The Fresno City Council is set to vote Thursday on whether to redirect nearly $50,000 in District 3 infrastructure and community funds toward a public art project at California Tupman Park and repairs at the historic Warnors Theatre.
The proposal would move $49,600 from the Public Works Department to the City Council Department.
Of that amount, $43,150 would go toward a mural project at Tupman Park, while $6,450 would help replace damaged ticket booth glass at Warnors Theatre.
Councilmember Miguel Arias is behind the proposal, saying the projects would help improve public spaces and preserve important community landmarks.
At the Warnors Theatre, the proposed funding would replace the curved glass at the historic ticket booth.
It is a feature the theater says has been damaged for years.
Nicole Owens, executive director of the Warnors Center for the Performing Arts, said the repair would help preserve a piece of Fresno history.
“We’re really excited about the possibility of replacing this glass. It has been damaged for some time,” she said.
Owens said the nonprofit arts organization has faced financial challenges but continues making improvements when resources allow.
The theater recently made other upgrades, including painting its gates.
Arias said it was funded by private investors.
Owens said when Arias brought up the possibility of city funding for the ticket booth repair, the organization welcomed the support.
“We can use all the help we can get,” she said.
Arias said the investment is part of the city’s role in helping preserve historic community spaces.
The other portion of the proposal would fund a total of $43,150 mural at California Tupman Park.
Arias said the mural would be placed on a newly built brick wall at the park.
He said adding artwork to the wall could help prevent future graffiti while creating something the neighborhood can take pride in.
“If you simply build a new wall and leave it blank, graffiti will show up immediately,” he said.
Supporters say the projects represent an investment in arts, culture, and community spaces.
Erin Burd, executive director of Arts Enrichment for All, said projects like these provide a public benefit.
“I think that these sort of projects are needed and it is for the public good and worth fighting for and worth investing in,” Burd said.
However, some residents questioned whether the money could instead be used for more traditional infrastructure needs, such as road repairs, potholes, or graffiti removal.
As part of FOX26’s accountability question, we asked Arias about that concern.
Arias responded by pointing to other investments made throughout District 3, including improvements to neighborhoods, parks, and roads throughout his 7 years in office.
He said preserving historic buildings also serves a public purpose.
“Because ultimately these historical assets, if we simply allow them to depend on private money, they’re going to attract events that those who can afford to use them can pay the higher ticket price,” he said.
Arias said partnerships between the city, private donors, volunteers, and nonprofit organizations help keep spaces like Warnors accessible to the community.
“If there’s investment, as there is here from Measure P, the arts and culture funds, from the City of Fresno, from private donors and volunteers, then it keeps the price for everyone else to be able to attend a graduation, a performance in the theater, which is our goal,” he said.
The Fresno City Council will consider the proposal Thursday.
The item requires five affirmative votes to pass and is subject to the mayor’s veto.
FOX26 will be at the meeting and will provide updates following the council’s decision.