| Energy-Efficiency Upgrades at City Facilities | | | | The City is taking another step toward a climate-resilient future by upgrading water heating systems at several City-owned buildings. Through a free PG&E schools and government energy efficiency program, we've replaced aging equipment with 10 electric heat pump water heaters and 5 high-efficiency tankless gas water heaters at key sites including City Hall, the Family Resource Center, and several community centers. Why Heat Pump Water Heaters?
The newly installed electric units are up to four times more efficient than standard electric models. By drawing heat from the air instead of burning fossil fuels, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs, and support citywide electrification efforts. Why Tankless Gas Water Heaters?
In five locations where electric heat pumps weren't feasible due to space or power constraints, tankless gas water heaters were installed. These models are up to 95 percent efficient, provide hot water on demand, take up less space, and last longer. Supporting Climate Goals
These upgrades help advance Fremont's Climate Action Plan—Climate Ready Fremont—which prioritizes building decarbonization and energy efficiency as key strategies to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. By pairing electrification with high-efficiency alternatives, the City is cutting emissions while saving on energy costs. | | | General Plan Updates/Amendments Available for Public Review | | | | A General Plan, as required by state law, is a city's "constitution" for growth and development and the policy foundation upon which all development and land use decisions are based. Fremont's General Plan 2030 was adopted by the Fremont City Council on December 12, 2011. Recent changes to state law require the City to update its General Plan as it relates to open space access, climate resiliency, and wildlife and habitat connectivity. The updates/amendments will serve as an addendum to the General Plan's existing Land Use and Open Space Element and Conservation Element. The draft amendments are now available for public review: Interested parties can review the amendments and email their comments to the City's Planning Division by email. The review period is open until October 27, 2025. Comments received during this period will be provided to the City's Planning Commission for consideration. | | | Advanced Upgrades at Fremont Recycling and Transfer Station | | | | The City is sharing exciting news from BLT Enterprises (BLT) regarding a $10 million investment for high-tech improvements at the Fremont Recycling and Transfer Station, located at 41149 Boyce Road. Operated by BLT, the facility services the municipal solid waste needs of Fremont, Newark, and Union City, while also providing the public with disposal services for waste, recycling, and household hazardous waste. Supported by a 10-year contract extension with the City of Fremont, the improvements will transform the facility's capabilities and prioritize sustainability. Improvements include the installation of state-of-the-art robotics and advanced sorting technology utilizing AI-enabled optical sorters that will significantly improve the efficiency of the facility's recycling efforts. The new optical sorters use sensors and AI to identify and sort recyclable materials. With the ability to quickly scan and separate, these new machines help optimize the recycling process, minimizing employees' exposure to waste and helping to reduce injuries and improve overall safety at the facility. The combination of robotic and optical sorting will drive improvements to cost, recycling rates, and the quality of recycled materials. Other improvements include creating modernized employee gathering spaces, upgrading restrooms, and upgrading the facility's solar energy system. "The upgrades to the Fremont Recycling and Transfer Station mark a meaningful advancement in the City's commitment to innovation and sustainability," stated Fremont City Manager Karena Shackelford. "These enhancements will significantly boost recycling recovery, decrease landfill waste, and propel us further towards achieving our climate action objectives. The City is proud to support BLT's future-focused approach, which will directly benefit Fremont residents and businesses for years to come." | | | Fremont's Coastal Cleanup Day: A Community Success | | | | This year's Coastal Cleanup Day in Fremont was a remarkable display of community spirit and environmental commitment! On Saturday, September 20, a total of 201 enthusiastic volunteers mobilized across seven designated sites. They covered 275 acres and made a significant impact on our local waterways. Their collective effort resulted in the removal of an impressive 2,138 pounds of debris, including 1,620 pounds of trash, 318 pounds of recyclables, and 200 pounds of compostable material like paper towels. Among the usual debris, some interesting finds included several toys, a bag of IDs, credit cards, and checks (turned over to the Fremont Police Department). The cleanup also highlighted a serious issue at one site: a significant amount of pet waste. As a reminder, pet waste must be disposed of in the trash to prevent pathogens and parasites from washing into our waterways. The wide range of debris collected underscores the variety of waste that accumulates in our environment and emphasizes the importance of keeping our public spaces clean. A big thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers! We were especially inspired by those who amplified their impact by bringing their own reusable water bottles, gloves, and buckets. We encourage everyone to continue reducing waste in their daily lives. By working together, we can protect our natural resources and keep Fremont a beautiful place for generations to come. | | | Discounts for a More Resilient Home | | | | With winter storms around the corner, now is the time to make your home more resilient! Bay Area SunShares makes it easy and affordable to get started. The City is partnering with SunShares to offer residents discounts on solar + battery storage systems from pre-vetted installers. Solar + storage means reliable electricity, even when the power goes out. Don't miss out on this opportunity. Discounts end November 15. | | | Lower Electricity Bills for Fall | | | | Ava Community Energy (Ava)—Fremont's electricity provider—has some good news. Fall is bringing lower energy bills! In September, electricity rates decreased by 2.1% for all Ava and PG&E customers, and higher summer rates ended. Plus, all residential customers and qualifying small businesses will see a $58.23 "California Climate Credit" on their October energy bills. This credit comes from California's Cap-and-Invest program, which helps to reduce carbon pollution and improve public health. Lower bills and cooler weather—a perfect combo! | | | Fremont Homeowner Finds Comfort with EASE Program | | | | Last month, we introduced the Efficiency and Sustainable Energy (EASE) Home Program, which helps income-eligible Alameda County residents make essential home upgrades. This program, hosted by the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN), offers comprehensive technical support and affordable fixed pricing for a variety of home upgrades designed to improve comfort, health, and safety while also reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills. This month, we're happy to share an example of its impact. Read the story of Fremont homeowner Beverly who used the EASE Home Program to make her home healthier and more comfortable. Check out her story to get inspired and learn how you might qualify to benefit too! | | | Consider an electric bike for your commute! Through the Ava Bike Electric Program, Fremont's electricity provider, Ava Community Energy (Ava), is offering their residential customers and/or Alameda County residents the opportunity to enter a random drawing for a chance to save $400 to $1,500 on a new e-bike. Once you apply and are deemed eligible, you'll be entered into monthly random drawings for a chance to receive an instant rebate. Drawings will be held every month until September 2026. Three Fremont bike shops are participating in the program and accepting the rebates: CentriPEDAL Bikes, Niles Bicycles, and The Bicycle Garage. This makes it easy to shop and support local businesses! | | | Ride ACE Train to Levi's® Stadium | | | | Calling all 49ers fans in Fremont! Did you know you can catch an ACE train at the Centerville Train Station that will take you to and from home games at Levi's® Stadium? Thanks to ACE, you can beat the traffic and get there safely to cheer for your team. By taking the train, you are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to create a climate ready Fremont! | | | Community Classes & Events | | | | Rain Barrels and Rain Gardens
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom Webinar
Learn More & Register
Learn about features and systems you can add to your landscape for capturing and storing rainwater for use in your garden and landscape. Information on ACWD's Rain Barrel rebate will be provided. Hosted by Alameda County Water District (ACWD). | | | | Tree Planting Events
Date: November and December
Location: Local Schools and Parks
Learn More & Register Volunteer and focus on tree planting, tree care, community outreach, and education. Hosted by Urban Forest Friends. | | | | | |
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