Redwood City’s “Housing Night” to Include Consideration of Nearly $13 Million for New Affordable Housing Projects on May 11

Redwood City, CA - In recognition of May as Affordable Housing Month, the Redwood City City Council will consider a series of housing-related items at its May 11 meeting, including nearly $13 million in recommended funding for new affordable housing projects that would support approximately 170 affordable homes.

Recognized by the City as Council's "Housing Night," the meeting brings together several key areas of Redwood City's housing work: producing new affordable homes, preserving existing housing, implementing tenant protections, and exploring a future affordable housing site on City-owned land.

"This agenda reflects the scale and seriousness of Redwood City's housing work," said Alin Lancaster, Housing Leadership Manager. "The items before Council advance new affordable housing, strengthen implementation of tenant protections, preserve existing homes, and explore future opportunities on City-owned land. Together, they show how the City is using funding, policy, and partnerships to support housing stability for our community."

The largest item before Council is a set of funding recommendations for new affordable housing construction. Staff are recommending approximately $12.9 million in awards for two proposed affordable housing developments: Rise City Apartments at 1304 Middlefield Road and a MidPen Housing development at 1580 Maple Street.

If approved, the funding would support a proposed 94-unit affordable housing development at 1304 Middlefield Road and a proposed 79-unit affordable housing development at 1580 Maple Street, including homes serving households at a range of income levels. The 1580 Maple Street proposal would be developed on City-owned land.

In addition to the affordable housing funding recommendations, City Council will consider the following items:

Potential Affordable Housing Development at Downtown Library Parking Lot B

Council will receive a presentation on an initial concept to redevelop Downtown Library Parking Lot B, located at 1016 Middlefield Road, as a mixed-use affordable housing site. The concept could provide approximately 70 to 104 affordable homes while preserving a significant portion of existing public parking and incorporating limited space for City use. Council will be asked to provide direction on next steps, including whether to issue a request for proposals to solicit qualified development partners.

Tenant Protection Ordinance Administrative Regulations and Fair Rate of Return Appeal Guidelines

Council will consider administrative regulations, fair rate of return appeal guidelines and related fees to support implementation of the City's Tenant Protection Ordinance. The draft materials were released for public comment from March 27 through April 24, 2026.

Community Development Block Grant 2026 Action Plan

Council will consider the Program Year 2026 Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Action Plan includes over $700,000 in funding recommendations for homeless shelters, public and fair housing services, home repair and rehabilitation program for low-income homeowners, and microenterprise assistance.

Affordable Housing Preservation Program Updates

Following completion of the City's first Housing Preservation Program preservation project, which preserved eight units at 417 Stambaugh Street, Council will consider amendments to the program to clarify terms and streamline future applications.

Meeting Information

The May 11 City Council meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1017 Middlefield Road. Community members may attend in person or participate virtually. The agenda, staff reports, and ways to participate are available at: www.RedwoodCity.org/CouncilMeetings.