Redwood City · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Redwood City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Downtown Parking Program and Meter Rate Increases
Downtown parking occupancy topped the 85% trigger, letting the city raise meter rates to $0.75/hr (periphery) and $1.50/hr (core). The council endorsed a 'moderate' program with more data, technology, and enforcement to close a $1.4 million annual deficit and push drivers into underused garages.
2026-2027 Landscape Maintenance District Assessments
Property owners in the Seaport Boulevard and Redwood Shores districts will see benefit assessments levied on this year's tax roll.
Fair Oaks Community Center grants
The council approved the Arts Commission's large-grant recommendations and the Human Services Financial Assistance Program awards for FY 2026-27, distributing community grant dollars to local organizations.
FY 2026-27 Budget adoption
The council adopted a $410 million budget with a $206 million general fund, funding street repaving, a neighborhood response team, and police crisis response expansion. Staff projects $22-29 million annual shortfalls starting 2027-28, so reserves are being built up.
SB 707 Brown Act modernization
The council adopted a technology disruption policy and discussed the new state law's requirements — Spanish-translated agendas starting July 1, Zoom access requirements, and limits on remote meetings. Members flagged the unfunded cost burden and pushed for quality translations.
Mid-year budget and FY 2026-27 outlook
The city's $410+ million budget balances by drawing down reserves amid declining sales tax and a $5.3 million loss of state vehicle license fee backfill. The city manager warned against repeating one-time fund use, and the ten-year forecast shows deficits ahead.
City workforce vacancies and recruitment (AB 2561)
The city has 57 vacancies out of 622 budgeted positions (9.2%), among the lowest of eleven surveyed agencies. HR completed 98 recruitments in 2025 and is pursuing new software and flexible hiring list rules.
CherryRoad ERP contract and procurement review
The city extended its Oracle ERP/HCM services with CherryRoad for three years at about $526,000 a year, but also directed staff to test the market with an RFP by September 30 to make sure it's getting fair pricing.
Juva Retail cannabis tax settlement
Behind closed doors, the council approved a settlement resolving Juva Retail's unpaid cannabis business taxes.
FY 2026-27 capital improvement budget preview
Residents got a look at the city's proposed capital spending plan for next year and the next five years — everything from roads to parks to library projects. Feedback was collected but no decisions were made.
City Council strategic priorities and values
The council spent a half day reconfirming the values and priorities that will guide future budget and policy decisions. Nothing was decided on the spot, but the themes will shape what the city invests in.
Vehicle License Fee shortfall
The city manager announced a county press conference on the Vehicle License Fee shortfall. State fee shortfalls can squeeze local road and transportation funding, so this is one to watch.
Vehicle License Fee revenue update
County leaders explained recent developments affecting VLF money that flows to cities — a revenue stream that helps fund local services.
2025 Community Satisfaction Survey results
Residents gave the city high marks for transparency, inclusivity, and downtown vibrancy, but only about 16 percent rate affordable housing positively and traffic flow scored poorly. The results will shape the upcoming budget.
2026 Legislative Platform
The city's annual advocacy playbook for Sacramento now emphasizes regional transit, Vision Zero, library privacy and funding, affordable housing (including Article 34 repeal), and rewarding cities that build housing.
Transient Occupancy Tax enforcement ordinance
The council adopted an ordinance giving the Finance Director subpoena power to enforce the hotel tax — no tax rate changes. A local hotelier asked for a delay to meet with hotels, and the council committed to regular hotel-operator meetings instead.