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New: Mid-Year Update of Implementation Plan 2008
Welcome to Redevelopment
 Redevelopment
is a process created to assist cities in eliminating blight
from a struggling urban area and to encourage development,
reconstruction and rehabilitation of buildings and public
spaces in that area (called a redevelopment project area).
Redevelopment project areas can include residential, commercial,
industrial, and retail districts.
 Without
redevelopment, California’s cities would sprawl endlessly
into the countryside and existing urban areas would decline.
This pattern of growth drains our economy, represents a huge
waste of infrastructure, and leaves many of our fellow citizens
trapped in otherwise abandoned neighborhoods.
Redevelopment
enables communities to grow inward, not just outward. Redevelopment
enhances local businesses, renovates deteriorated housing,
and improves public facilities. It helps to reduce crime and
long commutes, promotes affordable housing, and preserves
the environment. This benefits everyone, even those who don’t
live in a redevelopment project area.
About the Redwood City Redevelopment Agency
The Redwood City Redevelopment Agency (RDA) was formed in
1982. The City Council of Redwood City serves as the legislative
body. Originally the Redevelopment Project Area included 346
acres, and it has now expanded to 946 acres. The Redevelopment
Project Area is divided into three sub areas: Downtown, Marina,
and Seaport.
Redevelopment is most often a partnership with the private
sector, where public funds are used to generate private investment
for the public good by creating an atmosphere where business
can thrive. The Redwood City RDA is committed to the creating
such an atmosphere. Redevelopment Projects such as Sequoia
Station, Civic Center Plaza, and the Franklin Street Apartments
have led to increased interest and activity in the Downtown
area. Upcoming developments such as the “On Broadway”
retail-cinema project should continue this trend.
 The
elimination of blight often requires an investment not only
in physical improvements, but in programs and activities that
promote and market an area in order to attract customers and
investors. The Redwood City RDA is also working on an exciting
annual program of special events to generate interest in the
Redevelopment Project Area. Such events include the annual
Fourth of July Parade, the “Live in Downtown”
summer concert series, and the Christmastime Gingerbread Village.
The 2003 Sea Otter Classic was a world class cycling event
that brought national attention to Redwood City’s Downtown,
and the RDA is currently planning to bring that event back
to the city. Together, redevelopment projects and events are
revitalizing the Project Area and making our Downtown a vibrant
urban center that is truly the heart of the community.
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