Fresno City Hall takes over arts funding after Fresno Arts Council embezzlement

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Amid an investigation into the embezzlement of at least $1.5 million from the Fresno Arts Council, the City of Fresno has announced it will take over administration of the Measure P arts funding program starting with the third round of grants. The city says it will pursue legal action and a forensic financial investigation into the Arts Council, and will work to make whole any grant recipients owed money from the second round of funding.

Why it matters

The Fresno Arts Council embezzlement scandal has jeopardized the city's Measure P arts funding program, which provides critical support for the local arts community. By taking over the grant program, the city aims to restore trust and ensure the funds reach their intended recipients, but the transition raises questions about the long-term stability of arts funding in Fresno.

The details

An unnamed former Fresno Arts Council employee is accused of embezzling at least $1.5 million in public arts grants. City officials say the embezzlement was first reported to them on February 5th by a member of the Arts Council's board of directors. The city has called the loss of taxpayer funds "unacceptable" and says it will pursue legal action as well as a forensic financial investigation of the Arts Council. To make grant recipients whole, the city is urging those owed money from the second round of funding to come forward with documentation of their award agreements.

• The embezzlement of $1.5 million was first reported to the City of Fresno on February 5, 2026.
• The city held a rare special council meeting with 24 hours' notice on February 10, 2026 to discuss the matter.

What’s next

The City of Fresno says it will use 'future Measure P funding to make those organizations whole who were owed money by the Arts Council,' though the specifics of how that will occur are still to be determined.