Desis On The Ballot: Richa Awasthi, Council Member, Foster City

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Who is Richa Awasthi?

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, she writes, “Volunteering was a natural progression for me. I always felt a strong desire to give back to the community.”

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Awasthi shared her thoughts on why is running for office in an email interview with India Currents.

Why she is running for office

I am running for Foster City Council to address our city’s pressing financial challenges and ensure its long-term sustainability. With over 20 years of dedicated service as a resident, volunteer, and former council member and mayor, I bring a proven track record of enhancing the quality of life in Foster City. My experience includes managing the largest infrastructure project in the city’s history, supporting small businesses, and implementing key safety and environmental measures. In addition to my extensive background in banking and finance, I bring business executive experience and an action-oriented approach to problem-solving. As we face budget deficits and financial uncertainties, I will use my skills to find effective solutions for economic development and revenue generation. My priorities include preserving the city’s quality of life, promoting inclusive representation, and fostering a collaborative approach to decision-making. I am committed to working with the community and fellow council members to create a sustainable future for Foster City.

Her primary role as a Council Member

As a Council Member, I see my primary role as ensuring fiscal responsibility, maintaining Foster City’s financial stability, and improving the quality of life for our residents. This includes closely monitoring expenses, identifying new revenue opportunities, and advocating for policies that support businesses and drive economic growth. I am committed to preserving public safety, addressing infrastructure needs, managing traffic, and engaging the community in important housing and development decisions. Proactive leadership, community involvement, and transparent governance are key to how I represent the best interests of Foster City’s residents.

Her one-minute pitch to voters

I’ve been part of Foster City for over 22 years, raising my family here and dedicating my time to serving and improving our city. We are at a crucial moment, and the decisions we make now will shape the course of Foster City for years to come. Merit, Experience, and Credentials are more important than ever to get our city and our finances back on track. With my experience on the council, my professional background in finance, and my deep love for this community, I am confident that we can address the challenges ahead. Together, we can balance our budget, ensure our infrastructure is well-maintained, and create new opportunities for economic growth while preserving the quality of life that makes Foster City so special. During my time on the city council and as mayor, I worked on significant projects like the Levee Improvements Project, which we completed on time and under budget. That experience will be valuable in navigating our recently approved recreation center rebuild to success.

Over the past few months, while knocking on doors, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many of you in person and hear firsthand your hopes and concerns for Foster City. My biggest takeaway is that the key to our future lies in balance—evolving without disruption and modernizing with the times in a way that preserves our uniqueness. It’s challenging, but it’s possible.

I’m committed to working with you and for you, to bring about solutions that reflect our shared values and long-term sustainability. I humbly ask for your VOTE as we work toward a brighter, stronger future for Foster City.

Her first order of business on Day 1 will be to:

• Create a Business Plan to address each area of the City’s liabilities and Infrastructure. CIP restructure, reprioritization if needed.
• Revisit profit centers, and develop a long-term plan to fund redevelopment, rehab, and replacement of Infrastructure.

The major challenges that Foster City faces

• Fiscal Responsibility: Foster City must ensure financial sustainability while maintaining high-quality city services. Increasing costs have outpaced revenues, making it crucial to explore new revenue sources.
• Infrastructure Maintenance: Deferred infrastructure projects only become more expensive over time. We need proactive maintenance of our aging infrastructure—roads, water quality systems, and public spaces—to ensure a high quality of life for residents. Prioritizing funding for essential repairs and exploring state and federal grants will help maintain our city’s facilities and services.
• Economic Development: It’s essential to create a business-friendly environment in Foster City. While our location and broader retail challenges have made this difficult, we must actively support economic development and attract businesses. By simplifying processes and creating a more supportive atmosphere for businesses, we can stimulate growth and revitalize the local economy.

What sets her apart from other candidates

What distinguishes me from other candidates is a unique blend of experience, skills, and a commitment to fostering long-term sustainability while bringing the community along in the process. As the only candidate with a background as a business executive in finance and banking, I am well-equipped to address the fiscal deficit effectively. During my tenure on the council, I achieved budget surpluses and have a proven track record of financial stewardship. I also led the Levee improvements project, the largest infrastructure initiative in Foster City’s history, which was completed on time and under budget. This experience gives me the expertise to oversee the successful completion of the recreation center project, should it proceed. My vision for long-term sustainability is rooted in inclusivity—educating and involving the entire community while caring deeply for working families and delivering tangible results. I have successfully led public-private partnerships, created frameworks that benefit our city, and am known for my analytical approach and ability to clearly articulate positions that resonate with our residents. This holistic approach sets me apart in this race.