Fresno City Council President Mike Karbassi is stepping down from the presidency.
Karbassi told his colleagues on Friday that he will leave the leadership position but will remain on the council.
Flashback: The City Council opted to keep Karbassi as council president for a second consecutive year in January.
State of play: The northwest Fresno councilman is currently running for the Fresno County Board of Supervisors in District 1.
The other candidates in the race are Mendota Unified Trustee Lupe Flores, West Hills Community College District Trustee Omar Hernandez, Kerman Mayor Maria Pacheco, former State Center Community College District Trustee Eric Payne and Firebaugh City Councilman Felipe Perez.
Whoever serves as council president is tasked with an increased workload for the city council, such as setting the agenda and running the meetings.
What we’re watching: His term as president will officially end on Monday at noon.
Karbassi said he is endorsing Council Vice President Nelson Esparza to take over as the new council president.
What he’s saying: “We face big challenges this year, beginning with our budget,” Karbassi told his colleagues in Friday’s email. “I will continue to focus my efforts on expanding our tax base, fighting for affordable housing for all Fresnans, and maintaining the level of public safety protection and essential services that our residents have come to expect.”
Karbassi said he looks forward to continuing to work together to strengthen Fresno’s neighborhoods, support local businesses and ensure Fresno remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.