Frontline workers urge council to push Fresno Housing Authority to reverse layoffs

Frontline maintenance and inspection staff from Fresno Housing, supported by SEIU Local 521, told the City Council on July 30 that planned layoffs at the housing authority would endanger low‑income residents and slow urgent repairs.

Workers described daily responsibilities — repairing HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems, inspecting for fire and health hazards — and warned that fewer staff would lengthen response times and could worsen hazards such as mold or unsafe wiring. “Reducing oversight does not eliminate the need,” safety inspector Anthony Esparza said. “It delays discovery of potential serious problems until they become more dangerous and more costly to repair.”

Tyrone Roderick Williams, Fresno Housing’s CEO, said staff reductions followed an internal financial review and came only after vacancies were held open and operating cuts were made. He said federal funding formulas and rising costs left the authority with an annual shortfall and that the reductions were part of a plan to restore long‑term fiscal stability. The CEO also said the authority will look to rehire laid‑off workers when feasible and continue exploring alternatives.

Councilmembers expressed sympathy but noted the housing authority — not the city — has primary authority over staffing decisions; several asked whether the city could offer temporary support or coordinate with the housing authority’s commissioners. The council adopted a resolution urging the authority to reconsider layoffs and to work with labor and the city on alternatives.