Innovative Solutions for Unhoused crisis

The Challenge

Recent studies like the Benioff homeless and housing initiative statewide study and Home Together 2026 plan reveal:

• 1,500+ homeless individuals in our tri-city area.
• 67% unaware of available services. They need to be educated.
• 82% face mental health challenges, 65% struggle with substance abuse. They need safety and support services.
• 90% became homeless in the county where they currently reside – they are our neighbors, friends, family. We need to be compassionate.

Fremont is facing a state-issued housing target to add roughly 13,000 homes by 2031, half affordable for lower-income residents. 

My Approach

1. Implement data-driven solutions to measure and manage efforts effectively with a goal of inculcating a sense of purpose in our unhoused community while ensuring fiscal accountability. City Homelessness Management Information System is inadequate. 
2. Foster collaborations between the city, neighboring cities, non-profits, and private companies to create innovative solutions. Mandate evictions and foreclosures give notice of homeless services and shelters. 
3. Engage Community by establishing neighborhood planning committees and a task force on housing approaches. Launch “Fremont Ambassador program” with monthly recognition during City Hall meetings.
4. Leverage new legislation (AB 976, SB 4) for housing development.
5. Pay the unhoused to work with the City The ~20% who are mentally stable/not struggling with substance abuse will be given opportunities to earn minimum wage by working with the city and educate other unhoused. 
6. Compassionate Plan Balance compassion with compliance in addressing homelessness. In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling, work with city officials to implement humane and effective policies to keep Fremont safe. 
7. Revitalize local economy with my prior experience of working with various state & city economic teams to attract investments, train city residents, create jobs. By implementing AB 835, we'll create diverse housing options and job opportunities for all residents.

Transforming Spaces into Thriving Places

To create a vibrant and thriving downtown in Fremont, several meaningful ideas and solutions can be implemented. This includes changing zoning regulations, enhancing the architectural appeal, and activating public spaces to attract people and businesses.

1. Zoning Regulation Reform:

• Parking Space Conversion: Implement zoning changes to reduce parking space mandates. Transform these areas to sit down dining establishments, walking districts, and outdoor event spaces. This shift will encourage pedestrian traffic and create a more inviting atmosphere.
• People-Centric Approach: Focus on placemaking activities* and remove overbearing regulations in commercial districts. This includes eliminating minimum parking* mandates that hinder business development.

2. Architectural and Design Enhancements:

• Activate Existing Spaces: Enhance the curb appeal of existing pedestrian spaces to promote pedestrian traffic. Ensure that dining spaces are inviting with visible outdoor seating and attractive decor. Incorporate and upgrade the street furniture, landscaping and walkways.
• Entertainment and Dining: Develop areas with nearby entertainment options and outdoor eating spaces visible from the streets. Create an environment that feels like there's always something happening, similar to a festival atmosphere.

3. Developing Historic Downtowns:

• Niles and Mission Areas: Enhance historic downtowns like Niles and areas around Mission and District 1. Organize regular events to draw people in and create a lively atmosphere.
• Revitalizing Niles: Capitalize on the popularity of events in Niles by making the area consistently engaging. Develop unique attractions and restaurants that become destinations themselves.

4. Creating Unique Attractions:

• Revitalize Lakes: Engage and take community feedback for suggestions to explore revitalizing local lakes and city parks, such as Lake Elizabeth. It is an extraordinary location that gets less attention and resources. Design these areas with community feedback to be visually appealing with establishments offering scenic views.
• Pedestrian Zones: Convert downtown roads into pedestrian zones with ample outdoor seating, dining, live music, and uniform lighting. This transformation will create a bustling environment that attracts visitors from all over Fremont & rest of the Bay Area.

5. Activating Public Spaces:

• Regular Events: Host weekly activities, such as farmers' markets or outdoor concerts in retail plazas, to create a sense of community and attract visitors. Use these events to monitor and address issues related to homelessness in the area.
• Enhanced Entryways: Improve the visibility and attractiveness of entryways to pedestrian areas with good signage and decor. Make these spaces inviting to draw people in.

6. Reimaging Commercial Areas:

• Fremont Hub: Revitalize the Fremont Hub by creating covered spaces, changing the decor, and holding more events. Encourage outdoor dining and activities throughout the week to keep the area lively. Enhance pedestrian connections with the other downtown commercial areas, with the use of walkways, greenspace, and pedestrian furniture.
• Northgate and Centerville: Address the lack of activity in these areas by developing spaces that combine retail, dining, and entertainment. Connect existing plazas into larger, more attractive commercial areas.
• Upkeep and Maintenance: Provide guidance to businesses and property owners on the joint responsibility of maintaining and upgrading commercial properties. Provide education on activating spaces throughout the commercial areas for enhanced shopping and dining experiences. 

By implementing these ideas and solutions, Fremont can transform into a thriving city where residents and visitors alike enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment locally, rather than seeking these experiences elsewhere. The key is to create inviting, attractive, and lively spaces that draw people in and make them want to stay. Placemaking and activating public spaces is not a new idea and has been implemented around the US and elsewhere. We can quickly choose what works and quickly make Fremont the best place to live, work and raise a family.

References:

Brick by Brick | How Reducing Parking Minimums could Maximize the Opportunity | PBS

What is Placemaking? | Category — Project for Public Spaces