Assemblymember Arambula to Host Informational Hearing Today, April 2, in Fresno on Expanding Economic Mobility and Investment in the San Joaquin Valley

FRESNO – Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) as Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Community Economic Mobility and Investment will convene a hearing today, April 2, in Fresno on expanding efforts to increase inclusive economic development in the San Joaquin Valley. The hearing is being conducted in partnership with The Center at Sierra Health Foundation (The Center) and NextGen California.

The hearing will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Satellite Student Union at Fresno State. The building is located at 2485 E. San Ramon Ave., Fresno, CA 93710.

The Select Committee, formed in 2025, is focused on initiating purposeful economic development in California communities that have historically been marginalized and underserved. The committee is exploring how innovative collaborations among philanthropy, government, academia, and nonprofit organizations can identify viable opportunities to forge change.

The specific topic for today’s hearing is “Inclusive Economic Development in the San Joaquin Valley – The Current Landscape.”

In the Valley, too often rural and urban communities face perpetual barriers to accessing developmental resources, including gaps in funding access and limited technical capacity. Today’s hearing will explore policy solutions to ensure more equitable and inclusive economic growth as well as spotlight community-driven models that are proving effective, such as The Center’s Community Economic Mobility Initiative (CEMI).

Participants will include Chet P. Hewitt, Founder and CEO of The Center at Sierra Health Foundation; Dr. Manuel Pastor, Distinguished Professor of Sociology and American Studies & Ethnicity at the University of Southern California; Jessica Kaczmarek, Initiative Director of The James Irvine Foundation; and Dr. Edward Flores, Professor of Sociology and Faculty Director of the UC Merced Community and Labor Center.

Assemblymember Arambula said: “In California, many people are struggling financially and not part of any meaningful economic development. The Select Committee wants to address the underlying issues that hinder families from achieving financial stability and opportunity. At today’s hearing, we want to move the discussion forward by highlighting successful efforts and hearing from community. Our State is stronger when everyone can achieve security, prosperity, and happiness.”

Chet P. Hewitt, Founder and CEO of the Sierra Health Foundation, said: “We are pleased to work with Assemblymember Arambula and the Assembly Select Committee on Community Economic Mobility and Investment to help ensure that economic growth benefits all California communities. We’ve learned through our Community Economic Mobility Initiative that community organizations, elected officials, philanthropy, and residents all play critical roles in advancing equitable economic development.”