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Redwood City council adopts 2026 legislative platform to guide state advocacy
Summary
The city council adopted updates to the 2026 legislative platform — clarifying transportation language, affirming library privacy and access priorities, and continuing work on climate footprint and neutrality — so staff and the city's legislative consultants can act swiftly during the Sacramento legislative session.
Redwood City Council on Jan. 12 adopted its 2026 legislative platform, a policy document that guides how city staff and consultants engage on state legislation affecting local priorities, programs and operations.
The mayor, speaking as chair of the governance subcommittee, explained that the platform is updated annually to align with council priorities and to allow staff and consultants to respond quickly as bills are introduced in Sacramento. "The platform works alongside the city's legislative advocacy policy and provides the framework for advocacy actions," the mayor said.
Key edits the governance subcommittee recommended included refining transportation priorities (broadening a reference to "crosswalks" to the more encompassing term "projects" so the language covers a wider set of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure), adding clarifications supporting full funding for key library programs and reinforcing library patron privacy, and proposed additions affirming support for legislation that protects freedom to read and fair pricing for library digital content.
Councilmembers discussed the platform's role in enabling timely positions on bills and noted the practical need for staff and consultants to triage large volumes of state legislation. Councilmember Gee said having the platform in place helps the city be "timely" on issues that affect Redwood City. The governance subcommittee members reiterated that individual councilmembers may still express personal positions when they clearly distinguish them from the city's formal stance.
Councilmember Chu moved to adopt the platform and Vice Mayor Aiken seconded. The clerk recorded an electronic vote: the motion passed 6-0, with Councilmember Howard absent.
Councilmembers asked staff to keep the council updated when critical state-level developments occur so the council can consider positions in between meetings if necessary. No further action or ordinance changes were enacted; adoption of the platform gives staff and consultants guidance for state-level advocacy during the 2026 legislative session.
