FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: David Schecter
Wednesday, April 02, 2008	559-307-7250

Swearengin promotes vision for vibrant, authentic downtown

Today, Ashley Swearengin released her strategy for downtown revitalization, an outline of recommendations for creating a vibrant, authentic downtown Fresno.  “A city’s downtown is its calling card.  It’s imperative that we revitalize our central area if we are to become a top-tier city in California,” Swearengin stated.  

As Mayor, Swearengin says she will focus on proven methods for downtown revitalization that have worked in other large cities like San Diego, San Jose and Pasadena.  She will support the development of downtown districts, remove barriers to 24 hour activity in downtown, support programmed activities and marketing of the downtown area, and go after negligent property owners who have let their buildings deteriorate.  

Swearengin’s downtown strategy is available on her website:  www.ashley 4mayor.com.

Show your support for Ashley and her vision for an authentic downtown Fresno by attending tonight's mayoral debate being held in the ballroom of the former Security Bank building on the Fulton Mall. The debate is being sponsored by the Downtown Association, Fresno’s Leading Young Professionals, Creative Fresno, and Fresno Fusion and will be moderated by Jim Tucker, host of KVPT's Valley Press program.  A reception will begin at 5 pm, and the forum will begin at 5:30 pm. 

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