City of Fremont

Subject: Ensuring Public Safety in Fremont Amidst Recent Tragedies Dear Fremont Community Members, This past weekend, our community experienced two tragic homicides on the same day. On behalf of the entire City of Fremont organization, I extend my deepest condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones during this difficult time. Despite these events, Fremont remains one of the safest cities in the country, as evidenced by recent recognitions from WalletHub naming us America’s Best Place to Raise a Family and Happiest City in America based on various factors, including low crime rates. I am extremely proud of and grateful to the men and women in our Police and Fire Departments who serve under challenging conditions daily. As your city manager, I assure you that public safety remains our paramount concern, a priority shared by the city council. We recognize that the security and well-being of our residents form the foundation of a thriving community. Over the last four budget cycles, I have consistently authorized additional police staffing and funding to maintain a high level of service for our community. This significant investment underscores our commitment to public safety. It has resulted in the expansion of the Mobile Health Evaluation Team (MET), a $2.4M grant to combat Organized Retail Theft and staff a Real-Time Information Center, additional resources for officer wellness, funding to enhance hiring and recruitment, authorizing $13 million for body-camera and safety-related technology, and the establishment of a Gun Violence Reduction Team. These efforts contributed to a reduction in shootings and an increase in firearm recovery in FY2023/24. In the recently adopted FY2024/25 operating budget, the Police Department’s allocation accounts for 44% of the City’s general fund. The community must know that I am committed to actively engaging with our Police Department and Human Resources Department to develop new and innovative ways to recruit and retain the talented employees of the Fremont Police Department. I will continue championing additional technology, marketing, and hiring strategies to strengthen and enhance public safety. Our public safety departments have our full support and appreciation for their dedication and hard work in keeping our community safe. Fremont is a dynamic, diverse, and safe City where we can all take pride. In difficult times like these, it is important to remember that we are stronger together. As factual information or updates become available, we will continue our tradition of transparency with the community about public safety matters. For now, I wish you all a safe and happy summer. Karena Shackelford City Manager (*This letter is posted online at https://lnkd.in/ganCKKFs.)

Meet a few of our incredible part-time recreation staff! They are an essential part of our team, dedicated to ensuring everyone has a safe and memorable experience at Fremont Parks & Recreation. #WhereYouBelong #ParkandRecMonth #ParkandRecMonth24 National Recreation and Park Association

We're happy to announce Mike Wayne as Fremont's new Building Official! 👏 A proud Fremont native and Mission San Jose High School graduate, Mike brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked in local government throughout the Bay Area since 1996. Mike has been a key member of our Building and Safety team since joining in 2018, starting as our Permit Center Manager and most recently serving as Acting Building Official. Mike holds an Associate of Arts degree and a Building Inspection Technology certificate. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Leadership Studies, with graduation expected early next year. Please join us in welcoming Mike to his new official role! We look forward to his leadership and expertise in ensuring Fremont's continued growth and safety.

Exciting news, Fremont! Our city has just been awarded $4 million in Housing Incentive Pool (HIP) program grant funds from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). Fremont is one of 15 jurisdictions to receive HIP funds for promoting the production and preservation of affordable housing. Of the 15 jurisdictions receiving HIP funds, Fremont ranked #3, having produced an impressive 701 new affordable units from 2018 to 2022. The grant funds are intended for transportation projects, so we plan to use the funds for street improvement projects along Fremont Boulevard in Centerville and Downtown. This award is a win-win for Fremont! It highlights our commitment to affordable housing and safer streets.

Are you ready for the next concert? 🎵🎶Join us Thursday, July 18, from 6pm-8pm in Central Park and enjoy a free concert featuring Wolf Jett! city.fremont.gov/concerts

Join us at this year’s 40th Annual Fremont Festival of the Arts on August 3-4, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm! Enjoy local art, live music, and gourmet food and drinks while strolling through Downtown Fremont! Make sure to stop by the City of Fremont booth to speak with our staff about ongoing initiatives and recruitment efforts. For details on this year’s Festival visit www.fremontfestival.net. This event is produced by the Fremont Chamber of Commerce.

Our award-winning Parks Planning and Design team provides inclusive and safe spaces to all people in Fremont! That’s the #PowerOfParks! #ParkandRecMonth24 #WhereYouBelong National Recreation and Park Association

Episode 9 of our Shop Small Series is now live! In this episode of our Shop Small Series, we had the delightful opportunity to engage in a conversation with Andrew Lynn, the owner of Tangles Salon & Spa in Irvington. We explored his venture into cosmetology, discussed the importance of making clients feel welcome, and learned about the various services Tangles Salon & Spa offers. Our Economic Development Department is committed to connecting with and celebrating small business owners and sharing their incredible stories. For more insights into how the department supports small businesses and enhances commercial vitality in Fremont, visit: https://lnkd.in/g6nSHdhm. Check out the latest video 👇

Are you ready for the next concert? 🎵🎶Join us Thursday, July 11, from 6pm-8pm in Central Park and enjoy a free concert featuring Momotombo-SF! city.fremont.gov/concerts

Our staff is working hard to ensure everyone has a safe, memorable experience with Fremont Parks & Recreation! #WhereYouBelong #ParkandRecMonth #ParkandRecMonth24