Community Volunteer
Richa Awasthi has lived in Foster City for over two decades and has always been very active in the community. “I would volunteer a lot in my kids’ school. Wherever I see an opportunity, I’m inherently wired to raise my hand and help,” she says. This spirit of community service led her to campaign for a position as a Foster City Council member in 2018 and eventually become the mayor of Foster City in 2021.
Awasthi’s community involvement began with her role on the yearbook committee at her children’s school. Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed. As chair of the Innovation Technology Advisory Committee, she demonstrated leadership and commitment, prompting family and neighbors to encourage her to run for the City Council when a seat became available. Reflecting on her journey, Awasthi shares, “Volunteering was a natural progression for me. I always felt a strong desire to give back to the community.”
Environmental Sustainability
Awasthi is well aware of the issues facing her city and community and is committed to using her position on the City Council to make significant changes. “I believe in taking action rather than just talking about problems,” she says. This philosophy has driven her both in her professional life and in her public service.
Her commitment to environmental sustainability is evident through her support for various projects, including the Levee Project. In 2022, she received the endorsement of the Sierra Club, reflecting her dedication to combating climate change. She supports policies promoting electric vehicle usage and environmentally friendly construction methods. Foster City’s sustainability goals and efforts to cut carbon emissions align with her vision for a sustainable future. “Environmental sustainability is essential for our community’s long-term well-being,” she emphasizes.
The Levee Project
Awasthi’s most notable accomplishment is the Levee Project, a $90 million initiative to address climate change and rising sea levels. Although the project was approved before she joined the council, she played a crucial role in its execution. “The project remained on track and under budget thanks to diligent work, which is unusual for public sector endeavors,” she says with pride. The project’s success is a testament to her careful oversight and dedication.
As mayor in 2021, Awasthi spearheaded efforts to create public-private partnerships with notable employers in Foster City, such as Gilead. “When I was mayor, I did extensive outreach to create a framework of public-private partnerships where employers in Foster City get ingrained within the community and give back to the community as well,” she explains.
Investment in Infrastructure
Awasthi also advocates for the city’s aging infrastructure, pushing for necessary repairs and maintenance to avoid disasters. Her collaboration with the board of education has ensured that Foster City schools maintain their excellent reputation. “Building strong partnerships and focusing on infrastructure is crucial for the city’s future,” she asserts.
Awasthi’s corporate background has been instrumental in her success on the City Council. During her 24-year career, which culminated in her being named Senior Vice President at U.S. Bank, she developed a range of skills, including innovation, management, communication, and analytical abilities. “My corporate experience helped me understand the importance of critical thinking and effective management, which are crucial in public service,” she points out.
If re-elected, Awasthi will prioritize fixing Foster City’s underlying infrastructure problems. With spending outpacing earnings, the city risks running out of funds. Awasthi’s financial services experience will be invaluable in managing the budget and finding new revenue sources. One idea she proposed is to activate the city’s artificial lagoon for revenue generation. “Foster City has a lagoon-like an artificial lagoon, and there are opportunities to activate the waterway, not solely for revenue generation, but having revenue generation as one of the components,” she suggests.
Public Safety
She also prioritizes public safety, supporting law enforcement and fire departments to ensure community safety. Awasthi believes diversity and community involvement are key to long-term sustainability. She has worked to make Foster City a welcoming place for individuals of all income levels by pushing for inclusive policies. Awasthi has promoted togetherness and acceptance through various cultural events and programs. She has made significant strides by advocating for and understanding the unique concerns of different community groups.
“The Indian community is known to do good in technology and in medicine, but we don’t get involved in politics. Breaking the stereotype, just having the right representation is extremely valuable,” she says.
Indian American Involvement
Awasthi’s journey to the City Council has also involved fostering political activity among the Indian-American community. “It’s important for our community to be represented in politics and to show that we can excel in public service,” she asserts. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the impact one can have through volunteerism and public service, inspiring others to get involved and make a positive impact in their communities.
Awasthi champions everyone getting involved in local community politics. “It’s very important for the community overall to get engaged and involved in the democratic process. Who you send to be in a given seat because it does make a difference in the outcome,” Awasthi emphasizes.
