Omar Rashad

Fresno

Government Accountability Reporter at Fresnoland

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

Articles

City leaders greenlight record-breaking $2.3 billion budget

1 week ago | fresnoland.org | Omar Rashad

What's at stake: During a sparsely attended June 17 budget hearing, the Fresno City Council approved a $2.3 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year. Mayor Jerry Dyer spent the last week reconciling the city council’s budget motions. Additionally, Dyer’s $100 million road paving bond program, which was part of the budget, is slightly different now, too: up to $25 million of it can now be used for sidewalks and medians.
Immigration attorneys critical of ISAP detentions in Fresno

1 week ago | fresnoland.org | Omar Rashad

What's at stake: At least two undocumented immigrants who showed up for an ISAP check-in at a downtown Fresno office appeared to be taken into custody by individuals driving unmarked vehicles and in plainclothes wearing sunglasses, caps and neck gaiters to cover their faces. Immigration advocates in Fresno said the same thing happened on Saturday, too. It appears to be confirmation that a new trend seen across the country is happening in Fresno.
Does Fresno need an election integrity unit?

2 weeks ago | fresnoland.org | Omar Rashad

What's at stake: Fresno City Council President Mike Karbassi wants to create an election integrity unit following a messy council election in March. But the person behind the chaos a few months ago is political consultant Alex Tavlian, who also works for Karbassi and helped get him elected twice.
Budget talks tense as Fresno leaders grapple with spending plans

3 weeks ago | fresnoland.org | Omar Rashad

What's at stake: The Fresno City Council moved forward with a number of budget motions during hearings this week at Fresno City Hall. They'll finalize motions by next Tuesday, which Mayor Jerry Dyer will have to reconcile with his $2.3 billion budget proposal. The Fresno City Council is getting closer to finalizing funding requests after a whole week of budget hearings at Fresno City Hall.
Deferred maintenance costs on Fresno streets grows to $1.2 billion

3 weeks ago | fresnoland.org | Omar Rashad

What's at stake? Over the last three or so years, the price tag for deferred maintenance on Fresno’s city streets has more than doubled, swelling to over $1 billion. The mayor says the city needs to act now. About three years ago, the deferred maintenance on Fresno streets had an estimated cost of half a billion dollars. Now, it’s more than doubled — about $1.2 billion — according to Public Works Director Scott Mozier.
7 things you should know about Fresno's budget

1 month 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'

1 month 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

1 month 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

1 month 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.