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Guiding Principles
Adopted by the Redwood City Planning Commission - 2006
Redwood City began as a shipping and commerce center taking advantage of its surrounding resources including lumber, agriculture and waterway access. Today Redwood City prides itself on being the County Seat, having an historic downtown, a great climate and beautiful views of the wooded hillsides, a thriving port and a bayfront with open spaces, and a diverse economy and population reflective of its colorful past.
Over the next 15 years, Redwood City will continue to face pressure to change. The following guiding principles will determine how we will respond to those pressures, and lay out the roadmap necessary to achieve the vision of Redwood City in 2020. These principles are the guiding light and the foundation for all the following elements described of the General Plan. These principles are as follows:
- Plan for sustainability within our finite resources including but not limited to open space, water, energy, and air quality
Redwood City recognizes its long-term obligations to future residents by protecting its environment and waterways. The City has embraced sustainable “green” principles and promotes and encourages developments that conserve natural resources.
- Ensure that change harmonizes with existing development to preserve our historic and neighborhood character
Redwood City will not become stagnant, but will change over time to meet the trends and demand of its populace. At the same time it is important that these changes will recognize and preserve the historical context and character of our city.
- Strengthen economic vitality to provide jobs, services, revenues and opportunities
A healthy economy creates for a healthy community. The City will create a healthy and diverse economy which will retain and attract new industries, support the tax base, and sustain the ability to provide important services for existing and future residents.
- Preserve and generate awareness of our cultural, educational, economic, and recreational diversity and historic heritage
Redwood City will continue to foster an inclusive, multi-generational, economically, and ethnically diversity city. It values diversity and will maintain it through public/private partnerships, programs and policies.
- Partner with and embrace our neighborhoods to improve the health, safety, and well being for all in our community
Neighborhoods are an important fabric of the City and can help define social, cultural, and physical identities. The City will work with neighborhood residents to create a safe and healthy “neighborhood village” consisting of mixed uses, strong transportation links, centered around a focal activity area.
- Continue to make community participation an important part of achieving a greater city
Community building and public participation is the cornerstone of a thriving city. The City is working together through its neighborhood boards, PACT (Partnership Academy for Community Teamwork) and Community Builders Program to work on neighborhood issues and improve their well being.
- Work to develop attractive, convenient transportation alternatives to the automobile, including a unique transportation hub and ferry system
The public should have choices of transportation systems available in Redwood City, and not have to just depend on the automobile. This is especially important for the youth and elderly of the City.
- Design for active pedestrian and bicycle-friendly streets and public spaces
In the future, pedestrian and bicycle connectivity will be just as important as levels of service for autos. For this reason, new developments and public spaces will be designed with pedestrians and the public in mind.
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