For countless high school students, the closest they come to political engagement occurs on the national level, and city government falls to simply a concept in the Civics textbook. Local politics seem distant from daily life despite local leaders’ contributions shaping much of the community they live in. By contrast, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer makes it a priority to remain accessible to the people in his city, frequently making time to talk to residents and student journalists alike. As Fresno’s mayor, and previously as the local police chief, Dyer remains intentional in taking time to talk to The Feather, Fresno Christian’s student-run online school newspaper. 

In a conversation with Editor-in-Chief Danielle Arndt, ’26, and journalist Alex Asatrian, ’27, Mayor Jerry Dyer tackles topics ranging from modern-day journalism to the legacy he hopes to leave behind. 

What would you say to encourage someone who grew up here to remain and build their future in Fresno?   

Many young people consider leaving Fresno or California altogether as they enter adulthood. In search of either the big-city bustle or a laid-back small-town atmosphere, people sometimes decide their lives need to grow elsewhere. 

Although a fairly sizable city with over half a million residents, the fifth largest in California, Fresno still has a small-town feel to it. A community focus and the prominent presence of nearby activities contribute to Fresno’s charming personality. 

“Oftentimes, as human beings, we’re looking for things we don’t have instead of appreciating the things we do have,” Dyer said. “In Fresno, we have great weather, we are in proximity to three national parks, and the central coast. We have a world-class Chaffee Zoo. We are one of the last cities in California to have affordable housing, not just to rent but to buy.”

While it is important to reflect on Fresno’s desirable qualities, what truly draws people back to the Central Valley is the future that residents can build for themselves. Mayor Dyer goes further into what the future holds for the Fresno area.

“I really do believe we’re going to have the first high-speed rail station in the nation in downtown Fresno,” Dyer said. “There are efforts on the way to complete that project, although it’s been incredibly slow, and a lot of mistakes have been made along the way.”

As local news outlets and student publications face reductions, what role does journalism play in a healthy city — and how can young people help strengthen it? 

Fresno Christian presents students with the unique opportunity to contribute to an established student newspaper. The Feather Online is a nationally recognized student-run publication that has secured 16 Crown Awards (10 gold and 6 silver) from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association over its lifespan of 25 years. Dedicated to amplifying student voice, The Feather serves as the Central Valley’s last student publication. 

The San Joaquin Valley’s primary newspaper, the Fresno Bee, recently faced layoffs and pay cuts in late 2025, exhibiting the decrease of news sources throughout the valley. Arndt and Asatrian speak to Fresno’s mayor about the sharp decrease in local journalism and the issues plaguing what is left of it.

“Journalism’s role should be about telling stories,” Dyer said. “Telling stories about what is happening in Fresno, but to do it in a very objective way. What has hurt the media over the years is the fact that journalists have become biased. Good journalists tell a story that creates and stirs emotions that cause a person to want more. But when a journalist loses their ability to be objective, then they lose their readership.”

Dyer recognizes that journalism is becoming more important than ever with the introduction of AI into the media. Journalists must shine a light on the truth as a counter to artificially fabricated content aimed at creating unrest amongst viewers. 

With AI playing a growing role in society as a whole, how do you envision it being integrated into local government, if at all?

AI is something students interact with every day, if they abuse it, they’re reprimanded; if they don’t know how to use it, they’re behind. Throughout history, technological progress has determined success within a society. The most recent and well-known development has been the integration of artificial intelligence into modern civilization and everyday life. AI is entering the commercial, entertainment and medical sectors; citizens may wonder when and how it will be used in government systems. Dyer recognizes its influence and acknowledges that it is not going anywhere in the near future. 

“The government is going to have to accept AI for what it is, the good and the bad, and to embrace it,” Dyer said. “But not to lose sight of the fact that AI is not perfect, and there must be a human element to it. AI is designed to reduce the workload on employees and to free them up from mundane tasks, but not to step in as judgment for the human.”

Mayor Dyer addresses that people will always be involved in the government, with AI simply being a helpful tool to make employees more productive. One example of how AI is set to be used will be over the phone. Many people call requesting the same information, and AI can help alleviate routine and tedious tasks for government workers.

How has your faith shaped the way you lead, especially in a political environment where your beliefs may not always be shared?

The American government was formed by the Founding Fathers, who kept in mind the largely Christian population and values of the colonists. Since then, the American government and society as a whole have drifted from Christian ideals, making it difficult for those who share those principles to operate in such a public role. Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer is a professing Christian, sharing his conviction, which has served as an incentive to lead in a certain manner. 

“When I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, He did something to me that was transformational,” Dyer said. “He softened my heart. He took away, quite frankly, any ability I had to judge people. He gave me an attitude of servitude to want to love people where they are and serve them.”

Mayor Dyer is adamant that his faith has instilled in him a servant’s heart that bleeds compassion for all people in all walks of life. He encourages future generations to pursue leadership with the right heart posture. 

“I think people have a tendency to question [Christians’] motives anyway in the political realm and leadership in general,” Dyer said. “But it’s important we do things for the right reason, and when you’re truly a believer in Christ, you do.”

 

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As you near the end of your time in office, what lasting changes or contributions do you hope Fresno will carry forward?

Mayor Dyer has given the go-ahead on many projects and programs throughout his time in the city office. Progress is no stranger to Fresno throughout his tenure, but as his last term comes to a close, there are several areas he wishes to continue to elevate. 

Downtown revitalization – bringing more entertainment, restaurants, nightlife and housing to make downtown lively beyond work hours

Economic development and jobs – adding a professional soccer team and stadium, encouraging new businesses nearby and opening land for future advanced manufacturing jobs

Infrastructure upgrades – replacing aging water and sewer systems and improving roads to support future growth

Transportation access – expanding transit options, including free trolleys connecting Fresno State, the Tower District and Downtown Fresno

Public safety improvements – building a new 911 dispatch center, police headquarters and a fire department training center

Long-term city investment – adjusting utility rates and using state funding to keep essential services (water, sewer, trash) financially stable

Although the tangible tokens of his mayorship prove to be economically prosperous, Dyer hopes his legacy will surpass materialistic measures and reflect more importantly on his faith. 

“I hope that the legacy that I’ve left in our city is one of being a compassionate leader…  [When it comes to public service] it’s not about getting reelected. It’s about leaving a legacy, and that legacy needs to be one not about you but about how you’ve glorified God in your service.”

Mayor Dyer’s unique perspectives on leadership have allowed him to be solidified as an iconic public figure in Fresno’s recent history. Protecting and serving every citizen of Fresno for decades, Dyer’s love for the city and people will continue to live on past Jan. 2029, the final month of his term. In his hopes, this passion will be acquired by Fresno’s next leader.

For more from The Feather, read Career aspirations follow influencer model or K’lanna McArn shines light through life’s challenges.