 Fall Forward: September Economic Development Updates & Opportunities!
Here’s the TL;DR of this month's issue:
Nearly 2,000 visitors and their furry friends came out on August 30 to Downtown Dog Days at the Downtown Event Center Plaza for an unforgettable evening of dog demonstrations, training sessions, crafts, live music, food trucks, and local vendors. We’re thrilled to announce that many dogs were adopted, finding loving new homes thanks to the efforts of Tri-City Animal Shelter and the community. Attendees also took advantage of a low-cost vaccination clinic, enjoyed free Ben & Jerry’s Dog Ice Cream for the first 100 lucky pups, and received various dog-themed giveaways.
ICYMI or want to double-down on the furry fun: we are hosting a SECOND Downtown Dog Days event on October 4, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Join us for more fun, furry friends, and community spirit
 
Each year, we partner with Fremont Unified School District, Mission Valley ROP, Ohlone College, CSU East Bay, and San Jose State to bring hundreds of students to tour facilities of industry-leading companies across biomedical, cleantech, autotech, electronics, and semiconductor sectors. Fremont's driving industries are hungry for talent, so what better way to excite our local generation of workforce than by showing them directly the exciting range of high-paying career pathways that exist in modern manufacturing. This year’s event takes place October 6-10, and will include host companies such as Tesla, Boehringer Ingelheim, Nextracker, Lam Research, Thermo Fisher, Bloom Energy, and many more. Stay tuned for updates!
A long-vacant property in Fremont has been transformed into a new source of affordable housing with the opening of Bell Street Gardens at 38889 Bell St. The site, formerly home to the Islander Motel, has been redeveloped into a 126-unit housing complex aimed at serving low-income individuals and families.
The $177 million project includes 79 renovated motel units and 49 newly constructed apartments, offering a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units for residents earning between 20% and 50% of the area median income. Two units are designated for on-site management. The complex also includes on-site services provided by Abode Services and East Bay Innovations.
San Francisco Bay University, located in Fremont, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Innovate Bay, the city’s newest business incubator and a major step forward in supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs. Innovate Bay is more than just a workspace; it’s a launchpad for innovation, built to spark ideas, fuel founders, and help early-stage startups grow. The space offers cutting-edge resources, expert mentorship, and a supportive community to empower students, local talent, and ambitious entrepreneurs alike. With a strong focus on collaboration and real-world impact, Innovate Bay is poised to become a hub where creativity thrives, and new ventures take flight. Whether you're building your first product or scaling your startup, Innovate Bay is here to help you take the next step. SFBU is proud to open its doors to innovators ready to make a difference in Fremont and beyond.
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The LEAF Urban Farm recently marked a significant milestone with the celebration of its expansion, hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community fundraiser on Wednesday, September 10th. The event brought together community members, local leaders, and supporters to highlight LEAF’s continued impact in the areas of sustainable agriculture, youth education, and community engagement.
Attendees enjoyed farm-inspired snacks prepared by local businesses, craft cocktails, mocktails, wine, and local beers. The evening also featured a live auction, raffle, and guided tours of the farm, offering guests a closer look at LEAF’s growing initiatives and hands-on programs.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony served as a formal recognition of the farm’s expansion and LEAF’s ongoing efforts to cultivate food, knowledge, and opportunity within the urban landscape.
Fremont’s food scene is expanding with a variety of exciting new restaurant openings! Now open and ready to impress, Umika Sushi on Fremont Boulevard serves high-quality sushi, sashimi, and traditional Japanese dishes in a relaxed setting. Angry Chickz, located on Paseo Padre Parkway, serves bold Nashville-style hot chicken and crave-worthy sides to spice up your meal. Also new to town is Bikanervala, offering authentic Indian cuisine from savory chaats to sweet desserts at its Mowry Avenue location. Ramen lovers can also look forward to Shugetsu, a Michelin Guide-listed restaurant now open in Downtown Fremont, known for its cozy atmosphere and rich, comforting bowls of ramen.
More flavor is on the way with several highly anticipated openings. Pour Decisions, a unique establishment combining craft coffee and local beer, and Palmetto Superfoods, known for its refreshing acai bowls, are both expected to open soon at the corner of Beacon Avenue and Liberty Street in Downtown Fremont. Wushiland Boba, known for its premium Taiwanese bubble tea, will also be opening soon on Mission Boulevard.
Fremont’s growing culinary scene is also gaining regional recognition, recently highlighted in the San Francisco Chronicle for its dynamic mix of local flavors and standout eateries
Pickleball City, Fremont’s first dedicated indoor pickleball venue, officially opened on August 9 at 39161 Farwell Drive. The 15,000-square-foot facility features six climate-controlled courts designed for drop-in play, offering players a comfortable, all-weather option for enjoying one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports.
The space was converted from a former gym into a modern, full-service pickleball center, complete with high ceilings, LED lighting, and amenities tailored for both casual and competitive players. The grand opening event welcomed the community with a lion dance, live DJ, and refreshments, marking the start of what is expected to be a central hub for pickleball in the Bay Area.
With growing demand for indoor courts across Silicon Valley, Pickleball City fills a unique gap in Fremont’s recreational offerings and aims to foster a strong, year-round pickleball community.
Don't miss out on Fremont Street Eats every Friday weekly through October 24 in Downtown Fremont at the Downtown Event Center (3500 Capitol Ave, Fremont, CA)!
Organized by the Fremont Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Food Truck Mafia, the event features a rotating lineup of food trucks offering diverse cuisines, live entertainment, a beer and wine garden, and much more.
Get ready for the last exciting nights of live music at Pacific Commons Shopping Center on Friday, September 26. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley along the I-880 corridor, this free summer concert brings high-energy entertainment and a vibrant community atmosphere.
The concert series continues on the fourth Friday of each month through September, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. at The Block Plaza, near Koja Kitchen. Enjoy performances by local and regional bands playing an upbeat mix of rock, pop, R&B, and classic soul — perfect for a summer night out!
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Haraz Coffee House
Haraz Coffee House, the fast-growing Yemeni coffee chain, is expanding to Fremont with a new location coming soon! Known for its authentic Yemeni coffee sourced directly from farmers and traditional brewing methods, Haraz offers a unique coffee experience blending Middle Eastern heritage with modern café culture. The Fremont café will bring rich flavors and warm hospitality to the community.
The new café will be located at 6036 Stevenson Blvd, with an opening expected in late 2025 or early 2026. This marks part of Haraz’s aggressive expansion across the Bay Area, including locations in Palo Alto, San Jose, Redwood City, and Pleasanton.
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x2o Studio
x2o Studio, a high-intensity, low-impact Pilates studio, is opening soon in Fremont! Known for its signature XFormer machine, x2o offers a full-body workout that blends strength training, cardio, and Pilates-inspired movements — all designed to be tough on muscles but gentle on joints.
The new studio will open at 37120 Fremont Blvd, Suite 4B, with an expected launch in October 2025. This location will feature small class sizes, expert instruction, and a welcoming space for all fitness levels. With existing studios in Los Gatos and Danville, x2o’s Fremont opening continues its expansion across the Bay Area.
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