Redwood City affirms welcoming values: Special meeting to be held Thursday to affirm protections for residents, restriction of third parties using city-owned land

While many of the protections to be affirmed are in practice already, it’s essential every person in Redwood City — whether they’re a resident or visiting — understands where the city stands on issues, Mayor Elmer Martínez Saballos said. 

“We’ve seen how the national policy environment is playing out right now and we wanted to have a Redwood City answer to this,” Martínez Saballos said. 

The agenda item recommends adopting two resolutions. The first affirms “what we already know is true in Redwood City” and its designation as a welcoming and inclusive environment. 

“It’s a celebration of community and diversity,” Martínez Saballos said. 

In 2017, the city formally designated itself as a “Welcoming City” with a resolution that said the city “seeks to help people, families, and institutions thrive and to value the contributions of all members of the community including newcomers and immigrants.” 

In 2020, it further reaffirmed the city’s commitment to equity and civil rights with a resolution that stated “we will have the conviction that we are all equal, practicing equal treatment of others on a daily basis and having the courage to oppose bigotry when we see it.” 

The second resolution states the legal authority the city has to maintain and restrict city-owned facilities and properties, and clearly outlines a procedure that can take place to address a third party if they’re using city facilities wrongfully. 

Following accelerated immigration enforcement nationwide, cities and counties in the area have passed ordinances restricting Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from using public property.

In 2025, the county of San Mateo restricted immigration authorities from utilizing county-owned buildings and facilities, including the firearms range at Coyote Point Park without judicial warrant. This further the county’s prohibition of funds, staff time or resources to assist in “aiding immigration enforcement.” 

While the resolutions under consideration by the City Council on Thursday do not mention immigration enforcement concerns in writing, the underlying message is to assure residents about the city’s stance, Martínez Saballos said.  

About a third of people living in Redwood City are immigrants and born outside of the United States, according to a staff report. 

“This has always been a long-standing piece and identity of our community,” Martínez Saballos said. “We are diverse, we have people coming from all different backgrounds, but we’re one city.” 

The item comes ahead of a busy slate of activities and expected visitors to the area during the summer months, including the FIFA World Cup, according to a staff report. 

“We wanted a balance of being proactive, prepared and thoughtful, instead of being reactive,” Martínez Saballos said. 

While the influx of people and range of events planned that will require increased public safety measures was an impetus, the resolutions, at their core, are about quelling fears and letting residents know they can turn to their city in a time of need, Martínez Saballos said. 

“I don’t want folks questioning whether they can reach out to their own city for help and support,” he said. “This is about being proactive and being prepared. I hope they feel assured that their City Hall, their City Council is hearing them and working to make progress.” 

The Redwood City Council special meeting will be 6 p.m. Thursday, April 2.