Mobile vending in Redwood City

As part of a Council Study Session on mobile and sidewalk vending on Feb. 23, a majority of the City Council expressed interest in improving Redwood City’s mobile food culture.

Ideas shared during the study session included designated locations for mobile (i.e. food trucks) and sidewalk (i.e. food cart) vending that considers both residents’ concerns and business owners’ operations, and updating inclusive standards for vending downtown and in public spaces (i.e. hours of operation). Access to permitted and safe mobile and sidewalk vending is a matter of economic vitality and community safety.

Mobile and sidewalk vending adds to the vibrancy of our communities. Expanding permitted and safe mobile and sidewalk vending boosts economic activity by creating jobs, increasing household incomes, and increasing city revenues. Owning a business is expensive, but mobile and sidewalk vending offers residents the opportunity to earn a living at a lower cost and provide for themselves and their families.

Permitting late night vending is a matter of community safety. With Redwood City’s growing nightlife, residents may benefit from having more options to sober up by consuming mobile meals. Redwood City is actively working to achieve Vision Zero or zero deaths from collisions between motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians (including DUIs). Increasing late night food options could help keep residents and visitors safe.

Find out when the council will vote at redwoodcity.org/departments/city-clerk/city-council-meetings-agendas-and-minutes.

Chris Sturken

Redwood City

The letter writer represents downtown Redwood City on the City Council. Views his own.