A case study of transforming Fresno’s Fulton Street from a pedestrian mall to a Complete Street: Examining the influence of federal funding at the local level

This case study examines the transformation of Fresno’s Fulton Street from a pedestrian mall to a Complete Street, emphasizing the role of federal funding in local urban planning. Originally developed in 1964, the Fulton Mall struggled with retail vibrancy and economic sustainability. In response, the City of Fresno secured a TIGER grant in 2013 to reintroduce automobile traffic, aiming to revitalize the downtown area. This study explores the research question: To what extent did TIGER funding and the associated streetscape redesign support the city’s intended goals of downtown redevelopment and a vibrant street life? To answer this question, the study employs a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews with key stakeholders, a document analysis of city plans and grant applications, and a quantitative analysis of ground floor vacancy rates using business directories from 1949 to 2021. The findings reveal contradictions between policy objectives and actual outcomes. While city officials promoted the redesign as a catalyst for private investment, the project resulted in significant disruptions, particularly affecting Latino- and Hispanic-owned businesses. The study highlights the limitations of targeted federal funding in achieving sustainable urban redevelopment and suggests that broader financial and policy support for existing businesses and historic preservation may be necessary.