Dyer sworn in to second term; council elects Carvassi president, Arias vice president

Mayor Jerry Dyer was sworn in for a second term at the Fresno City Council meeting on Jan. 9, 2025, and used his inaugural remarks to highlight public-safety staffing gains, homelessness placements and downtown infrastructure awards. The council also administered oaths to returning council members and newly elected members and elected Mike Carvassi as council president and Councilmember Arias as vice president for 2025.

Dyer told the council and a packed chamber that his administration had increased police ranks and fire staffing and had focused city resources on housing and neighborhood improvements. He said the city added 88 police officers and 19 dispatchers during his tenure and that, since 2021, the city had sheltered more than 9,200 people, reporting that roughly 53% of those sheltered had been placed into permanent housing and that among those who reached a two-year follow-up, the city reported 95% remained housed. Dyer also credited volunteer-led neighborhood efforts and downtown grants, and reiterated a ‘‘we work for you’’ service ethos.

The meeting included extended ceremonial remarks and recognition of departing Councilmembers Luis Chavez and Gary Bretefeld. Both delivered farewell addresses praising staff, partners and council colleagues and noting accomplishments ranging from public safety to downtown redevelopment. The council presented the departing members with commemorative gifts.

Newly elected or re-elected council members were sworn in during the ceremony. Nick Richardson took the oath for District 6, saying he would ‘‘outwork those around me’’ and urged residents who did not vote for him that he would work to earn their support. After the oaths, council members elected Mike Carvassi to serve as council president and Councilmember Arias as vice president; the nominations passed without objection.

The swearing-in and leadership votes were followed by short proclamations, including a ceremony recognizing Manchester Gate Elementary and the Fresno Unified cross-country program for recent district championships.

What’s next: The mayor and newly seated council outlined an agenda that continues to prioritize public safety hires, homelessness interventions and downtown infrastructure work. Several items on the council’s regular agenda required follow-up from staff, including details on parks-fee waivers and program capacity.

Sources: Mayor Jerry Dyer; Council President Analisa Perea; council proceedings (Jan. 9, 2025).