Diana Reddy is back in the race for City Council elections, this time running for District 7.
Her platform, much like her previous campaign, focuses on housing, the environment and economic justice.
“And residents appreciate council members they can stop at Safeway and Costco when they need help,” she added. “I was good at that and want to continue to serve my community in that important way.”
Reddy served as a council member and vice mayor from 2018 to 2022 until the redistricting process of Redwood City placed her in District 7, which was not up for election until 2024.
Diana is a lifelong Redwood City resident, she grew up here, attended local public schools, and still lives in the house where she was raised and raised her own children. She spent 32 years working with the Sequoia Union High School District as the administrative assistant to the superintendent. She is a member of the Redwood City Kiwanis Club and helps to host the Redwood City Kiwanis Farmers Market.
She has also served as the co-chair for Faith in Action, formerly Peninsula Interfaith Action, where she learned community organizing skills. She says she continues to use those skills when coalitions need to be built and community members experience challenging issues.
Reddy previously helped advance hundreds of extremely low-income housing units, secured the safe parking lot on city-owned land, and distributed 112,000 meals to seniors during the pandemic.
She also supported the Redwood City Fair and Affordable Housing Initiative, which did not make it to the November ballot when the San Mateo County Elections Office found several signatures to be invalid. The proposed initiative aimed to implement stricter rent control laws and enhanced tenant eviction protections.
“We still have residents being forced to move because of excessively high rents, evictions, and I believe we must do something to protect residents from the harassment they are experiencing from landlords,” she said.
This time, one of her top priorities for the city is installing solar panels on all new buildings and switching to electric vehicles. She also intends to find ways to support the Neighborhood Chairs “to enhance pride and community.”
She identifies one of Redwood City’s biggest challenges as the understaffing of many departments, with high housing costs making it difficult to attract skilled professionals.
“The biggest investment in Redwood City is its committed, enthusiastic staff,” she added. “I am eager to find ways to retain and recruit skilled staff.”
She noted that what distinguishes her from other candidates is her skill in active listening and her ability to offer both empathy and practical resources to help residents with their concerns.
Reddy opposes Prop 36, a ballot that proponents say will reduce theft and drug crimes. If the legislation is passed, opponents say, it will take away vital mental health services from those who need them in the prison system and cost the taxpayers billions.
“Like many proposed propositions or legislations, the unintended consequences have not been examined,” Reddy said.
As the November 2024 election approaches, Reddy encouraged people to vote.
“Vote! Voting is how we use our voice to influence our future.”
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