How would Fresno Council District 3 candidates address their top issue in area?
A lack of neighborhood maintenance and economic opportunity are among the most important issues candidates running for the Fresno City Council District 3 see facing the area they seek to represent.
Read The Bee’s District 3 primary election voter guide here. Watch the candidate forum here.
The Bee recently asked each of the District 3 candidates running in the June 2 primary election to answer a series of questions related to their campaign and positions on local issues, including what the most pressing issue they see facing their district is beyond homelessness and housing.
Read the candidate positions on SEDA, Fresno’s 9,000-acre, 45,000-home development proposal here, and what homelessness solutions they each favor here.
Fresno’s District 3 covers the southwest areas of Fresno, including downtown, Chinatown, the Tower District, and Edison and Lowell neighborhoods. It also includes most of the city’s industrial parks in south Fresno.
Three other Fresno City Council districts will be on the ballot: Districts 1, 5 and 7. To secure a seat, a candidate must receive over 50% of the vote. If no one gets a majority of the vote in the primary, the top two candidates will advance to the Nov. 3 election.
The Bee also hosted a series of candidate forums and recorded them. Those videos are posted at fresnobee.com.
Here’s how District 3 candidates would address top issue they see facing their district
Fernando Alvarez
Beyond homelessness and housing, one of the most pressing issues facing District 3 is economic opportunity. For too long, parts of our district have had the potential to thrive but haven’t seen the level of investment needed to unlock that growth.
I see District 3 as a dormant giant. We have the location, the culture, and the people—it’s about creating the right environment for small businesses to succeed and for jobs to grow locally.
My approach starts with supporting small business development by cutting unnecessary barriers and connecting entrepreneurs with resources and mentorship. I also want to focus on revitalizing commercial corridors and downtown in a way that benefits existing residents, not displaces them.
Equally important is investing in our youth through workforce pathways, mentorship programs, and stronger connections between education and local industries.”
When we invest in opportunity, we address multiple challenges at once. A stronger local economy means safer neighborhoods, more engaged residents, and a better future for the next generation.
Tiffany Apodaca
“Beyond homelessness and housing, the most consistent concerns I’ve heard directly from my neighbors while canvassing District 3 are about basic quality-of-life issues; our roads, ongoing overpass construction, illegal dumping, and stray animals.
Residents take pride in their neighborhoods, but they’re frustrated by potholes, delayed or disruptive construction projects, and the lack of consistent maintenance. I would prioritize stronger oversight and accountability to ensure infrastructure projects are completed efficiently and with clear communication to the community. Illegal dumping and trash are also major concerns. I support increasing enforcement, improving access to bulk waste pickup, and partnering with community groups to keep neighborhoods clean. This is about restoring pride and ensuring residents feel respected and cared for.
The issue of stray animals is another concern I’ve heard repeatedly. We need to strengthen partnerships with animal services, expand spay and neuter programs, and ensure timely response to protect both residents and animals.”
These may seem like basic issues, but they directly impact daily life. My approach is simple: listen to residents, respond with urgency, and make sure the city is delivering the level of service our community deserves.”
Joaquin Arambula
“We are dealing with an affordability crisis, from housing costs to high costs for insurance, PG&E, groceries, and gas. Families are having to make tough choices between putting food on the table or paying for housing and utilities. Helping to create good-paying jobs will help.
As High-Speed Rail is built, our small businesses and residents who have lived in Downtown/Chinatown for generations must be protected from displacement. The station will bring economic development, housing and create a thriving downtown, but that cannot be at the expense of people living there. We must invest and support our local small business community and our neighbors.
Lastly, ensuring that our communities are safe. I support access to parks, safe routes to school, walkable neighborhoods, investment in youth programs, investment in community hubs, like the Hinton Center. All while ensuring that District 3 does not continue to be a dumping ground for pollution from increased industrial development.”
Keshia Thomas
“Some of my neighborhoods are some of the oldest in the city, and neighborhood maintenance is a top issue for us, repairing roads, and sidewalks, expanding roads where needed, installing traffic lights, trimming trees, providing proper lighting and flood control. Our northern neighborhoods have the best, but the south side of the city often gets overlooked. This must change. I will be a fierce advocate that my neighborhoods get the resources and attention they deserve.”
Charles Montoya
“Commercialization, this district needs more stores, restaurants, and other businesses. Getting a lid on crime and building a good reputation for District 3 is how we do it.”
Jalen Swank
“Public safety is a priority due to a lack of investment in our neighborhoods. Studies show factors surrounding violence include underfunded public housing, underperforming schools, mental health issues such as feelings of hopelessness, and easy access to firearms whether that be legal or illegal. Although I come from a military and law enforcement family and therefore respect the sacrifices our officers and families make in the line of duty, I believe we also need to take a holistic approach to public safety and invest in our community centers and programs that serve our youth and young adults in education, housing, employment, and mental health. These services can be extended beyond youth and young adults by adding them as supplemental services made available with the additional housing being built. This would further stabilize residents by addressing the total person and uprooting the issues rather than simply treating the symptom.”
District 3 candidate Larry Burrus did not respond to The Bee’s candidate questionnaire.
This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM.