City of Redding Podcast

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 wit...

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, cr...

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 wild...

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...

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 go...

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...

Public transit in Redding is getting a major upgrade. In this episode, we talk with Redding Area Bus Authority (RABA) Transit General Manager John Andoh and EA Kelly Sepelyak about the many new services and innovations transforming how people move around Shasta County.

From free shuttles to the Redding Rodeo and discounted rides to Colt 45s games, to the return of the summer Beach Bus and a brand-new Uber partnership — RABA is makin...

In this episode of the City of Redding Podcast, Steve and Katie break down the highlights from the June 3rd City Council meeting. Tune in for a deep dive into:

• A major update to Redding’s short-term rental ordinance
• New funding opportunities for Stillwater Business Park and Pump Station 1
• A proposed 14-unit affordable housing project with FaithWorks
• Recreation fee updates and municipal code changes for concessions, sound, and smoki...

In this episode of the City of Redding Podcast, we sit down with Jeremy Pagan, Development Services Director, to talk about the long-term vision for one of Redding’s most defining features: the Sacramento Riverfront.

We break down what the Riverfront Specific Plan is, why it matters, and what kinds of changes—big and small—are being considered. From protecting natural habitats and honoring tribal history to rethinking Park Marina Dr...

Meeting Date:
May 20, 2025

Episode Description:
In this episode of the City of Redding Podcast, hosts Steve and Katie break down key decisions from the May 20, 2025, City Council meeting. Tune in to hear the latest on:

• Redding’s planned exit as the administrative lead for the NorCal Continuum of Care, which coordinates regional homelessness services
• Emerging concepts from the Redding Riverfront Specific Plan, including c...

Today, we’re talking about something that affects every home and business in Redding: the reliability of our power grid. After a recent blackout in Spain left over a million people without power, we started wondering—how prepared is Redding if something like that happened here?

To help us understand the big picture and the local realities, we’re joined by Nick Zettel, Director of Redding Electric Utility. We’ll dig into how independ...

Today, we’re revisiting short-term rentals, specifically the City’s proposed updates to its regulations.

Whether you’re a homeowner, a renter, a downtown business owner, or someone just trying to understand what these changes could mean for your neighborhood, we’ve got you covered.

We connect with Development Services Director Jeremy Pagan to break down what’s happening with the City’s Zoning Ordinance of Short Term Rentals—updates t...

Today, we're discussing everyone’s favorite topic as we head into summer: water conservation.

In 2024, the state of California passed new regulations requiring all residents to reduce their water usage. In Redding, that means reducing water usage both indoors and outdoors. During rainy, wet winters, Redding easily meets these new restrictions. However, as we move into the hot, dry summer months, our need for outdoor watering bl...

In this episode, we’re recapping highlights from the Redding City Council meeting held on April 15, 2025.

Mayor Jack Munns kicked things off by proclaiming April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month in the City of Redding.

On the Consent Calendar, Council recognized Community Tree Planting Day (aka Arbor Day) on April 25 and celebrated the Parks Division for earning the Tree City USA award. Council also approved:

• A 20-ye...

Today, we talk all things Recycling with Deputy Director of Public Works Paul Clemens and Solid Waste Project Coordinator Leo Coleman.  We all toss bottles, cans, and paper into those blue bins, hoping to make a difference—but what really happens after the truck drives away? Is your plastic water bottle destined for a new life, or does it end up somewhere you’d never expect?

In this episode, we’re going behind the scenes of Redding’...

In this episode, Katie and Steve recap the April 1, 2025, Redding City Council meeting.  

Listen for a brief summary of the meeting’s key points and actual audio from the meeting without public comment on the following big-ticket items from the consent calendar and the regular agenda:

• Mayor declarations for the Week of the Young Child and Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month in Redding April
• Appointments to the Redding Planning Com...

In this episode, Katie and Steve recap the March 18, 2025, Redding City Council meeting.  

Listen for a brief summary of the meeting’s key points and actual audio from the meeting without public comment on the following big-ticket items from the consent calendar and the regular agenda:

• Recognition of Community Impact: The Council honored The Community Foundation of the North State on its 25th anniversary, celebrating over $100 mi...

In this episode, we dive into Redding's new and thriving mural and art installation scene. How are these creative projects chosen? What's the strategy behind them, and how are they shaping the city's identity? Join us as we speak with Danny Orloff, who shares the process, vision, and impact of bringing public art to life in Redding. 

Danny is the Tourism Marketing Director for Visit Redding, but his role in public art...

In this episode, Katie and Steve recap the March 4, 2025, Redding City Council meeting.  They’ve heard your feedback that the short recaps don’t provide enough detail, but the full meeting audio is too much. So, they’re meeting in the middle.

Listen for a brief summary of the meeting’s key points and actual audio from the meeting without the public comment on the following big-ticket items from the consent calendar and the regular a...