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Greater Downtown Area Plan 

The City of Redwood City is embarking upon an update to the long-range vision for the Downtown, Centennial (south of Whipple Avenue) and Stambaugh-Heller neighborhoods. The visioning process will culminate in a Greater Downtown Area Plan that will guide the area’s equitable evolution in terms of land use, urban design, connectivity, historic preservation, public spaces, infrastructure, and climate resilience/adaptation.
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About the Plan 

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The City seeks to build on Downtown Redwood City’s successes by: positioning itself to meet new challenges and realities emerging around how residents live, work, recreate, and travel; engaging the Redwood City community in the visioning process. In support of the City’s economic and social vitality as well as its goal to be an ever-more equitable and sustainable community, the planning effort for the Greater Downtown Area Plan is structured around a two-phase framework designed to engage the community and develop actionable strategies for inclusive urban development.

Project Timeline 

Project timeline
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The process for the Greater Downtown Area Plan is expected to culminate in 2027 with the final plan. This schedule highlights milestones for public engagement throughout the planning process.

Project Area

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Upcoming events

Redwood City Hall
Mon, January 12, 2026 06:00 PM
Join the project team for a study session with the City Council to learn about the the Plan's draft Vision Framework. Give your input and feedback to help us create a vision that reflects the Redwood City community's diverse needs and aspirations! Date: Monday, January 12, 2025 Time: 6:00 pm Location: Redwood City Hall

Focus Areas

Land Use 

Urban Design

Infrastructure & Climate Resilience

Infrastructure & Climate Resilience 

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Economic Vibrancy 

Transportation & Connectivity

Transportation & Connectivity 

Historic & Cultural Preservation

Historic & Cultural Preservation 

Inclusive engagement

Inclusive engagement 

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Public Spaces 

Redwood City’s Commitment to Equity 

Recognizing that certain groups have historically been underrepresented in urban planning processes, the engagement strategy will prioritize outreach to those who may face language, economic, or cultural barriers.

We know that traditional outreach methods don’t always reach everyone. Here’s how we’re ensuring our outreach reflects the diverse voices, needs, and priorities of our community: 

  • Collaborating with Community Leaders and Organizations:  We’re working hand-in-hand with local community leaders to engage underrepresented groups in meaningful ways.
  • Breaking Down Barriers:  From multilingual resources to culturally relevant events, we are designing engagement opportunities to meet people where they are.
  • Partnering with Promotoras:  The City has partnered with Nuestra Casa and their  team of promotoras, trained outreach workers who connect directly with Spanish-speaking residents.  

To learn more about the strategies and tactics we’re using to engage with Redwood City’s diverse communities, read the full Community Engagement Strategy.

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Be a Part of the Story

We hope you’ll join us in creating a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable Redwood City!

Project Team 

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City of Redwood City

The Redwood City Greater Downtown Area Plan is a collaborative effort led by Redwood City’s Community Development Department, with participation from the following departments:

  • City Manager’s Office
  • Engineering & Transportation Department
  • Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department
  • Public Works Department
WRT logo

WRT

Urban Planning, Design, Community Engagement 

Arup

Mobility, Parking, Infrastructure, Resilience 

CHS Consulting

Transportation

ELS Architects

Retail - Entertainment Design Standards 

Convey

Community Engagement 

MJB Consulting

Retail Specialist

Nuestra Casa

Community Engagement

EPS

Economics, Market Analysis,
Financing Strategy 

Page & Turnbull

Historic Preservation  

DJP&A 

CEQA/Environmental Review