Getting it right in Redwood City

In October 2025 the council demonstrated both conviction and courage when it adopted a right-to-return ordinance that gives tenants evicted from their homes for a substantial remodel the right to return at the original rent plus any adjustments allowable under state law. To support the council’s deliberations, staff hired Economic & Planning Systems, a consultant to evaluate the effects of such a policy and whether landlords would be unduly harmed by it.

At a recent council meeting in San Mateo, one public commenter observed that the San Mateo City Council had rejected a right-to-return policy and questioned why the city had not engaged in a similar analysis. I have no doubt the absence of such an analysis undermined the ability of councilmembers to make an informed decision about this potentially impactful policy and left them vulnerable to the self-serving talking points of the real estate industry. Councilmembers were left with no basis on which to create public policy. 

I appreciate that Redwood City got it right!

Diana Reddy

Redwood City

The letter writer is the former Redwood City vice mayor.