Clovis · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clovis public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
General Plan Update Land Use Alternatives
The General Plan rewrite is on schedule for adoption by end of 2027, with three land-use map alternatives headed to public workshops. Council members pressed the consultant to make Old Town historic preservation policies concrete rather than vague, and to keep the citizens preservation committee involved.
Water Master Plan Phase 3 Amendment & $506M Infrastructure Needs
The city reviewed population growth and water supply projections through 2050, confirming strong conservation numbers and exploring future recovery of treated wastewater effluent.
Shaw & Locan Multifamily Rezone and Housing Element Compliance
The city proposed rezoning a ±7.39-acre parcel at Shaw and Locan Avenues from single-family low density to high density residential to replace housing units lost from other projects and maintain state housing element compliance. Residents strongly opposed the plan, citing concerns over traffic congestion, school overcrowding, parking shortages, and diminished property values.
Multi-Family Residential Design Standards and Parking
Clovis is updating its apartment design rules and cutting required parking spaces to comply with state housing mandates. The changes reduce minimum open space and parking ratios for multi-family units, which raised concerns among commissioners and residents about neighborhood parking congestion and privacy.
Fowler and Shepherd Avenue Construction Delays
Frustrated residents and council members highlighted major traffic and project delays around Fowler and Shepherd avenues, prompting a demand for a staff report.
Infill Rezone Program (54 Acres)
The city is rezoning 20 parcels totaling 54 acres to high and very high-density residential use to satisfy a court judgment and state housing element requirements. Residents raised strong concerns about traffic, school crowding, crime, and the conversion of planned commercial land in Harlan Ranch.
Road Safety on Fowler Avenue
Residents and grieving parents urged the city to take immediate action on dangerous traffic speeds and road conditions along Fowler Avenue, particularly during ongoing construction closures.
Water Service Rates and Municipal Code Updates
The city proposed significant water rate increases over the next few years to cover rising inflation, operating costs, and critical infrastructure maintenance. Residents raised concerns about the impact on fixed-income households and the jump in volumetric costs.
FY 2026-2027 Annual Budget and Measure Y Implementation
City leadership reviewed the 5-year financial forecast, confirming stable conditions and ongoing Measure Y public safety staffing. Council members urged building emergency reserves faster toward long-term targets.
FY 2026-27 City Budget and Measure Y Implementation
The Measure Y Oversight Committee presented its first annual report, highlighting strong revenues and accountability for public safety, parks, and street maintenance funds.
Implementation of Mixed Income Zoning Ordinance (MISO)
The city is moving forward with a new ordinance requiring residential developments of 11 or more units to dedicate 5% of homes as affordable housing or pay in-lieu fees. This is part of a legal settlement agreement to meet state housing mandates.
County Transportation Funding and Measure C Support
With Measure C expiring in 2027, the council debated two rival citizen-led transportation measures. The council chose to endorse the 'Better Roads, Safe Streets' measure to protect local transit funding and trail development.
Police Department Drone and Safety Programs
Chief Fleming reported major successes with the new drone first responder program and noted that sworn staffing levels have crossed one officer per thousand residents for the first time in years.
Fire Department Staffing and Response Times
The city is using a federal grant and Measure Y funds to hire six new firefighters and deploy a rapid-response squad, tackling response times that have lagged behind standards due to rapid population growth.