City Council
The City Council consists of seven members and is the governing body elected directly by the residents of Redwood City. As the legislative branch of our local government, the Council makes final decisions on all major city matters and sets city-wide priorities and policies. The Council directs the City Manager to implement these priorities and policies.
The Council adopts ordinances and resolutions necessary for efficient governmental operations, approves the budget, and acts as a board of appeals. It appoints the City Manager, and City Attorney, as well as the members of the City's advisory boards, commissions, and committees.
The City Council moved to district elections and selected a district map for 2020 elections following an extensive community engagement process on May 6, 2019. This move to district elections means City Councilmembers are being elected by district in phases, with four by-district elections in 2020 and three by-district elections in 2022. As legally required and again with significant community engagement, on February 28, 2022, the City Council voted to adopt an ordinance establishing new City Council election district boundaries and identification numbers of each district using 2020 federal census data. As of 2024, all City Councilmembers have been elected by district. Find which district you reside in by using our interactive map here.
The City Council meets regularly on two Mondays of each month and may call additional special sessions, as well as both “standing” and “ad hoc” committee meetings.
Please see the City Council Agendas page to verify upcoming meetings, view archived meetings, and watch live-streamed meetings in progress.
Section 10 of the City Charter provides that "all powers granted to and vested in Redwood City by law or provisions of this Charter shall, except as herein otherwise provided be exercised by the Council, to be designated the 'Council of Redwood City.' The Council shall be the governing body of the City and, subject to the express limitations of this Charter, shall be vested with all the powers necessary or convenient for a complete and adequate system of municipal government, consistent with the constitution of the State, including all powers now or hereafter granted by general law to councils or boards of trustees of municipalities."
Helpful Quick Links
- Members
- Meetings, Agendas, and Minutes
- State of the City Address
- Redwood City Strategic Plan
- Tentative Items for Future Agendas
- Fiscal Year 2024-25 Visual Policy Calendar and SMARTIE Goals by Strategic Initiative
- Fiscal Year 2024-25 Revised Recommended Budget and Budget in Brief
- Equity Plan
- Redwood City Mayors 1867 to Present
- City Council Districts (Interactive Map)
In addition to Advisory Boards, Commissions, and Committees, there are a variety of other Committees, Regional Appointments and Ad Hoc Committees established to assist with Redwood City's government process.
Quick Links to Council Committees and Regional Appointments
Quick Links to City Council Policies
- Boards, Commissions and Committees Attendance Policy
- Citywide Governance by District Elected Council
- Constituent Relations With a District Elected Council
- Electronic Signature Policy
- Guide to City Council Communications & Business
- Legislative Advocacy
- Legislative Platform
- Selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor
- Resolution in Support of Collective Bargaining and Worker Wellness
- Rosenberg's Rules of Order
- Use and Expenditures of City Resources