed budget came together a few months after projecting a multimillion dollar budget deficit.
Fresno's 2026 budget process kicks off with 'unclear messaging'

3 weeks ago | fresnoland.org | Omar Rashad

What's at stake: Jousting over Fresno’s budget began Thursday morning, kicking off a process that will run until the end of June. Most councilmembers thanked Mayor Jerry Dyer for including many of their priorities in his proposal. If any Fresno city councilmember would have pointed remarks for Mayor Jerry Dyer during his 2026 budget presentation, it would be Miguel Arias. And that’s exactly what happened at the City Council meeting Thursday.
Fresno leaders stop short of ordering hiring freeze in new budget

3 weeks ago | fresnoland.org | Omar Rashad

What's at stake: Mayor Jerry Dyer unveiled a record-breaking $2.36 billion budget proposal at a Wednesday news conference. It includes cost-saving measures in the wake of a projected deficit greater than $20.6 million. Those cost-saving measures do not include layoffs or furloughs. After identifying a projected $20.6 million deficit in February, Mayor Jerry Dyer and city budget staffers have been trying to identify cost-cutting measures.
FPPC launches investigation into Fresno political group

3 weeks ago | fresnoland.org | Omar Rashad

What's at stake: Fresno Future Forward and Alex Tavlian could have more coming their way following the FPPC launching an investigation into their involvement in the District 5 special election this year. The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has launched an investigation into Fresno Future Forward, a political action committee responsible for sending disparaging mailers in a recent election.
Fresno's mayor says southeast mega-development is a must

1 month ago | fresnoland.org | Omar Rashad

What's at stake: To a room of at least 900 people, Mayor Jerry Dyer laid out a number of priorities he has, including expanding southeast Fresno, revitalizing downtown and balancing a budget in the wake of depleted temporary pandemic relief funds. For Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, undertaking a major expansion of southeast Fresno is a must.
Fresno to crack down on smoke shops following narrow vote

1 month ago | fresnoland.org | Omar Rashad

What's at stake: The Fresno City Council’s narrow 4-1 vote — with one councilmember abstaining and another absent — greenlit a proposal to force dozens of smoke shops to close down or change the nature of their business by 2026. City leaders moved forward Thursday with a proposal to crack down on Fresno smoke shops after a somewhat tense debate.
At least 33 Fresno smoke shops could close if this policy gets OK'd

1 month ago | fresnoland.org | Omar Rashad

What's at stake: If four councilmembers approve a proposal to regulate Fresno smoke shops, dozens of them will have to either close down or change the nature of their business by 2026. The fate of smoke shops in Fresno is on the line once again. If a proposal to define smoke shops in Fresno’s city code — and also regulate them — gets the support of at least four councilmembers on Thursday, it could mean the end of dozens of stores in Fresno.
Book committee in Fresno County should disband, critics say

1 month ago | fresnoland.org | Omar Rashad

What's at stake: Since a state law nullified a Fresno County committee that would dictate what books are within the reach of children inside county libraries, advocate groups are calling on the county to get rid of it. A coalition of advocacy groups sent a letter to Fresno County, calling on elected supervisors to rescind the 2023 resolution that created a parent-run library book committee.
Vang takes office in Fresno after emotional inauguration speech

1 month ago | fresnoland.org | Omar Rashad

What's at stake: After a special election filled with controversy, southeast Fresno finally has its councilmember. Brandon Vang took his oath of office inside council chambers Thursday before presiding on his first City Council meeting. In a tearful speech after taking his oath of office Thursday, Brandon Vang thanked the people who came before him.
Forensic audit to examine Fresno EOC's multi-million deficit

2 months ago | fresnoland.org | Rob Parsons |Omar Rashad

Overview: Milwaukee-based firm Wipfli agreed to examine Fresno EOC’s finances during 2023 and 2024 to “identify, quantify, and address any irregularities.” The Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission this week approved a long-awaited forensic audit that is expected to reveal how the nonprofit ran-up a multimillion dollar deficit.