At the most recent City Council meeting, Public Works Director Michael Webb gave an update on the state of Redding’s roads. He explained that while the overall road network is rated in “fair” condition, many streets are well past their useful life — and once a road fully fails, the cost to rebuild is several times higher than keeping up with maintenance along the way. Preventative treatments like seal coats and overlays stretch limited dollars farther, but with current funding, the City can o...
In this City Council Recap, Steve and Katie break down the September 16, 2025 Redding City Council meeting. The evening began with a heartfelt farewell to City Manager Barry Tippin, honoring his 21 years of service. The agenda also featured updates from Visit Redding on tourism marketing, Christian Church Homes on affordable senior housing, and Superior California Economic Development on regional business growth. The Finance Director presented the City’s year-end budget report, and the Direct...
In this episode of the Redding City Council, Steve breaks down the key highlights from the September 2, 2025, meeting. Topics include: The Council’s decision to appoint an interim city manager as Barry Tippin prepares for retirementCommunity concerns over Motorsports ParkApproval of new infrastructure and trail projectsAdoption of a tobacco retail license feeFinancial assistance for Advance Redding to support the Civic AuditoriumStay informed on the decisions shaping Redding. For full agenda ...
A recent USA Today article raised concerns about PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in drinking water across the country—and even suggested that Redding’s water was “well over the limit.” However, that information is outdated and no longer reflects our current water supply. In this episode, Katie and Steve sit down with Josh Watkins, Water Utility Manager with the City of Redding, to set the record straight. Josh will explain what PFAS are, where Redding’s drinking water really comes from, w...
Redding Regional Airport applied for funding two years ago and just received more than $24 million in federal funding to completely rehabilitate its main runway—a critical project for both travelers and the community. In this episode, Katie and Steve sit down with Airport Manager Andrew Solsvig to discuss why now is the ideal time for this investment, what upgrades are planned, and how the project will ensure the airport remains safe, reliable, and prepared for everything from commercia...
In this episode Katie and Steve break down everything you missed from the August 19, 2025 City Council meeting. From a unanimous vote to rescind the First Responder Fee (and refund residents who were billed) — to the first steps toward creating Entertainment Zones, and a plan to keep the Civic Auditorium open with some assistance — there was no shortage of action. Plus, hear updates on flood emergency declarations, infrastructure repairs, local recycling contracts, and a parks system progress...
Today we’re talking about something that quietly powers a lot of what the city does—GIS, or Geographic Information Systems. From Wildfire mapping to City Zoning and property maps, the City of Redding GIS team helps city departments visualize and plan for the future. We’re joined by Steve Kincaid, the Manager of the GIS Mapping Division here at the City of Redding. He’ll explain what GIS is, why it matters, and how it helps the city plan smarter, respond faster, and serve residents bette...
As emergency call volumes rise and city resources are stretched, the City of Redding is taking proactive steps to ensure its fire and emergency medical services remain fast, effective, and sustainable. In this episode, Katie and Steve sit down with Redding Fire Chief Jerrod Vanlandingham to talk about the recently implemented first responder fee, a strategic move designed to recoup costs from non-emergency medical calls—starting with lift assists. The goal? Preserve frontline services and kee...
In this episode, Katie and Steve sit down with Nancy Hill, Director of the Shasta County Arts Council, to talk about how the arts show up in everyday life across Redding and Shasta County. Even if you don’t consider yourself an “art person,” there’s something here for you: murals, music, downtown events, youth programs, and ways the Arts Council supports local artists and businesses. You’ll hear how the arts bring people together, create opportunities for connection, and make Redding a more v...
In this episode, Katie and Steve break down highlights from the July 15, 2025, Redding City Council meeting. Topics include: New Tobacco Retail Licensing Ordinance: What’s changing for local tobacco retailers, why it matters, and how it’ll be enforced.Energy Storage Project: How Redding Electric Utility is teaming up with regional partners to boost grid reliability.Redding Fire Department 2025 Update: Current priorities and wildfire readiness.General Fund Financial Report: A snapshot of where...
When most people think about getting involved with local government, they imagine elections, public comment, or maybe even running for office. But there’s another, often-overlooked way to make a real impact on Redding—and that’s through boards and commissions. In this episode of the City of Redding Podcast, Katie and Steve talk with City Clerk Sharlene Tipton about these important advisory groups that quietly help shape the policies, priorities, and projects that affect daily life in our comm...
Today, we’re talking about something that impacts every Redding resident — the City’s budget. From the streets we drive on, to the parks we enjoy, to the emergency services we rely on — the City budget plays a role in nearly every aspect of daily life. We also know there are questions and concerns in the community — from road conditions and rising costs to salaries and public safety. Many residents want to know: Where is the money going, and is it being spent responsibly? To help us answer th...
Today, we’re diving into the Redding Police Department’s 2024 Crime Statistics Year-End Review — and it’s packed with significant developments. The department responded to over 109,000 calls for service, a 6.6% increase from the previous year. Arrests also hit a new record, with more than 11,000 total, including a 32% rise in misdemeanor arrests. But before you start panicking that crime in Redding has hit a new high, we’re pleased to report just the opposite. Despite an expanded crime ...
Public transit in Redding is getting a major upgrade. In this episode, we talk with Redding Area Bus Authority (RABA) Transit General Manager John Andoh and EA Kelly Sepelyak about the many new services and innovations transforming how people move around Shasta County. From free shuttles to the Redding Rodeo and discounted rides to Colt 45s games, to the return of the summer Beach Bus and a brand-new Uber partnership — RABA is making transit more accessible, convenient, and connected than eve...
In this episode of the City of Redding Podcast, Steve and Katie break down the highlights from the June 3rd City Council meeting. Tune in for a deep dive into: A major update to Redding’s short-term rental ordinanceNew funding opportunities for Stillwater Business Park and Pump Station 1A proposed 14-unit affordable housing project with FaithWorksRecreation fee updates and municipal code changes for concessions, sound, and smokingEarly discussions about a potential downtown entertainment zone...
In this episode of the City of Redding Podcast, we sit down with Jeremy Pagan, Development Services Director, to talk about the long-term vision for one of Redding’s most defining features: the Sacramento Riverfront. We break down what the Riverfront Specific Plan is, why it matters, and what kinds of changes—big and small—are being considered. From protecting natural habitats and honoring tribal history to rethinking Park Marina Drive and the Civic Auditorium, this plan touches on many diffe...
Meeting Date: May 20, 2025 Episode Description: In this episode of the City of Redding Podcast, hosts Steve and Katie break down key decisions from the May 20, 2025, City Council meeting. Tune in to hear the latest on: Redding’s planned exit as the administrative lead for the NorCal Continuum of Care, which coordinates regional homelessness servicesEmerging concepts from the Redding Riverfront Specific Plan, including civic space upgrades, habitat protection, and tribal collaborationApprova...
Today, we’re talking about something that affects every home and business in Redding: the reliability of our power grid. After a recent blackout in Spain left over a million people without power, we started wondering—how prepared is Redding if something like that happened here? To help us understand the big picture and the local realities, we’re joined by Nick Zettel, Director of Redding Electric Utility. We’ll dig into how independent our system is, how much we can rely on local power source...
Today, we’re revisiting short-term rentals, specifically the City’s proposed updates to its regulations. Whether you’re a homeowner, a renter, a downtown business owner, or someone just trying to understand what these changes could mean for your neighborhood, we’ve got you covered. We connect with Development Services Director Jeremy Pagan to break down what’s happening with the City’s Zoning Ordinance of Short Term Rentals—updates that could expand where short-term rentals are allowed, parti...
Today, we're discussing everyone’s favorite topic as we head into summer: water conservation. In 2024, the state of California passed new regulations requiring all residents to reduce their water usage. In Redding, that means reducing water usage both indoors and outdoors. During rainy, wet winters, Redding easily meets these new restrictions. However, as we move into the hot, dry summer months, our need for outdoor watering blows our water budget. Today, we speak with Brandon Bishop, Water C...