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City of Redding Podcast
City of Redding Podcast
Author: City of Redding
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© 2025 City of Redding Podcast
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News, stories, and updates from the City of Redding. Each month we explore key topics important to the City of Redding and connect with the leaders and experts of these initiatives to learn more about how and why things are happening. Connect with us at podcast@cityofredding.org or on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @cityofredding.
233 Episodes
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Downtown Redding is entering a new era — and we’re breaking it down with some of the people who helped make it happen. In this episode, we’re joined by Interim City Manager Steve Bade and Blake Fisher, Main Street Coordinator with Viva Downtown, to explore the launch of the City’s brand-new Downtown Entertainment Zone. The Entertainment Zone allows adults 21 and older to enjoy open alcoholic beverages purchased from participating businesses while walking within the designated downtown distric...
Get an inside look at what it really takes to deliver clean, reliable water to Redding residents every single day. In this episode, we sit down with Water Utility Manager Josh Watkins to break down the system most people never see: miles of pipelines, treatment plants, reservoirs, pumping stations, and the dedicated staff who keep it all running. We discuss the sources of Redding’s water, its treatment process, how aging infrastructure is monitored and upgraded, and the behind-the-scenes work...
In this episode of the City of Redding Podcast, hosts Steve and Katie recap the November 18th City Council meeting. Highlights include: A tourism and marketing update from Choose Redding Lodging —including Ironman 70.3 Northern California set for August 2026—and more than 11,400 hotel room nights already committed for 2026. An encouraging update on the Emerging Redding Riverfront Specific Plan. An in-depth conversation about sales tax revenue during the quarterly financi...
In this episode of the City of Redding Podcast, hosts Steve and Katie recap the November 4th City Council meeting. Highlights include an update from the Shasta Cascade Small Business Development Center, new California Building Code changes that affect local development, and the Redding Fire Department’s new 48/96 work schedule pilot program designed to improve firefighter wellness and recruitment. The episode also covers public comments on downtown paid parking and traffic concerns near the ...
Ever wondered how Redding’s local government actually works? In this special episode of The City of Redding Podcast, Steve and Katie walk through the structure, responsibilities, and ethics that guide decision-making in our community. From how the City Council and City Manager share power, to open meeting laws, public transparency, and the difference between the City and Shasta County — it’s a clear, down-to-earth look at how Redding runs. Read the transcript >> Learn more a...
In this week’s City Council Recap, Steve and Katie break down the October 21st meeting, starting with an inspiring update from the Shasta Family YMCA as it approaches its 80th anniversary. The episode also covers heartfelt public comments from local mobile home residents calling for rent stabilization, plus updates on water conservation rules, IT system improvements, and Redding Electric Utility’s annual financial report. From youth programs to city infrastructure and technology upgrade...
In this special episode of the City of Redding Podcast, Steve and Katie sit down with City Manager Barry Tippin for one final conversation before his retirement. Barry reflects on his years of service, the challenges and milestones that shaped his time in leadership, and the projects and partnerships that leave a lasting impact on the community. From behind-the-scenes stories to lessons learned and what he’s looking forward to in retirement, this episode is both a tribute and a celebrat...
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 ...



