Mayor Gary Singh stood behind a Union City podium and spoke to the city’s residents on Friday, Oct. 16, as he gave his State of the City address. This is Singh’s second time giving the address.
Singh had a lot to be proud of when it comes to Union City, and while listing each accomplishment he gave a shoutout to the people who made it happen—from the city staff and city council members, to the police and fire departments. The topics in his address ranged over crime, homelessness, the roads and housing.
He talked about the investment of the Union City Police Department through the hiring of more police officers. Singh said according to police, 2025 year-end data showed that crimes against a person and their property decreased by 30%, and from 2024 to 2025, crime in Union Landing shopping center dropped by 50%.
He also said Alameda County Fire Services responded to more than 6,000 calls and rescued 4,000 in medical emergency calls.
Kyle Weddington
Stephanie Uchida
The city’s homeless population had decreased. This year’s Point-In-Time (PIT) count reported 141 people are experiencing homelessness—a 26% decrease from the last PIT count.
Singh praised people working in the CAREavan Program. “For the past 10 years, Union City has also operated the CAREavan safe overnight parking program. What began as a small initiative has grown into a cornerstone of our homelessness response,” said Singh.
He continued, “Providing not only safe overnight parking, but also access to resources and case management. To date, CAREavan has served 491 vehicles, 655 adults, 256 children and 98 pets. For some, CAREavan provided a safe place to rest; for others, it has become a doorway to care, services and long-term stability, via housing and jobs.”
Union City Transit also got an update. Construction for a Union City BART East entrance is underway. “Union City Transit has invested in modernizing its fleet with the eight new electric buses, some of which you will see operating in the next few weeks,” said Singh. “Union City Transit has proudly served our community for more than 50 years, achieving an 82% ridership rating, the highest among Alameda County transit agencies, while operating with one of the smallest budgets.”
Out of all the accomplishments, Singh seems to be most proud of the one he and the council members worked on together, which is the budget. “The general fund for fiscal year 2025 to 2026, total approximately is $85 million in annual revenue, and we have continued adopting the balance, budget each year,” he said. “I will thank the staff, and our council members working with me to achieve his goal.”
The mayor concluded, “This is a huge goal that we achieved in the last two years. Give a round of applause for the city council.”
