On Tuesday December 30th, 2008 mayor-elect Ashley Swearengin announced the restructuring of the City of Fresno's Economic Development Department, with a new focus on downtown and community revitalization. Swearengin named Craig Scharton to the top post of Downtown and Community Revitalization Director. Scharton will oversee a department more sharply focused on strengthening Fresno’s economy through an emphasis on downtown revitalization, improving urban neighborhoods and supporting locally-owned businesses. Other members of the team include current DTA Board President Elliott Balch as Downtown Revitalization Manager; Elaine Robles-McGraw, Neighborhood Revitalization Manager; Travis Sheridan, Local Business Initiatives Manager; Wilma Quan, Urban Planning Specialist; and Elizabeth Jonasson, Revitalization Funding Coordinator.

The Downtown Association looks forward to working with the new administration on the ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown Fresno.

More information and bios:
http://www.fresno.gov/News/PressReleases/2008/Team.htm