Redwood City Awarded $4.5 Million State Grant to Support Public Safety and Youth Programs

Redwood City, CA - The City of Redwood City has been awarded a $4.5 million State of California Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant for a five-year term to support local public safety efforts and expand youth prevention, intervention and diversion programs.

The grant will support a partnership between the Redwood City Police Department and the Redwood City Pal Center. Together, the agencies will use the funding to support regulatory compliance among licensed dispensaries, address illegal cannabis sales and distribution and expand programs that help young people stay connected, supported, and on a positive path.

"This is an important investment in public safety and the success of our youth," said City Manager Patrick Heisinger. "It reflects the kind of cross-department and community partnership that helps us respond to local needs in a thoughtful, accountable way. I'm grateful to Chief Bell, PAL and the staff who worked together to secure this funding for our community."

The City Council authorized staff to apply for the grant on April 13, 2026.

"This grant gives Redwood City an opportunity to address public safety concerns while also investing directly in young people," said Police Chief Kristina Bell. "Our goal is to reduce illegal cannabis activity, support compliance, and strengthen programs that help youth make healthy choices and avoid deeper involvement in the justice system."

The grant will support a partnership between the Redwood City Police Department and the Redwood City Pal Center with funding for enforcement, oversight, youth outreach, diversion services, prevention programming, data collection and program evaluation.

An oversight team has been established to guide the work, track progress and ensure the grant is being used effectively. The John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities at Stanford University will also support the effort by collecting and reviewing data, measuring outcomes and providing regular reports on the Police Department's work and Pal Center's youth diversion programs.

"This is an important investment in Redwood City youth and families," said Pal Center Executive Director Ivan Martinez. "For 30 years, Pal Center has worked in partnership with the Redwood City Police Department and our community to build trust, provide support, and create positive opportunities for young people. This funding will help us reach more youth and strengthen that work."

The Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant Program provides funding to local governments for law enforcement, fire protection and other programs related to public health and safety following the legalization of adult-use cannabis in California.

The City thanks RCPD Business Manager Jenny Stahler, Pal Center Executive Director Ivan Martinez, Organization Director of Youth Development Jade Martinez, Grant Writing Associate Sara Lamin and Grant Writing Associate Sharyl McGrew for their work on the successful grant application.

Staff will provide updates to the City Council and community as the work moves forward.