Redwood City · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Redwood City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Countywide Transportation Plan Priority Projects
Redwood City's big-ticket wishlist — Caltrain grade separation, ferry terminal, El Camino Real safety improvements, Vision Zero corridors — now goes into the county's 25-year transportation plan, the gateway to regional funding. Broadway was added as a sixth priority after debate.
Central El Camino Real Complete Streets plan
SamTrans presented two finalist concepts for Redwood City's El Camino segment — a bus/BRT option and a bicycle option. Council members broadly supported them but insisted on deeper community outreach, especially with businesses and commuters.
Connect Bay Area Transit Initiative (November 2026 Ballot)
The council took a 4-1 support position on the half-cent regional sales tax that would send about $50 million a year back to San Mateo County for Caltrain, BART, Muni, and SamTrans. Supporters stressed transit's role for low-income riders; the opponent cited tax burden and oversight.
Caltrain financial crisis
Ridership is way up since electrification, but changed commute patterns have dropped fare recovery from over 70% to about 30%, leaving a $75 million annual deficit. Without new funding — including a November ballot measure — Caltrain is planning worst-case cuts like hourly service and station closures.