Started strong, but management changes led to a toxic and unhealthy work environment. - Economic Development Specialist Fresno County Economic Development Employee Review

The retention rate was alarmingly low, with many employees leaving within just a few months. Management, particularly the executive team, lacked accountability and often contradicted their own policies, creating an inequitable workplace. Hypocrisy was rampant, with managers allowing themselves privileges like working remotely when sick while denying the same flexibility to employees. The culture became toxic, marked by gaslighting, fabricated offenses, retaliation, and an overall lack of support for staff. The heavy reliance on contracts created constant job insecurity, with employees frequently reminded that their positions were at risk as contract years came to an end. Despite calls for better hybrid or remote work options, the workplace offered only one remote day per week, which was always contingent on contract success and felt perpetually under threat. Attempts to improve morale, such as potlucks and donuts, were superficial and did nothing to address the deeper issues of poor pay and a toxic culture.