City of Redding Podcast

Builders, contractors, engineers, and architects: you're going to want to hear this! Jeremy Pagan, Director of Development Services and Building Official with the City of Redding, shares details on 2025 Building Code updates, recently approved by the Redding City Council. These updates are designed to streamline the building or renovation process in Redding. Check it out!

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Downtown Redding is entering a new era — and we’re breaking it down with some of the people who helped make it happen. In this episode, we’re joined by Interim City Manager Steve Bade and Blake Fisher, Main Street Coordinator with Viva Downtown, to explore the launch of the City’s brand-new Downtown Entertainment Zone.

The Entertainment Zone allows adults 21 and older to enjoy open alcoholic beverages purchased from participating bu...

Steve and Katie recap the December 2, 2025 City Council meeting, covering a busy agenda that included the annual selection of Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Mayor Pro Tem; public comment highlights; ADU zoning code updates; and a major discussion on creating a Financial Oversight Committee to strengthen budget transparency. The episode wraps with an information-only update on parolees in Redding, State placement practices, and upcoming enf...

Get an inside look at what it really takes to deliver clean, reliable water to Redding residents every single day. In this episode, we sit down with Water Utility Manager Josh Watkins to break down the system most people never see: miles of pipelines, treatment plants, reservoirs, pumping stations, and the dedicated staff who keep it all running.

We discuss the sources of Redding’s water, its treatment process, how aging infrastruct...

In this episode of the City of Redding Podcast, hosts Steve and Katie recap the November 18th City Council meeting.

Highlights include:

•  A tourism and marketing update from Choose Redding Lodging —including Ironman 70.3 Northern California set for August 2026—and more than 11,400 hotel room nights already committed for 2026. 
• An encouraging update on the Emerging Redding Riverfront Specific Plan. 
•  An in-depth conversation about sa...

In this episode of the City of Redding Podcast, hosts Steve and Katie recap the November 4th City Council meeting.

Highlights include an update from the Shasta Cascade Small Business Development Center, new California Building Code changes that affect local development, and the Redding Fire Department’s new 48/96 work schedule pilot program designed to improve firefighter wellness and recruitment.

The episode also covers public ...

Ever wondered how Redding’s local government actually works? In this special episode of The City of Redding Podcast, Steve and Katie walk through the structure, responsibilities, and ethics that guide decision-making in our community. 

From how the City Council and City Manager share power, to open meeting laws, public transparency, and the difference between the City and Shasta County — it’s a clear, down-to-earth look at how Reddi...

In this week’s City Council Recap, Steve and Katie break down the October 21st meeting, starting with an inspiring update from the Shasta Family YMCA as it approaches its 80th anniversary. 

The episode also covers heartfelt public comments from local mobile home residents calling for rent stabilization, plus updates on water conservation rules, IT system improvements, and Redding Electric Utility’s annual financial report. From yout...

In this special episode of the City of Redding Podcast, Steve and Katie sit down with City Manager Barry Tippin for one final conversation before his retirement. 

Barry reflects on his years of service, the challenges and milestones that shaped his time in leadership, and the projects and partnerships that leave a lasting impact on the community. From behind-the-scenes stories to lessons learned and what he’s looking forward to in r...

At the most recent City Council meeting, Public Works Director Michael Webb gave an update on the state of Redding’s roads. He explained that while the overall road network is rated in “fair” condition, many streets are well past their useful life — and once a road fully fails, the cost to rebuild is several times higher than keeping up with maintenance along the way.

Preventative treatments like seal coats and overlays stretch limi...

In this City Council Recap, Steve and Katie break down the September 16, 2025 Redding City Council meeting. The evening began with a heartfelt farewell to City Manager Barry Tippin, honoring his 21 years of service. The agenda also featured updates from Visit Redding on tourism marketing, Christian Church Homes on affordable senior housing, and Superior California Economic Development on regional business growth.

The Finance Directo...

In this episode of the Redding City Council, Steve breaks down the key highlights from the September 2, 2025, meeting. Topics include:

• The Council’s decision to appoint an interim city manager as Barry Tippin prepares for retirement
• Community concerns over Motorsports Park
• Approval of new infrastructure and trail projects
• Adoption of a tobacco retail license fee
• Financial assistance for Advance Redding to support the Civic Auditoriu...

A recent USA Today article raised concerns about PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in drinking water across the country—and even suggested that Redding’s water was “well over the limit.” However, that information is outdated and no longer reflects our current water supply. 

In this episode, Katie and Steve sit down with Josh Watkins, Water Utility Manager with the City of Redding, to set the record straight. Josh will explain what PFAS ...

Redding Regional Airport applied for funding two years ago and just received more than $24 million in federal funding to completely rehabilitate its main runway—a critical project for both travelers and the community. 

In this episode, Katie and Steve sit down with Airport Manager Andrew Solsvig to discuss why now is the ideal time for this investment, what upgrades are planned, and how the project will ensure the airport remains sa...

In this episode Katie and Steve break down everything you missed from the August 19, 2025 City Council meeting.

From a unanimous vote to rescind the First Responder Fee (and refund residents who were billed) — to the first steps toward creating Entertainment Zones, and a plan to keep the Civic Auditorium open with some assistance — there was no shortage of action.

Plus, hear updates on flood emergency declarations, infrastructure rep...

Today we’re talking about something that quietly powers a lot of what the city does—GIS, or Geographic Information Systems.  From Wildfire mapping to City Zoning and property maps, the City of Redding GIS team helps city departments visualize and plan for the future.

We’re joined by Steve Kincaid, the Manager of the GIS Mapping Division here at the City of Redding. He’ll explain what GIS is, why it matters, and how it helps the city...

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...