PORT UPDATE

Port of Redwood City Snapshot of South San Francisco Bay

The Port of Redwood City has been a maritime champion in California’s Silicon Valley region for more than 100 years. As the only deep-water port in the South San Francisco Bay, the Port of Redwood City’s strategic location and longstanding history position it as a growing force in the region. We have conducted essential international trade throughout the decades while driving economic growth and serving communities during emergencies.

In January 2020, the Port of Redwood City Board of Port Commissioners adopted the 2020 Vision — the first in the history of the Port to guide operations and business to meet the needs of our community. Within the first several years of the vision in place, the Port has made strides in diversifying its maritime and recreational efforts. The Port is honored to share highlights of our progress.

Redwood City Ferry Terminal Project

In partnership with the Water Emergency Transportation Authority and regional local governments, the Port serves as the lead agency for the future Redwood City Ferry Terminal Project. The project seeks to create a public ferry service to the mid-peninsula with Redwood City representing the southernmost hub for the San Francisco Bay Ferry system. This potential service will provide a new transportation alternative connecting the mid-peninsula to San Francisco and the East Bay, reduce vehicle traffic and enhance emergency preparedness for the movement of first responders and supplies by water after a catastrophic event. The ferry system will also allow residents to plan recreational outings on the bay to San Francisco or Oakland without having to worry about traffic delays or finding and paying for parking.

Most recently, the ferry business plan was accepted by the Redwood City Board of Port Commissioners in spring 2022. The project is currently advancing with environmental review as well as preliminary design with the hope of construction being completed by 2026. To learn more about the Redwood City Ferry Terminal Project, visit www.redwoodcityport.com/ferry.

In January 2020, the Port of Redwood City Board of Port Commissioners adopted the 2020 Vision — the first in the history of the Port to guide operations...

Waterfront Development Request for Proposal

With a focus on diversifying maritime and commercial business, the Port initiated a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a once-in-a-lifetime development opportunity to help reimagine the Port’s recreational waterfront. The Port is a hidden gem located in the heart of Silicon Valley and is ready to be transformed into a world-class waterfront destination with uses that enhance public access and employment along the waterfront.

In a region where explosive growth has been the norm over the last several decades, it is unusual to find prime developable land ready for investment. At the Port of Redwood City, there are several acres of waterfront real estate on the San Francisco Bay just waiting to be reimagined. The Port’s objective is to redevelop this site into a new waterfront destination that generates revenues via long-term ground lease arrangements. Community-serving uses with a direct nexus to the site’s proximity to the water were encouraged in the RFP. Options like restaurants, hotels and other visitor-serving attractions will create welcoming opportunities for residents and tourists.

Submissions for the Port’s waterfront development RFP were due in September. Looking ahead, in 2023, the Port will move forward with selecting a partner and gathering public input on initial amenities and designs. To view the Port’s Waterfront Development RFP, visit www.redwoodcityport.com/ rfpspublicnotices.

PortFest

The Port is thrilled to host our beloved annual community event, PortFest, following a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic. PortFest is a free community celebration and waterfront festival that occurs on the first Saturday of each October. The annual event welcomes the community to learn about Redwood City’s maritime heritage and the history of our industrial working waterfront.

This year, we were inspired to refresh PortFest’s marketing to re-energize community outreach efforts after the pandemic. The event marketing spotlights family-friendly offerings including live music, children’s recreational activities, food trucks, vendor booths and more for the PortFest’s ‘Day on the Bay Adventures,’ overlooking the San Francisco Bay.

On October 1, event attendees will be welcomed to the Port with musical performances, water tours, local vendors, educational booths, a Kids’ Zone and other activities. Save the date and join in the fun!

PortFest offers waterfront enjoyment for everyone. We’re excited to continue the tradition and create new memories as we welcome back our community to the waterfront. Find details on this year’s PortFest at www.redwoodcityport.com/portfest.

Port Sponsorship Program

The Port is committed to community resilience and acting as a ‘good neighbor’ to our residents and partners. The Port Sponsorship Program is one way the Port demonstrates its respect and appreciation for local organizations serving our community. The program offers community organizations funding opportunities such as event sponsorship, waiver of permit fees for waterfront events or program and operational support. Sponsorship opportunities prioritize events and organizations that are aligned with the Port’s focus on maritime and waterfront recreation activities to enhance the local community.

This year, our Port Sponsorship Program awarded six local nonprofit organizations a total of $16,000. The Port Sponsorship Program, along with other Port initiatives, ties together maritime commerce and waterfront recreation to serve the Silicon Valley. It is always an honor to serve our community, especially when we can further our industry and support regional resiliency. Learn about the Port Sponsorship Program at www.redwoodcityport. com/port-sponsorship-program.

The Port’s 2020 Vision will guide the next 25 years and ensure the Port continues to deliver a balance of prosperity, security, sustainability and enjoyment for the region. We appreciate our fivemember Board of Port Commissioners, the City of Redwood City, partners and community members for continuing to support the Port’s endeavors towards our 2020 Vision goals. It’s always an honor to uplift our community through maritime pride and waterfront recreation.

To learn more about the Port of Redwood City, including our 2020 Vision, please visit www.redwoodcityport.com.

Redwood City’s PortFest returns following a two-year hiatus.