Vibrant Economic Ecosystem in Fresno | FUSE Executive Fellowship

Please review the

How to Apply

section for application instructions.

Priority Final date to receive applications:
August 14, 2026.

The City of Fresno’s anticipated high-speed rail station and soccer stadium have the potential to be transformative anchor attractions in the Downtown and Chinatown neighborhoods. The FUSE Executive Fellow will support this effort by advancing the stadium’s construction and coordinating additional commercial and residential investment in the surrounding area. This work will help Fresno promote economic development and inclusion in these communities.

Fellowship Dates:
October 26, 2026 – October 20, 2028

Salary:Executive Fellows are FUSE employees and receive an annual salary of $95,000. Fellows can also access various health, dental, and vision insurance benefits. This amount is not representative of market-rate salaries for the experienced professionals in our program but is intended as compensation for a year of public service.

ABOUT THE FUSE EXECUTIVE FELLOWSHIP

FUSE is a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing the capacity of local governments to work more effectively for communities. We embed private sector executives in city and county agencies to lead projects that improve public services and accelerate systems change. Since 2012, FUSE has led over 400 projects in 58 governments across 26 states, impacting a total population equivalent to 1 in 10 Americans.

When designing each fellowship project, FUSE works closely with government partners and community stakeholders to define a scope of work that will achieve substantive progress toward high-priority local needs. Projects address today’s most pressing challenges and opportunities, including affordable housing, economic mobility, climate resilience, public safety, infrastructure, technology, and more.

FUSE conducts a full executive search for each individual project to ensure that the selected candidate has at least 15 years of professional experience, the required competencies for the role, and deep connections to the community being served.

Executive Fellows are embedded in government agencies working with senior leaders for at least one year of full-time work. Prospective responsibilities may include thorough data analytics and research, developing enhanced operations and financial models, building change management and strategic planning processes, and/or building broad coalitions to support project implementation efforts. Executive Fellows are data-driven and results-oriented and able to effectively manage complex projects.

They build strong relationships with a broad array of stakeholders, foster alignment within and across various layers of government, and build partnerships between governments and communities.

Throughout the fellowships, Executive Fellows receive training, coaching, and professional support to help achieve their project goals.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Fresno, CA is one of the ten most diverse large cities in the United States. Chinese immigrants founded Fresno’s Chinatown in the 1870s, and it quickly became a cultural and commercial center. Subsequent communities moving to the Central Valley got their start in this neighborhood and the nearby Downtown. Unfortunately, a legacy of redlining and racial covenants limited many BIPOC families’ ability to grow wealth.

Three highways surround Downtown and Chinatown, cutting off these communities from other neighborhoods and limiting investment.

Despite historical challenges, things are changing for these neighborhoods. Between 2005 and 2014,Fresno’s concentrated poverty had decreased by 68%. California High-Speed Rail’s inaugural Central Valley segment will feature a stop in Downtown Fresno, with the potential to bring visitors from across the state. In addition, the city has received external funding to set up a real estate investment trust (REIT) in Chinatown to improve infrastructure and quality of life.

Recently, the United Soccer League (USL) entered an agreement with the City to build a soccer stadium Downtown. This stadium will become the home for new…