From Port Town To Innovation Hub: Redwood City Banks On Downtown Momentum

REDWOOD CITY, CA — Redwood City’s leaders say the city’s economic story is still rooted in its historic port — but the future is increasingly focused on innovation, life sciences and small businesses.

Redwood City began as a port community in the early 1850s, shipping lumber down Redwood Creek, officials said.

“Today, the Port of Redwood City remains the only deep‑water port in the South San Francisco Bay,” said Councilmember Marcella Padilla, noting it still supports regional commerce while offering waterfront recreation and public access.

Much of the current economic buzz is centered on downtown, especially the Elco Yards development in the South Main district.

“[It’s]one of the most significant private investments in our history,” Padilla said.

Designed as a premier innovation hub, Elco Yards combines research space, offices, housing and retail near transit.

Construction is complete on the commercial portion, and major tenants are already committing, officials said.

The Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative,an organization established and owned by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, has signed a significant lease to expand its biomedical research work in Redwood City, and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP plans to relocate its Silicon Valley office there, officials said.

“People like Redwood City. They want to come here,” Padilla said, “It’s walkable, transit [accessible], and supportive.”

The city recently launched a new online permitting portal for building permits and inspections, with planning applications rolling out online as well.

Programs like the Redwood City Small Business Conference and the new Innovate RWC quarterly speaker series aim to connect local entrepreneurs and highlight companies from emerging startups to global leaders.

“A strong economy means making sure all residents have access to opportunities and the ability to succeed,” Padilla said.