The city of Fresno is grappling with a surge in violent crime, with 12 homicides reported in the first six months of 2026, compared to just seven during the same period last year. As the city struggles to address this alarming trend, a critical anti-violence program, Advance Peace Fresno, is fighting for its survival.
Established to complement law enforcement efforts, Advance Peace Fresno has been instrumental in reducing gun violence and homicides. However, the program’s future is now hanging in the balance due to funding challenges and recent federal cuts.
The Impact of Advance Peace Fresno
Advance Peace Fresno operates in the critical space where law enforcement cannotaccording to program leaders. The initiative employs neighborhood change agents who build relationships with individuals most likely to be involved in retaliatory gun violence. These mentors help develop life plans, set personal goals, and find constructive ways to remain safe.
DeVone Boggan, the founder of Advance Peace, emphasizes the precision and danger of this work. “That is not soft work,” he states. “It is precise, dangerous, skilled public safety labor.” The program’s success is evident in its ability to help police reduce homicides to an all-time low last year.
Funding Challenges and Political Support
The White House pulled a $2 million grant in 2026, leaving the program scrambling for funds. In April, city leaders managed to secure about $250,000 to keep the program afloat in the short term. However, long-term funding remains uncertain.
Councilmember Miguel Arias has pledged to advocate for full funding of Advance Peace, proposing to allocate about $750,000 from the city’s cannabis revenues. “Advance Peace has demonstrated that it can save lives that might otherwise be lost to senseless gun violence,” Arias said. “By reducing shootings and fostering safer communities, the program delivers meaningful results.”
Council President Nelson Esparza has also expressed support for the program, stating, “I’ve been a strong supporter of this program since its inception here in Fresno, so I want to make sure they have the resources to continue succeeding.” However, securing the necessary votes on the city council remains a challenge.
The Consequences of Reduced Funding
Program Manager Aaron Foster warns that the progress made in recent years is starting to slip. With fewer mentors and fewer mentors of color available to intervene, the program is becoming more reactive and less proactive. Foster notes that the program has lost more than half of its staff since funding was cut off.
As the city grapples with rising violence, the need for effective intervention programs like Advance Peace Fresno has never been greater. The upcoming budget hearings at Fresno City Hall will be crucial in determining the program’s future and its ability to continue making a difference in the community.
Beyond Advance Peace, other safety-net efforts are also feeling the strain of federal funding cuts. The Fresno County Board of Supervisors has begun hosting town-hall style meetings to raise awareness about the gaps in local-level agencies. Additionally, city leaders have rolled out a new multi-million-dollar proposal to address childcare needs in California’s fifth-largest city.
