Fresno Unified Board of Education Formally Supports Better Roads, Safe Streets Transportation Measure
FRESNO, CA — The Fresno Unified School District Board of Education has approved a resolution supporting the Better Roads, Safe Streets transportation measure, a proposed Fresno County initiative designed to invest billions in local transportation improvements while prioritizing student safety and neighborhood infrastructure.
The resolution, approved by the Board of Trustees, affirms the district’s support for the Fresno County Transportation Improvement Act, which would continue the existing half-cent transportation sales tax for an additional 30 years without increasing the current rate. The measure is projected to generate an estimated $7.4 billion for transportation investments across Fresno County.
“The safety of our students begins long before they step into the classroom,” said Board President Veva Islas. “Safe streets, reliable transit, and well-maintained neighborhood roads are essential for students and families who travel to and from our schools every day. This measure represents an important investment in safer routes to school, stronger neighborhoods, and a transportation system that better serves the needs of our entire community.”
District leaders emphasized that safe and reliable transportation infrastructure is essential for students and families who rely on neighborhood streets, sidewalks, and transit systems every day to access schools, jobs, and community services.
The proposed transportation plan prioritizes local street and road repairs, expanded Safe Routes to Schools improvements, enhanced public transit reliability, and investments that support both urban and rural communities across Fresno County.
A major component of the proposal includes a commitment to complete at least 150 Safe Routes to Schools projects by 2057, with priority given to schools and neighborhoods where safety improvements are most needed. Of those projects, at least 105 are planned within the cities of Fresno and Clovis, which would directly benefit many Fresno Unified schools and surrounding neighborhoods.
The plan also includes provisions to make public transit more accessible by ensuring free transit fares for children and students, as well as seniors, veterans, active military personnel, and people with disabilities.
Board members noted that strong local control is a key feature of the proposal. Funds generated within Fresno County would remain dedicated to local transportation improvements and would be distributed according to voter-approved project lists, with performance metrics, measurable outcomes, and regular public reporting to ensure accountability.
Through the resolution, the Fresno Unified Board of Education formally voted to support the Better Roads, Safe Streets campaign and authorized the use of the district’s name and the names of trustees who supported the resolution.
District leaders said the measure represents an important opportunity to improve neighborhood safety, reduce traffic injuries, support economic development, and ensure that students and families across Fresno County have safer and more reliable ways to travel.
“We are grateful for the Fresno Unified Board of Education’s support of the Better Roads, Safe Streets campaign,” said Paul Gibson, speaking on behalf of the coalition. “When school leaders speak up for safer streets and reliable transportation, it highlights how closely connected transportation is to student safety and success. This endorsement reinforces the importance of investing in safer routes to school, stronger neighborhoods, and transportation systems that serve families across Fresno County.”
About Better Roads, Safe Streets
The Better Roads, Safe Streets campaign is a community-led coalition working to develop a long-term transportation investment plan for Fresno County. The coalition developed the Fresno County Transportation Improvement Act, a measure that would continue the county’s existing half-cent transportation sales tax to fund repairs to local streets and roads, improve transit, expand Safe Routes to Schools programs, and support safer transportation options for residents across the region.
For more information about the measure and additional organizations and officials supporting the plan, please visit www.betterroadssafestreets.com.