Redwood City Council gives state of the city address

Aside from the mayor, councilmembers presented six assets the city wanted to celebrate, including housing, transportation, community well-being, economic opportunities, public safety and sustainable innovation. 

The vision of the city is to ensure everyone has access to support and feel a true sense of belonging, Martínez Saballos said. While saying the city is welcoming to all is one thing, enacting policy and programs that cultivate trust between neighbors and constituents is what matters, he said. 

The city’s progress on housing development was praised at the meeting, noting almost 1,000 affordable units were approved, under construction or recently completed in the past year. Projects in the works such as Broadway Plaza will add more units to the city’s affordable housing inventory as well. 

“We are taking real steps to ensure residents of all income levels have access to stable and high-quality housing,” Councilmember Chris Sturken said. 

Addressing the need for housing isn’t just about development and building, though, Sturken said, it’s about the people and establishing a sense of belonging among residents. 

“We know that stability goes beyond just having a roof over your head,” Sturken said. “That’s why we’ve expanded the home repair program and tenant landlord counseling services.”

Efforts made toward community well-being have remained a priority, Councilmember Marcella Padilla said, such as the in-progress Veterans Memorial Building slated to be completed later this year. By investing in parks, mental health resources, libraries and intergenerational programs, the city works actively to be a place “where people of all ages can live, grow and thrive together,” she said. 

“Through strategic investments and partnerships, we are building a city that nurtures our youngest residents, supports working families, and ensures that older adults remain active and connected,” Padilla said. 

Councilmember Diane Howard spoke to the efforts made to build trust, safety and connection throughout the city, from neighborhood associations to work with law enforcement and first responders. Record numbers of participation in city commissions and committees also point to an engaged constituency that values its community, she said. 

One program the city has committed to is the Community Wellness Crisis Response Team, a program that assigns a mental health clinic to the Redwood City Police Department to ride along for calls for service involving behavioral health crises. The clinicians ensure a “care first” approach to crisis situations, Howard said. 

“Since its launch, this program has had a profound impact, offering timely mental health support, de-escalating crises, and strengthening trust between the city and the community,” Howard said. 

Equity is kept in mind in all work the city does, but particularly in transportation and innovation, councilmembers said. Focusing transportation improvements — both infrastructure and access — in priority neighborhoods is key, Councilmember Jeff Gee said, and providing portable hot spots to anyone in need is an example of how the city hopes to reach everyone, Vice Mayor Kaia Eakin said. Work is also being done to increase the city’s revenue without taxing residents or raising prices, Councilmember Isabella Chu said. 

“Redwood City is and always will be a welcoming community,” Martínez Saballos said. “We stand against the hate, discrimination and division that we see and we do not tolerate bullying and we will always ensure that our city is a palace of respect, dignity, and of inclusion.” 

As the oldest city in San Mateo County, Redwood City is “more than a palace on the map” the mayor said. 

“These are not just policy changes or infrastructure improvements, they are tangible steps that improve lives, strengthen our neighborhoods and ensure that Redwood City remains a palace where everyone can succeed,” Martínez Saballos said. 

The next City Council meeting will be 6 p.m. Monday, April 14.