Redwood City Council Meeting – February 9, 2026

The Redwood City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM (Pacific). The meeting included a proclamation ceremony, public comment on a property dispute, approval of a $1.215 million encampment outreach contract with Life Moves, authorization of eminent domain proceedings for three properties needed for the U.S. 101/Woodside Road interchange improvement project, and a unanimous vote to advance the design of the Redwood Shores Sea Level Rise Protection Project at the FEMA+1 elevation. The council also appointed members to two subcommittees and heard reports from members.

Consent Calendar

• All consent items except 7D (Life Moves contract) were approved unanimously on a roll call vote. Council Member Howard noted she was recused from 7D due to her employment with Life Moves.
• Item 7D was pulled for discussion and later approved 5-1-1 (Mayor Martinez-Caballos recused; Council Member Padilla abstained). The motion included a directive for regular reports to the new Homelessness Subcommittee.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Stephen Burns (2455 Carson Street) stated that the city is demanding he surrender private property without compensation, alleging a violation of the California Constitution. He claimed the city blocked building permits for three years and demands removal of a wall on land outside a recorded easement. The city attorney’s office disagrees but has not cited case law. Staff will follow up.

Discussion Items

• Eminent Domain for SR 84/Woodside Road/US 101 Interchange: City consultant Leo Scott (Gray, Bowen & Scott) presented three resolutions of necessity to acquire property interests at 1050 Broadway (24 Hour Fitness, easements), 1201 Broadway (Denny’s, full fee), and 19 Seaport Boulevard (Harborview, roadway easement). The project aims to reduce congestion, improve safety, and add bike/pedestrian facilities. The council heard public comment from property owner representatives who argued that the city had not negotiated in good faith. City staff noted offers were made to all owners and that the easement placement had no feasible alternative. The council approved each resolution unanimously.
• Redwood Shores Sea Level Rise Protection Project: Engineering Director Tanisha Werner and Senior Engineer Paige Saber presented the project, which protects 7 miles of shoreline and $8.2 billion in assessed value. Two design alternatives were considered: FEMA+1 (add 1 foot above FEMA requirement) and FEMA+3.5 (add 3.5 feet). Key trade-offs: FEMA+1 costs ~$200 million, protects to 2100, and would require walls along 40% of the levee; FEMA+3.5 costs ~$250 million, protects to 2143, but would require walls on 60% of the levee and add more visual impact. Public feedback (over 480 survey responses, 130+ at community meetings) showed strong support for FEMA+1 and preserving natural character. The council voted unanimously to direct staff to design to the FEMA+1 elevation, with an emphasis on continued community engagement.
• Council Committee Appointments: Mayor Martinez-Caballos appointed:
  • Homelessness Subcommittee: Council Members Howard, Sturkin, and Chu.
  • Redwood Life Development Agreement Ad Hoc Committee: Council Members Gee, Padilla, and Chu.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the consent calendar (except 7D) unanimously.
• Approved the $1,215,000 contract with Life Moves for encampment outreach and case management (5-1-1, with one recusal and one abstention). The contract includes a directive for quarterly reports to the Homelessness Subcommittee and weekly business-day visits to encampments.
• Unanimously adopted three resolutions of necessity to authorize eminent domain for parcels at 1050 Broadway, 1201 Broadway, and 19 Seaport Boulevard for the 101/84 interchange project.
• Unanimously directed staff to proceed with the FEMA+1 design elevation for the Redwood Shores Sea Level Rise Protection Project.
• Appointed council members to the Homelessness Subcommittee and the Redwood Life Development Agreement Ad Hoc Committee.