Annalisa Perea is a dedicated public servant and urban planner, currently serving as the Fresno City Councilmember for District 1. Born and raised in Fresno, she has deep roots in the community and a lifelong commitment to its development.

Annalisa’s academic journey began at Fresno City College, followed by earning a Bachelor of Science in City and Regional Planning from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Her professional career as an urban planner has been marked by a focus on expanding park spaces, designing roadway improvements to enhance traffic flow, and building communities that reduce crime and improve pedestrian walkability. She has also been a strong advocate for increasing affordable housing options throughout the Central Valley.

In 2018, Annalisa was elected as a Trustee on the State Center Community College Board of Trustees, where she gained valuable experience in educational policy and community service. Her dedication to public service led to her unanimous appointment to the Fresno City Council on December 9, 2022, filling the seat vacated by Esmeralda Soria. She was sworn into office on December 14, 2022, and subsequently elected as Council Vice President on January 3, 2023. In 2024, she was elected as Council President, serving with distinction throughout the year.

As a councilmember, Annalisa has championed safer neighborhoods, government transparency, affordable housing, and equitable treatment for all residents. She has been particularly active in supporting the LGBTQ+ community and working families, ensuring their voices are heard in city governance. Her policy initiatives include declaring a state of emergency to address affordable housing and homelessness, supporting the Tower District Farmers Market, implementing a local job creation incentive program, and championing the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance to provide opportunities for small entrepreneurs while ensuring public safety and accessibility.

During her tenure as Council President in 2024, Annalisa emphasized a “three-legged stool” approach focusing on public safety, housing, and economic development. She prioritized community-based policing to build trust between neighborhoods and law enforcement, worked on modernizing zoning ordinances to increase affordable housing, and achieved a historic tax-sharing agreement with county partners to unlock potential for economic growth in Fresno.

Annalisa’s leadership is characterized by her proactive approach to community engagement and her commitment to listening to her constituents. She believes in acting on projects and programs that benefit her district and the city at large, embodying the qualities of a bold thinker and natural leader. Her lifelong connection to District 1 deepens her understanding of the issues affecting those living and doing business in the area, driving her dedication to the betterment of the district and the broader Fresno community.