From Logistics to Legacy: Mayor Acquanetta Warren on Building a City That Works for Everyone

In the Inland Empire, Mayor Acquanetta Warren is proof that logistics and leadership go hand in hand. On her appearance on The Good Government Show with Dave Martin, the long-serving mayor of Fontana, California made the case that smart infrastructure—and a relentless commitment to service—is what powers a truly thriving city. “We’re not just moving goods,” she said. “We’re moving families forward.”

Warren has served as Fontana’s mayor since 2010, during which time the city has become a logistics powerhouse. With its strategic location near major highways and rail lines, Fontana now plays a central role in the global supply chain. But Warren is quick to point out that warehouses don’t vote—people do. “Our job is to make sure that the benefits of growth—jobs, infrastructure, tax revenue—are shared by the people who live here.”

Under her leadership, Fontana has focused on improving public safety, education partnerships, and affordable housing, even as it manages the pressures of explosive growth. “We’ve brought in big industry,” Warren said, “but we’ve also brought in better schools, more parks, and safer streets. We never forgot who we’re here to serve.”

Warren also reflected on the challenges of governing in polarized times—and how she stays above the fray. “I’m not interested in fighting on Twitter,” she told host Dave Martin. “I’m interested in getting sidewalks fixed, making sure kids get to school safely, and bringing more opportunities to our neighborhoods. That’s what good government looks like.”

As one of the most prominent Black women in municipal government, Warren has also emerged as a national voice on representation, workforce development, and intergovernmental cooperation. “We can’t do this alone,” she said. “Cities, counties, states—we all need to be rowing in the same direction. That’s how we solve the big stuff: homelessness, healthcare, and jobs that actually pay.”

With Fontana CA continuing to grow, Warren says her job is far from done. “I’m not just trying to manage growth,” she said. “I’m trying to shape a legacy—a city where every resident feels seen, heard, and served.”