2020 U.S. Census Data To Assist In City Of Fremont's Redistricting Process

Press release from City of Fremont:

October 28, 2021

The U.S. Census Bureau released new 2020 Census data that reaffirms the City of Fremont’s position as a diverse city with a growing population. The Census collected data on several demographics, including total population, voter registration and turnout, languages spoken, household income, level of education, and more. The results, along with statutes of federal and state laws and community input, will be used to assist the City in planning, drawing, and defining new district borders, establishing how the City will elect Councilmembers in the next decade.

The City of Fremont’s population increased by almost 8% from 2010 to 2020, now at a total of 230,646 residents. Among the findings, the Census revealed that the Asian American population grew 13%, while the Black and Hispanic/Latino populations remained steady. Additionally, the Census found that 62% of Fremont’s population spoke a non-English language at home.

The Census also revealed that over half of the City’s population registered to vote, with 63,511 residents voting in 2018 and 95,591 residents voting in 2020 (an increase of over 50%). Over 57% of Fremont residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and 47% of the population have a household income of $75,000-200,0000, while 28% reported $200,000 or higher. To access all 2020 U.S. census data for the City of Fremont, please visit our Census 2020 webpage.

Stemming from the Census data, the City of Fremont will redraw district lines to reflect how the local population has changed in a collaborative process called redistricting that ensures that each City Councilmember represents a proportional number of constituents. This process occurs every 10 years at the completion of the Census, and requires public hearings, outreach, and community involvement, taking care to reach underrepresented and non-English-speaking communities.

“Fremont strives to be an inclusive environment where all residents can achieve a high quality of life,” said City Manager Karena Shackelford. “The Fremont community can be assured that this commitment extends to individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. With this new Census data now available, it is vital that members of the community participate so that the voting district boundaries reflect the needs and desires of our population.”

The City of Fremont is encouraging residents to be engaged in this process by submitting draft maps or public comment regarding their communities. To submit a draft map, residents may use an online public participation mapping tool, District R, which allows users to easily paint their neighborhood or community of interest as well as the six Council Districts. For those who do not have access to the internet, paper maps are currently available for pick up at City Hall, Fremont Main Library, and will soon be available at additional locations in each district. On November 3, the City will host a virtual community workshop to give an overview of the redistricting process, demonstrate how to utilize the District R tool and paper maps to submit proposed draft maps for public record, and other ways to remain engaged in the process.

On December 7, the draft maps will be reviewed at the second Redistricting Public Hearing, which will focus on revising the draft maps, discussing election sequencing, and identifying focus maps. The deadline to submit maps for consideration at the December 7 hearing is November 22. Residents will have the opportunity to submit maps after November 22, which will be reviewed at either the third or fourth public hearings.

The City of Fremont is also conducting a short survey around the 2021 redistricting process, which will assist in ensuring the redrawn map reflects an equal and equitable representation of all Fremont residents. The survey will focus on obtaining feedback regarding current district boundaries as well as information about the participant’s community of interest. Residents are encouraged to complete the short survey.

The finalized maps will be adopted by the Fremont City Council in April 2022 and will define the six City of Fremont district borders as well as develop election districts that are respectful of neighborhoods, history, and geographical elements. The newly adopted district map will be implemented in the November 2022 election. Residents who would like to learn more about the Redistricting Fremont process and find information on drawing and submitting maps can visit our Redistricting website or send an email.

This press release was produced by City of Fremont. The views expressed here are the author’s own.