Now that we’ve heard from our Industry Cluster experts about predictions for Manufacturing, Cleantech, Life Sciences and the Maker Movement, the next obvious question is how to leverage this information to facilitate regional industry growth in 2015. Mayor Bill Harrison provided us with four major themes that will guide Fremont’s approach to strengthening our local Innovation Economy.

1. Upping our Innovation Game.

Last year was big for Fremont’s Innovation District. We launched its branding. We approved a community plan to establish the land uses and zoning that will lead to the mixed-use, transit-based employment hub that we envision. And, we started on infrastructure projects that will create the right environment to attract innovators. Now, we are in search for all things that will make this truly innovative — entrepreneurs, incubation space, artists, free thinkers, and most importantly, You!

For Fremont, 2015 is all about upping our innovation game and inviting everyone to play. It’s not often you have 800 acres of opportunity in the Bay Area, and we are determined to make the most of it.

2. It’s About Ecosystems.

Fremont is transforming itself from an auto-centric suburb to a strategically urban oasis. But, we can’t do it on our own. We want to engage with all sectors — from Education and Health Care, to Bankers and Bakers. The future of our city needs to engage and resonate not only with those who are here, but those who may want to build their future dreams in Fremont. Cities are most comfortable working in the bricks and mortar world, but we need to move beyond urban planning in order to breathe life into our new urban streetscape. We are ready and excited to take on that challenge.

 

Fremont is not an island. We are part of a wonderfully complicated web of innovation that rings the Bay, and we are stronger because of that network. San Jose and Oakland have new leadership with the elections of Sam Liccardo and Libby Schaff. Combined with Fremont and San Francisco, the Bay Area’s four largest cities have an unprecedented opportunity to lead by example in forging a new partnership to accelerate innovation growth, and to conquer issues such as housing and transportation that cross city boundaries. But most importantly, it’s time we let the world know that the Bay Area, fueled by Silicon Valley, is not only sustainable, but is competitive and willing to roll up its sleeves and work together to nurture business at all stages of the life cycle.

4. If They Come, We Will Build It.

Forget about building it first. In Fremont, we are turning this axiom on its head. While Fremont’s Downtown is officially under construction, we aren’t waiting for all phases to unfold before we begin making this our central gathering spot. From pop-up gallery space to food trucks, Downtown Fremont is “on the map.” We anticipate using this same approach in Warm Springs. When the Warm Springs BART station opens in December, much of the larger development projects will still be in the planning/pre-construction phase. But count on us to not wait to surprise and delight users of the transit hub with visual indicators of innovation, whimsy, and entrepreneurial activity.

And with that teaser, we invite you to follow our progress as the year unfolds. Here’s to the expert opinions (may they all come true!) and to our City’s unbridled enthusiasm in being a partner for success.