Fremont is now an Asian majority city, says Anu Natarajan

There was a reception held to support Anu Natarajan for Fremont Mayor, hosted by Dr. Romesh Japra. Anu Natarajan is Vice Mayor of Fremont, and is a well known public figure in the Bay Area. Ritu Maheshwari of India Post talked to Anu about her political journey and her views on Fremont development. Here are excerpts from the conversation:
India Post: Tell us about your early years. When did you come to the US? How long have you been in Fremont?
Anu: I grew up in Bangalore and did graduation in architecture. I came to US and did Masters in Urban Design and Urban Planning from the University of Washington. I moved to Bay Area 15 years ago and have lived in Fremont for the past 14 years.
What motivated you to get involved in the community and politics?
When I first moved to Bay Area, there were very few jobs in urban planning area. I ended up volunteering and consulting for city of Fremont. I worked with many cities for their downtown planning. It was here that I got fascinated with politics. Then Mayor Gus Morrison appointed me to planning commission. There was an opportunity to get on city council and I eagerly took it.
Tell us about your journey to Vice Mayor position in city council
I have been in city council for the past seven years. This is my second term as Vice Mayor. When I was elected, I became the first Indian American to be city council anywhere in Bay Area.
Being a woman, did you find it easy or difficult in the political field?
I don’t differentiate myself as woman. I focus on the expertise, knowledge and collaborative leadership that I bring to the table.
Last few years have seen a big economic turmoil in the country. What have you seen in Fremont?
Fremont has faced the brunt of economic downturn. Fremont’s unemployment is in line with other cities in Bay area.

Closure of NUMMI resulted in loss of 4700 well paying jobs. We have been making sure that we use that land judiciously and keep future development in mind. We are focusing on clean and green tech businesses.
Fremont today is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities. What changes have you seen in Fremont over the years?
Fremont is the most diversified city in US. We have people from over 150 countries here. Fremont is also a majority-minority city now. It is a majority Asian city.
What is your vision for the city of Fremont?
I would like Fremont to be one community with several ethnicities and diversities. We need to maintain that make up of Fremont.
How can people get involved to support you in campaigning?
There are several ways community can be involved. High school and college students can be involved and bring new ideas. We are running a grassroots campaign, making phone calls, going door to door. We need to get the message out to several thousand voters. You can also go to website anu4fremont.com.