Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Redding public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in water utilities
Fiber optic broadband policy
The city had been exploring a public-private partnership to expand fiber internet. Staff now recommends letting providers just go through normal permitting, which the council approved — keeping the partnership option open for later.
Henderson Ditch flooding and maintenance responsibility
A resident reported that about a dozen homes flooded near Henderson Ditch after a December storm because clogged storm drains weren't cleaned out — and warned the city could face negligence claims with El Niño conditions predicted.
Pump House One Replacement on the Sacramento River
The city's 87-year-old main water intake is being replaced for $74 million, mostly covered by a $50 million low-interest state loan. The project will also restore Ginny Creek and improve river trail access.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan Update
The city wants to shift the watering window to 9 a.m.–6 p.m. so folks watering by hand aren't stuck doing it in the dark. Redding used 12% less water than baseline last year; stage one stays voluntary year-round.
Tarmac Road storm drain collapse
A storm drain culvert under Tarmac Road collapsed after heavy winter storms, and it's the only way in or out for about 50 homes. The city is doing an emergency replacement costing about $4.15 million, hoping the state reimburses 75%.
Hartnell Oaks flooding and storm drain adequacy
The Hartnell Oaks apartment complex flooded again in December's storm when a city storm drain clogged, displacing 22 tenants. The owner asked for a grant program or budget line to fix a drainage problem the family says has recurred for 50 years.