News Room

Redwood City, California — Redwood City invites residents, workers, and local businesses to a two-part Downtown Speaker Series in support of its effort to refresh the long-term vision for the Greater Downtown Area. The events will engage participants in conversation with local, national, and international planning and design practitioners on topics that will shape the future of Downtown Redwood City—from the design of buildings and streets to the strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change. City staff will share information about the planning process and invite the community to help shape the future of Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods.

The emerging Greater Downtown Area Plan (GDAP) will guide how Redwood City’s Downtown, Centennial (south of Whipple Avenue), and Stambaugh-Heller neighborhoods grow and invest over the next 20 to 25 years. It will address topics including land use, transportation and connectivity, public spaces, historic and cultural preservation, economic vitality, infrastructure, and climate resilience.

GDAP builds on the success of the 2011 Downtown Precise Plan while responding to new opportunities and challenges. This includes reassessing development caps, preparing for climate risks such as sea level rise and flooding, adapting to post-pandemic economic shifts, and planning for upcoming Caltrain station changes. The GDAP process is expected to conclude in 2027 with final review by the Redwood City Council.

Upcoming Speaker Series Events

Speaker Panel 1: Designing Downtown: Strategies for Sustaining and Building on Redwood City’s Success

Wednesday, August 27, 6:00–7:30 p.m. (doors open 5:30pm)

Redwood City Woman’s Club, 149 Clinton Street

This discussion will focus on how public spaces, transportation, businesses, and climate resilience can work together to maintain and enhance Downtown’s vitality.

Registration link: www.eventbrite.com/e/designing-downtown-strategies-for-sustaining-and-building-on-rwcs-success-tickets-1559863215869

Speaker Panel 2: Downtown Resilience in a Changing Climate

Thursday, September 4, 6:00–7:30 p.m. (doors open 5:30pm)

Redwood City Sports Basement, “The Grove” Community Space, 202 Walnut Street

This conversation will include regional leaders and perspectives on preparing for sea level rise, flooding, and other climate challenges while supporting a thriving Downtown.

Registration link: www.eventbrite.com/e/downtown-resilience-in-a-changing-climate-tickets-1560024006799

Pre-Event Walking Tour: Redwood Creek

Thursday, September 4, 4:30–5:30 p.m.

Meet outside the entrance to Sports Basement, 202 Walnut Street

During the walking tour, the GDAP project team will share details on proposals to transform Redwood Creek into a community amenity that also enhances flood protection.

Registration link: www.eventbrite.com/e/redwood-creek-guided-tour-tickets-1560052913259

All events are free and open to the public. Spanish interpretation, refreshments, and children’s activities will be provided.

Community members are encouraged to attend one or both Speaker Series events and share their ideas and input. Event details and registration are available at www.rwcGreaterDowntown.com/events. The website also provides additional information about the GDAP process, resources, and opportunities for ongoing engagement.

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About the City of Redwood City: The City of Redwood City is a San Francisco Bay Area community located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the technology-rich region extending from the San Francisco Peninsula to the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Redwood City is the third largest city within the County of San Mateo, with 85,992 residents. The city enjoys an average of 255 sunny days a year, which it boasts via the city slogan: "Climate Best by Government Test.” Incorporated in 1867, Redwood City is home to the San Mateo County History Museum (located in the county's old courthouse) and the only active deep-water port within the south bay of San Francisco. The city's vibrant downtown, quickly becoming known as the entertainment hub of the San Francisco Peninsula, offers residents, visitors, and businesses a unique retail, entertainment, and restaurant experience.