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 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Close-up on woman in white and blue striped knee-length dress standing next to mint green cruiser bike resting against low wrought iron fence in front of green lawn.

Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.

49 seconds ago - domus

Close-up of man in manually operated wheelchair waiting at urban crosswalk.

Making Mobility More Inclusive

A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.

1 hour ago - Greater Good Magazine

US and Texas flags flying in front of Texas state capitol dome in Austin, Texas.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness

A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

2 hours ago - The Texas Tribune