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A photo of a large group of people meeting in a room. The Fresno DRIVE logo is displayed on screens in the background.

HISTORY

Here's a look back at how Fresno DRIVE got started...

 

During the summer of 2019, the DRIVE coalition undertook a four-month, intensive process to:

 

  • Assess baseline data on Fresno’s economy, human capital, and neighborhood quality;

  • Align on a 10-year aspirational vision for inclusive economic development;

  • Identify the key actions and investments needed to achieve the 10-year vision; and

  • Determine the community impact of those investments.

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On July 10th, 2019, the Fresno DRIVE Initiative hosted a kick-off event, where Steering Committee attendees participated in a 'Data Walk’ (download data walk slides) - an information-packed, visual experience to help assess Fresno’s current standings in three areas vital to a community’s health: economic development, human capital, and neighborhood quality. This evaluation of our region’s challenges helped build a collective understanding of our city’s unique position with the intention of guiding particpants towards a shared, 10-year vision to transform Fresno.

 

- Poverty to Prosperity -

 

The comprehensive plan identified a portfolio of investable initiatives aimed at increasing economic mobility, addressing racial disparities, and supporting a sustainable environment. The DRIVE Initiative launched in July 2019, and the draft plan was unveiled at the California Economic Summit hosted in Fresno on November 7-8, 2019.

 

The DRIVE Initiative assessed Fresno’s current standings in three areas vital to community health: economic development, human capital, and neighborhood quality. This evaluation of our region’s challenges helped build a collective understanding of our city’s unique position and guided the Steering Committee towards a shared, 10-year vision to transform Fresno.

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- A Unified Effort -

 

The DRIVE Initiative is sponsored by the Central Valley Community Foundation (CVCF) with support from the James Irvine Foundation. A steering committee involving 300 community leaders representing over 150 organizations organized to guide the effort. The DRIVE Initiative is also being supported by a consulting and research team that includes McKinsey & Company, Fresno State’s Central Valley Health Policy Institute, Brookings Institution, Jobs for the Future, and the Urban Institute.

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- Fresno’s Unique Challenges -

 

Fresno is currently one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States with 20 percent population growth since 2000 and has historically been the largest city in California’s Central Valley.  As such, it commands the focus of an economically expanding region.

 

The Urban Institute’s 2018 research on economic mobility in California's largest cities revealed that Fresno ranks 59th out of 59 for economic and racial disparity. In addition, our regional economy does not perform strongly enough to create the volume and opportunities needed to break the cycle of chronic economic distress. While impressive progress has been made to combat these challenges in recent years, a comprehensive and inclusive economic development business plan is required to guide public and private investments for the next decade.

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- Regions Rise Together -

 

In May 2019, Governor Newsom’s office announced a new ‘Regions Rise Together” initiative designed to develop a comprehensive economic plan that will benefit all parts of California, specifically the Inland regions.

 

“We believe in a California for all. The state’s extraordinary prosperity and opportunity must be available to everyone. For workers, geography should not limit your opportunity to secure a living wage job with predictable hours and pathways to acquire the necessary skills to advance in a well-paid career in a growing industry.”

 

- Lenny Mendonca, Chief Economic and Business Adviser and Director of the California Office of Business and Economic Development

- Kate Gordon, Director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research

 

Learn more at www.caeconomy.org

 

The DRIVE Initiative capitalized on this statewide momentum at a pivotal time with a diverse group of civic, community, and business leaders who represent both the brightest ideas of our region and the heart of who we are.

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