Redwood City secures $4.5 million to tackle illegal cannabis activity and expand youth support
Redwood City, California – Redwood City’s newest public safety investment begins with a number: $4.5 million. But city officials say the real story is what that money is meant to build over the next five years, safer neighborhoods, stronger oversight, and more chances for young people to stay on the right path.
The City of Redwood City has received a State of California Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant, a five-year award designed to help local governments respond to public health and safety issues connected to the legalization of adult-use cannabis. In Redwood City, the funding will support a joint effort between the Redwood City Police Department and the Redwood City Pal Center.
The City Council authorized staff to apply for the grant on April 13, 2026. Now, with the award secured, the city plans to use the funding on two connected fronts: improving enforcement and compliance around cannabis activity, and expanding youth prevention, intervention and diversion programs.
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The grant will help the Police Department address illegal cannabis sales and distribution while supporting regulatory compliance among licensed dispensaries. At the same time, it will fund youth outreach, prevention programming, diversion services, data collection and program evaluation through the partnership with the Pal Center.
“This is an important investment in public safety and the success of our youth,” said City Manager Patrick Heisinger. “It reflects the kind of cross-department and community partnership that helps us respond to local needs in a thoughtful, accountable way. I’m grateful to Chief Bell, PAL and the staff who worked together to secure this funding for our community.”
Police Chief Kristina Bell said the grant gives Redwood City a way to address public safety concerns without losing sight of the young people who may be most affected by early contact with the justice system.
“This grant gives Redwood City an opportunity to address public safety concerns while also investing directly in young people,” Bell said. “Our goal is to reduce illegal cannabis activity, support compliance, and strengthen programs that help youth make healthy choices and avoid deeper involvement in the justice system.”
The effort will also include outside review. An oversight team has been formed to guide the work, track progress and make sure the grant is used effectively. The John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities at Stanford University will assist by collecting and reviewing data, measuring outcomes and providing regular reports on the Police Department’s work and the Pal Center’s youth diversion programs.
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For the Pal Center, the grant adds new strength to a long-standing partnership. Executive Director Ivan Martinez said the organization has spent three decades working with the Police Department and the community to build trust and create positive opportunities for youth.
“This is an important investment in Redwood City youth and families,” Martinez said. “For 30 years, Pal Center has worked in partnership with the Redwood City Police Department and our community to build trust, provide support, and create positive opportunities for young people. This funding will help us reach more youth and strengthen that work.”
The city also thanked RCPD Business Manager Jenny Stahler, Ivan Martinez, Organization Director of Youth Development Jade Martinez, Grant Writing Associate Sara Lamin and Grant Writing Associate Sharyl McGrew for their work on the successful application.
As the five-year grant period moves ahead, staff are expected to provide updates to the City Council and the public, giving Redwood City a clearer view of how the investment is shaping enforcement, prevention and youth support across the community.
