Redwood City · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Redwood City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Reimagine Dumbarton busway and trail
SamTrans proposes turning the abandoned Dumbarton rail corridor into a five-mile dedicated busway plus a walking and biking trail linking Redwood City to East Palo Alto, with service potentially running by the early 2030s. Councilmembers were broadly supportive but insisted the route connect directly to downtown and preserve future rail options.
Redwood City ferry terminal project
A resident challenged the ferry terminal's environmental review, saying it projects $7 million in revenue against $13 million in annual operating costs — a $6 million yearly shortfall — before even counting the $80 million for the boats. He argued ridership would cannibalize Caltrain and produce more pollution than cars.
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.
Southgate Street Closure and Loraine Duncan Park
Neighbors submitted 109 petitions demanding the reopening of Southgate, arguing the closure was not legally justified, title issues complicate permanence, and the city spent over $60,000 on the effort amid a budget deficit.
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.
Centennial Neighborhood traffic calming
All-way stops at 14 intersections plus $3.27M in microsurfacing will slow cut-through traffic and repave streets, bike and pedestrian routes in the Centennial neighborhood.
SR 84 (Woodside Road) / US 101 Interchange Reimagined Project
The project is on track for construction in 2027 with a $350 million budget and a $105 million federal grant agreement pending execution. The council approved more design money but pressed the consultant on months-late cost reporting that led to a $2.8 million overrun.
On-call sidewalk and asphalt repair contract
Up to $800,000 over one year to Bay Area Paving Co. for as-needed repairs of cracked sidewalks and worn asphalt in city rights of way.
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.
US 101 Corridor Connect and mini-grants
The Transportation Authority presented its adopted 101 corridor priorities — Redwood City has the most projects of any city — and a $4 million mini-grant program with no local match, applications due July 15. Staff plans to apply for a Maple Street crossing study and a Bay Road project with the county.