Fresno commission hears Measure P FY2026 budget; approves parkway planning and neighborhood plaza design funds

The Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission on May 27 heard the mayor—s proposed Measure P fiscal year 2026 budget and presentations from Parks Director Aaron Aguirre, Beautify Fresno Director Mark Standriff, Deputy Chief Rob Beckwith of the Fresno Police Department and Public Works Director Scott Mosier. Commissioners approved recommendations to fund planning for a San Joaquin River Parkway parcel and scoping for a neighborhood plaza along East Cesar Chavez.

The presentations outlined how Measure P categories will be used across parks operations, new development, youth and senior programming, arts and culture pass-throughs, and a major street beautification and trail category (category 5) that funds safe walking and biking trails, the San Joaquin River Parkway and street beautification. Aaron Aguirre, parks department director, said today was the commission—s last chance to forward budget recommendations to city council ahead of council hearings in early June.

Beautify Fresno—s director, Mark Standriff, presented a proposed Measure P allocation for his division of roughly $1,448,000 for FY2026. "We divided the city into quadrants... and we've removed over 2,500,000 pounds of trash since its inception earlier this fall," Standriff told commissioners, describing two quad crews and volunteer…