Council approves $675,445 grant and rent deferral to keep Civic Auditorium operating

The Redding City Council approved a one-year grant of $675,445.57 and a lease amendment that defers $5,000 monthly rent through Jan. 1, 2026, to support operations at the Civic Auditorium, 700 Auditorium Drive.

Staff said the grant amount represents funds previously designated from land-sale proceeds and is intended to reimburse or cover specific operational expenses, including utilities, production costs (sound and lighting), contracted services and fencing used for city events. The grant requires a closeout report documenting expenditures.

The council also approved a lease amendment that sets rent to $0 through Jan. 1, 2026; rent would resume at $5,000 per month thereafter unless a long-term agreement recommended by an ad hoc Community Services Advisory Commission (CSAC) amendment provides different terms. Staff said they will convene the CSAC to review lease terms and work toward longer-term sustainability.

Council members discussed alternatives including splitting the grant, fundraising and whether the funds could be reallocated to other uses. Several council members and public speakers emphasized the Civic Auditorium is a community asset and urged a path to financial sustainability. Staff and council noted the building had received prior private investment and that without intervention the auditorium could face closure within months.

The council approved the resolutions and agreements by roll call; staff said they would provide the grant agreement, budget reallocation resolution and lease amendment documents and return with follow-up materials as the CSAC develops recommendations.