Fresno is building an economy that works for everyone
After five years, Fresno DRIVE proves that when communities lead, everyone wins. The city jumped 33 spots in economic inclusion and 62 spots in racial inclusion.
Why This Matters for Organizers
- Proof of Concept: Community-led initiatives can move the needle on national rankings
- Replicable Model: Multi-billion dollar community-led investment plan created by residents
- Infrastructure Focus: Neighborhood Hubs build relationships, trust, and collective power
- Long-Term Vision: Five-year timeline shows sustained commitment produces results
- Systems Change: Addressing root causes of poverty, not just symptoms
The Numbers Tell a Story of Progress
In early October 2025, residents, partners, and leaders gathered at the Fresno Convention Center to celebrate progress and chart next steps. The event included panel discussions, data presentations, and performances from Fresno Poet Laureate Aideed Medina and the Buchanan High School Chinese Club.
What Economic and Racial Inclusion Mean
- Economic inclusion: Whether people with lower incomes can participate in and benefit from the local economy
- Racial inclusion: The ability for people of color to share in the benefits of economic growth, compared with white residents
- These rankings measure real outcomes—jobs, income, opportunity—not just good intentions
How Fresno DRIVE Works
Launched in 2020 by the Central Valley Community Foundation, Fresno DRIVE (Developing the Region's Inclusive and Vibrant Economy) employs long-term strategies to build an inclusive local economy. The coalition brings together local leaders, community organizations, and residents around shared goals.
Key strategies include:
- Multi-billion dollar, community-led investment plan created by 300 Fresnans
- Neighborhood Hubs that engage residents in shaping decisions that affect their lives
- Cross-sector collaboration among business, government, nonprofits, and community groups
- Data-driven approach to track progress and identify areas needing support
- Focus on root causes of poverty rather than temporary fixes
Neighborhood Hubs: Building Civic Infrastructure
In 2022, DRIVE launched Neighborhood Hubs as part of its "Place" initiative. These hubs help residents advocate for positive change in their own communities. Each year, the hubs engage more than 3,000 adults and youth through programs, meetings, and workshops.
The hub model recognizes that civic infrastructure is not just about buildings—it is about building relationships, trust, and collective capacity. Neighbors connect, build power, and shape decisions that affect their lives.
"Creating neighborhood hubs is essential to fostering community connection and civic engagement—the foundation of a prosperous economy that works for everyone. Each contribution plays a vital role in empowering our most vulnerable neighbors to shape a vibrant and inclusive future." — Richard Burrell, Founder of Live Again Fresno
Lessons for Other Cities
Fresno's experience offers valuable lessons for communities across the country working toward similar goals:
- Start with vision, not tactics: The 300 Fresnans began by imagining an economy that works for everyone, then built the plan to get there
- Build for the long haul: Five years of sustained work produces measurable results—quick fixes rarely do
- Center community voice: Those most impacted by issues must shape the solutions
- Create infrastructure for participation: Neighborhood Hubs provide ongoing space for residents to connect and organize
- Use data to drive action: Tracking progress helps identify what works and where to focus next
- Bridge sectors and silos: Real change requires collaboration across business, government, nonprofits, and community groups
The Role of Strategic Philanthropy
The Kresge Foundation has been a key partner in Fresno DRIVE's advancement. Kresge President and CEO Rip Rapson delivered a keynote address titled "Creative Leadership in the Public Interest" at the anniversary celebration.
Fresno is one of Kresge's focus cities, along with Detroit, Memphis, and New Orleans. The foundation supports long-term community development work that addresses systemic barriers to opportunity.
Rapson emphasized that he hopes to see Fresno show a "willingness to take risks that are commensurate with the magnitude of the challenge" ahead. This call recognizes that incremental change will not be enough to address structural inequities.
Looking Forward: Next Steps and Challenges
While celebrating progress, DRIVE organizers acknowledge significant challenges remain. Data shows particular needs in education, where decades of disinvestment have created gaps that will take sustained effort to close.
Community leaders are calling for DRIVE to use its growing legitimacy to address tough local issues—from land use decisions to structural barriers affecting families without clear pathways to make their voices heard.
"Look at these places where families have been fighting and families are challenged with structural issues, and that is the place where you can make the most impact." — Dr. Venise Curry, Community Psychiatrist and Event Speaker
Learn From Fresno's Model
Whether you are organizing in your neighborhood or working on systems change citywide, Fresno DRIVE offers lessons in community-led development that creates lasting impact.
Explore Fresno DRIVE →