Fremont City Council Meeting: 02/18/25 07:00 PM
3300 Capitol Avenue Div/Dept: City Council
Fremont, CA 94538 Category: Council Referrals & Appointments
SCHEDULED
Sponsors:
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT (ID # 5360) DOC ID: 5360
Updated: 1/30/2025 6:51 PM by Susan Gauthier Page 1
COUNCILMEMBER YANG SHAO REFERRAL: Proposal for Policy on Limiting City Government Engagement to Local Issues
Contact Persons:
Name: Yang Shao
Title: Councilmember
Div/Dept: City Council
Phone: 510-284-4019
E-Mail: [email protected]
Councilmember Shao Referral: Policy on Limiting City Government Engagement to Local Issues.
Purpose: The purpose of this referral is to instruct city staff to draft a policy that establishes Fremont's local government as focused on addressing issues directly related to the City and the needs of its residents. This policy will underscore Fremont’s commitment to concentrating on issues within its jurisdiction, prioritizing services, infrastructure, and other local concerns that impact our community directly.
Background: As a city government, Fremont's resources and attention should be directed toward matters that directly influence the well-being and quality of life of our residents.
Issues of international concern, while important, are generally outside the city’s ability to influence and may detract from our ability to address pressing local challenges such as housing, infrastructure, public safety, and economic development.
Proposal: Direct staff to draft a Council policy inclusive of the following components:
1. Limit City Involvement to Local Matters: The City of Fremont would officially adopt a stance of neutrality on international affairs, focusing instead on issues that are within the city's jurisdiction and that directly affect the community.
2. Encourage Local Impact: City Council agendas and discussions would prioritize actionable items related to city governance, including housing, transportation, public safety, community services, and environmental sustainability.
3. Streamline Resources: City resources, including staff time and financial resources, would be optimized to address issues that align with Fremont’s direct responsibilities and capabilities, thus ensuring maximum impact on Fremont residents.
This policy would be intended to ensure that the City Council focuses on local governance and priorities that yield the most benefit for Fremont residents. This approach would also be intended to promote unity, helping the Council to function as a cohesive entity focused on shared, practical concerns for our diverse community.
Requested Action: Direct staff to develop a policy for City Council consideration that emphasizes Fremont’s commitment to addressing local matters and refrains from taking Council Staff Report (ID # 5360) Meeting of February 18, 2025 Updated: 1/30/2025 6:51 PM by Susan Gauthier Page 2
positions on international affairs. Please bring forward a draft policy and staff recommendations on implementing this focus. The policy should be presented to the Council at an upcoming meeting for discussion and possible adoption.