Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin says she is leaving city heading in the right direction

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- As Fresno prepares for a mayoral transition we took a walk down memory lane with Mayor Ashley Swearengin. She took office in January of 2009.

Swearengin touted her accomplishments over two terms and pointed to key indicators.

"Our unemployment rate has been cut in half. Chronic homelessness has been cut in half in the city of Fresno. We are the fourth best tech job creating city in California. We have a long range water plan and $600-million out the door to make sure we're drought proof."

Swearengin was proud the city was able to pay off its negative fund balances.

She will miss the comradery at City Hall, although the mayor will take five staffers to her new job as Central Valley Community Foundation CEO.

Swearengin will continue her work to raise the region's profile.

"And to make sure that we attract as much additional private investment in this area that we can, both from a philanthropy standpoint as well as a private investment standpoint."

A recent field poll showed Swearengin running third among potential gubernatorial candidates, but at this point she is not interested in another statewide run.

"It doesn't pique my interest. It's flattering."

Swearengin will make way for Mayor-Elect Lee Brand January 5th.