WHEREAS, in Fiscal Year 2026, Fresno City Councilmember Annalisa Perea championed a budget motion to create and fund a youth leadership program, an initiative that received the unanimous support of the Fresno City Council and Mayor Jerry P . Dyer, establishing a citywide commitment to invest in Fresno’s young people and provide meaningful opportunities for leadership development, civic engagement, and public service; and WHEREAS, building upon that commitment, the City of Fresno partnered with the Fresno Chamber of Commerce to establish the Fresno Young Leaders Academy (FYLA), creating a program that connects young people directly with civic, business, and community leaders while providing firsthand exposure to the institutions, industries, and opportunities shaping Fresno’s future; and
WHEREAS, the Fresno Young Leaders Academy was created to give participants an experience that extends beyond the classroom, providing opportunities to see local government and business in action, engage with decision-makers, explore career pathways, and gain a greater understanding of the responsibilities and opportunities that come with leadership; and
WHEREAS, the members of the inaugural Fresno Young Leaders Academy cohort made history as the first class to participate in this initiative and, through their commitment and participation, helped establish a strong foundation for a program designed to prepare and encourage the next generation of Fresno leaders; and
WHEREAS, throughout the Academy, these young leaders demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to step forward, ask questions, build relationships, and deepen their understanding of Fresno and the many ways they can contribute to the community they call home; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fresno recognizes the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, program partners, mentors, civic and business leaders, and all those who contributed their time and expertise to bring this initiative to life and commends the inaugural cohort for setting a strong standard for the classes that will follow.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, Mayor Jerry P . Dyer, Councilmember Annalisa Perea, and the Fresno City Councilmembers, proudly recognize the inaugural cohort of the Fresno Young Leaders Academy and commend its members for stepping forward to be part of this first-of-its-kind opportunity. As the Academy begins its inaugural year, we celebrate these young leaders and their potential for Fresno’s future, and do hereby proclaim Thursday, August 27, 2026, to be:
“Fresno Young Leaders Academy” in the City of Fresno.