REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: SANTINO DANISI, City Controller/Director
Finance Department
BY: COURTNEY ESPINOZA, Administrative Manager
Finance Department
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the Agreement between the City and Forward Fresno Foundation allocating $75,000 to support the augmentation of the Fresno Young Leaders Academy.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve an agreement with the Forward Fresno Foundation allocating $75,000 and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all related documents.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This funding was approved on June 17, 2025, Budget Motion #70, as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget process and will support the augmentation of the Fresno Young Leaders Academy hosted by the Forward Fresno Foundation. This program is designed to inspire students in the City of Fresno to build leadership skills, teamwork and confidence through hand-on learning and community involvement.
BACKGROUND
The Fresno Young Leaders Academy provides a structured, immersive leadership development program for high school students across the City of Fresno. The program combines hands-on learning in vital industries and community engagement opportunities to help students explore local challenges and develop skills to create positive change.
Students will meet biweekly from January through May, participating in themed sessions which focus on key issues such as agriculture, healthcare, human services, criminal justice, housing, and environmental sustainability. Each session includes presentations from community experts, site visits, and interactive discussions. In addition, the program includes an informational parent night, a leadership building retreat, and culminating trip to Sacramento, and a graduation ceremony at Fresno City Hall.
The $75,000 allocation from the City of Fresno’s Cannabis Benefit Fund will support the augmentation of this program.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDING
By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, this item does not qualify as a “project” as defined by CEQA.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable for this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
This funding allocation was as a result of Budget Motion #70 made by Council Member Perea during the FY 2026 Adopted Budget process. Funding is included in the Personnel Services Department’s General Fund as a Cannabis Community Benefit Fund project.
Attachment:
Forward Fresno Foundation Agreement