Jose Leon Barraza
Dear District 5 Voters:
I am currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Southeast Fresno Community Economic Development Association, Inc. (SEFCEDA) and a member of the Fresno City Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission. Previously, I served as Fresno County Director of Economic Development and Principal Administrative Analyst for the County Administrative Office.
My grassroots campaign is built on extensive interaction with residents and small business owners, helping them solve community problems. I am committed to continuing this role at the Council level.
These are the key issues I aim to address:
Public safety
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Ensure police and firefighters have adequate funding to keep our streets and neighborhoods safe.
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Expand the use of the Parks Ranger classification at city parks and address challenges related to the homeless population.
Jobs and economic development
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Improve residents’ job skills and create higher-paying jobs.
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Promote business attraction, retention, and expansion programs.
Housing
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Increase access to homeownership and down payment assistance programs.
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Facilitate the creation of more single and multi-occupancy housing opportunities.
Parks, soccer fields, and the arts
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Build new parks and soccer fields while improving existing parks.
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Expand access to cultural art programs and facilities.
I would be honored to serve as your District 5 representative on the Fresno City Council.
Thank you for your vote.
Jose Leon Barraza
Biography of Jose Leon Barraza
I am the proud son of Mexican immigrants. As a young man, my first job was working in the fields picking chiles. This early exposure to farm work taught me about the invaluable contributions of farmworkers and farmers, who work tirelessly in challenging weather conditions to provide food for our tables. My next job was as a clerk at a hardware store, where I gained knowledge about building materials and learned the importance of treating customers with respect and fairness—values instilled in me by my parents. These early jobs also provided the financial support I needed to pursue higher education at Fresno City College and Fresno State, where I earned an Associate of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
While attending Fresno State, I worked part-time in the university’s Personnel Office, which opened the door to a full-time position at the Fresno County Personnel Department. Over five years, I advanced from Junior Personnel Analyst to Principal Personnel Analyst. During this time, I continued my education, earning a Master of Public Administration degree by attending classes at night and on weekends.
After a decade with the Personnel Department, I transitioned to the Fresno County Administrative Office as a Principal Administrative Analyst, where I worked closely with the County Administrative Officer and the Board of Supervisors. My responsibilities included preparing and monitoring multi-million-dollar departmental budgets, providing fiscal oversight for major public works projects such as the Fresno County jail expansion and new courtrooms, and reviewing agenda items for Board of Supervisors meetings.
In the final years before my retirement from Fresno County in 2009, I served as Director of Economic Development. In this role, I earned recognition for spearheading initiatives like the creation of a Countywide Enterprise Zone, which incentivized small businesses to create jobs through tax credits. This initiative, approved by the state, involved 14 cities and Fresno County. I was also appointed Chair of a County Blue Ribbon Business Committee tasked with fostering job creation in the local economy.
Founding SEFCEDA and Community Impact
My experience with Fresno County underscored the significant economic challenges facing Southeast Fresno, including high poverty rates. To address these issues, I co-founded the Southeast Fresno Community Economic Development Association, Inc. (SEFCEDA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, 13 years ago. As SEFCEDA’s CEO, I have worked with a volunteer Board of Directors to provide job training programs for residents, increase salaries, and promote economic prosperity. My role includes a mix of paid and volunteer responsibilities, and I remain deeply committed to the organization’s mission.
Through SEFCEDA, I have led projects that provide technical assistance to small business owners and improve the community’s physical appearance. One of our flagship initiatives is the beautification of Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard, which involved painting and revitalizing dilapidated business fronts with the help of volunteers and donated materials. We continue to expand these efforts to support economic vitality.
In response to the shortage of parks and soccer fields in Southeast Fresno, as the CEO of SEFCEDA and in partnership with the Southeast Fresno Youth Soccer League, other youth and adult soccer leagues and other nonprofits organizations including church groups from all parts of our City we have jointly worked hard to achieve success in receiving support from City officials for the funding of a $9 million Southeast Fresno Regional Park and Soccer Complex at a 49-acre park site on Peach Avenue. Our efforts have demonstrated the power of grass roots advocacy in achieving results that benefit all segments of our community.
These accomplishments have been further advanced with my appointment by Mayor Jerry Dyer as Commissioner of the Fresno City, Recreation and Arts Commission. The Commission recommends about $40 million annually to the Fresno City Council to build new parks, improve existing facilities, and promote art projects in all parts of our City.
Volunteers Step Up to the Challenge – News Report
In response to the shortage of parks in Southeast Fresno, volunteers and residents have joined us in rallying together in hosting community meetings, and presenting plans to the City Council. Our efforts demonstrated the power of grassroots advocacy and resulted in significant progress for the regional park project.
The Fresno Bee Report February 18, 2018: There’s a shortage of parks in southeast Fresno. One group steps up with plans to help ↗
Park Volunteers
Planting Trees
Some of the volunteer workers that helped clean up the Peach Park Site before a crew came in to assist in planting 120 trees with an irrigation system at the North Parcel of the 49-acre park site.
Supporting Public Safety
Public safety has always been a top priority in my work. Ensuring that Police and Firefighters have adequate funding to keep our streets and neighborhoods free of crime is essential for building a safe and thriving community.
As a Commissioner, I supported the creation of the Park Ranger classification, which led to the addition of 24 new Park Rangers patrolling city parks. This effort has significantly enhanced the safety of families and visitors enjoying our recreational spaces.
Furthermore, I advocated for the establishment of the Southeast Cultural Arts District, which not only enriches the area’s cultural identity but also fosters community engagement through creative projects.
By combining effective public safety measures with opportunities for cultural and community development, I am committed to making Southeast Fresno a safer and more vibrant place for everyone.
Personal and Family Life
I have been a proud resident of District 5 for over 45 years, where my wife Elsa and I raised our three children, who now have successful careers in criminal justice, social work, and higher education administration. My wife and I are both licensed real estate professionals, and I am also a licensed General Contractor.
Education and Professional Accomplishments
Associate of Arts in General Business (1972)
Achieved at Fresno City College, providing foundational knowledge in business principles.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (1974)
Completed at California State University, Fresno, focusing on business strategies and administration.
Master of Public Administration (1978)
Earned from California State University, Fresno, specializing in public administration to build expertise in government operations and policy-making.
Certifications
Licensed Real Estate Broker (California)
Licensed General Contractor (California)
Professional Positions and Accomplishments
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Southeast Fresno Community Economic Development Association, Inc. (2021 – Present)
- Co-founded SEFCEDA to address poverty and promote economic growth in Southeast Fresno.
- Manages programs in job training, employment placement, and small business technical assistance.
- Spearheaded community beautification projects, including cleanup events and façade improvements along Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard.
- Secured $9 million for the construction of a regional park and soccer complex at Peach Avenue.
- Supported small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic by assisting with grant applications and addressing public safety concerns.
- Advocates for sustainable economic growth by collaborating with city officials on land-use plans and economic development programs.
Workforce Program
A group of training candidates prepare to attend an interview to be considered for a construction job training program or employment after some preparation with Jose Leon Barraza shown in the photo.
Fresno City Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commissioner (2021 – Present)
- Makes recommendations to the Fresno city council on annual budget of approximately $40 million in Measure P funds for park improvements, new construction, and cultural arts projects.
- Advocated for and supported the creation of a Park Ranger classification, enhancing public safety in city parks.
- Ensures equitable distribution of resources to underserved areas, including Southeast Fresno.
Principal Administrative Analyst, Fresno County Administrative Office (1974 – 2000)
- Prepared and monitored multi-million-dollar departmental budgets and capital projects, including Fresno County jail and courtroom construction.
- Reviewed and approved agenda items for Board of Supervisors meetings.
- Conducted operational audits, presented policy recommendations, and ensured fiscal oversight for public works initiatives.
Recognition and Awards
Fresno County Municipalities Recognition Award (2009)
Honored for creating the Fresno County Regional Enterprise Zone in collaboration with 14 cities.
Recognition Award from Five Cities Economic Development Corporation (2009)
Recognized by Selma, Sanger, Parlier, Fowler, and Reedley for contributions to regional economic development.
Champion for Economic Development Award (2009)
Presented by the Economic Development Corporation serving Fresno County for excellence in promoting local business growth.
California State Assembly Certificate of Recognition (2009)
Acknowledged for outstanding contributions to economic development and public service.