Open Question: How Will High-Speed Rail Change Fresno?

Southwest Fresno has seen a few planned developments come and go, but now there's hope a high-speed rail could bring investment to the area.

2 minute read

November 1, 2018, 2:00 PM PDT

By Casey Brazeal @northandclark


In 2007, many thought a golf course named Running Horse would revitalize the southwest side of Fresno. The course was to be designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, and funded by then-developer Donald Trump. However, after getting the list of concessions that the Trump's team wanted, the community decided the tax breaks and the moving of numerous amenities including a veteran's home site was more than the community could do. Eventually, negotiations broke down and the site of the course became an almond grove.

Now some hope that high speed rail could revitalize the area. California has built track sections including some in Fresno, but enthusiasm for the project breaks on partisan lines. "High-speed rail evangelist Jerry Brown leaves the California governor’s mansion in January, to be succeeded either by Democrat Gavin Newsom, who generally supports the rail project, or Republican John Cox, who during a September visit to Fresno declared it 'a monument to corruption' and a 'train to nowhere,’" Suhauna Hussain and Joe Yerardi report for The Center for Public Integrity. These midterms will have a big say in the project's success or failure.

Meanwhile at the local level many in the area say Southwest Fresno has more pressing issues. The area is one of Fresno's poorest, and some in the area say a more equitable use of funds would serve those who have the least.

One Republican who does support the project is Fresno's Mayor, Lee Brand, who asked Fresno residents to be patient, that the investment in high-speed rail will pay off.

Monday, October 15, 2018 in The Center for Public Integrity

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

View of Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington at golden hour.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap

A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

April 29 - Washington State Standard

Low view of Glendale Narrows section of Los Angeles River with concrete bottom and cloudy storm sky over head.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience

Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

April 29 - The Planning Report

Grandparents sitting on bench with young girl and boy, girl holding ball and boy holding ukelele.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan

As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.

April 29 - Source NM