Redlands Seeks Residents to Help Shape Traffic Safety and Parking Decisions

REDLANDS – From busy intersections and neighborhood streets to parking availability in the downtown business district, traffic and parking decisions affect nearly everyone who lives, works or shops in Redlands. Now, the City is offering residents an opportunity to have a voice in addressing those everyday concerns. The City of Redlands is accepting applications for a volunteer position on its Traffic and Parking Commission, an advisory body that helps evaluate transportation-related concerns and recommends improvements to the City Council. The deadline to submit an application is Thursday, November 5, 2026. Although traffic and parking may seem like routine municipal matters, the decisions surrounding them can influence public safety, neighborhood accessibility, business activity and the overall experience of traveling through Redlands. The Traffic and Parking Commission serves as an important connection between residents and city government. Commissioners review traffic-related complaints, participate in educational activities, oversee the preparation and publication of traffic reports, and recommend ways to improve traffic conditions and the administration and enforcement of traffic regulations. For residents concerned about traffic patterns or roadway conditions, the commission provides a formal avenue through which those issues can be considered and recommendations developed for the City Council. Parking is another significant part of the commission's responsibilities, particularly in Downtown Redlands, where restaurants, shops, professional offices and community attractions share a limited supply of convenient parking spaces. As the downtown area continues to serve as a destination for residents and visitors, balancing the needs of customers, employees, business owners and surrounding neighborhoods remains an important consideration. The commission advises the City Council on policies intended to encourage and maintain adequate parking for commercial and retail uses. Members also make recommendations concerning long-term parking plans, including those affecting the Downtown Redlands Business Area. Those responsibilities extend to advising the City Council on resources used for parking development and assisting other municipal advisory bodies, including the Planning Commission, when parking issues overlap with broader development considerations. The work reflects an important reality of city planning: transportation and parking decisions rarely exist in isolation. A change in one area can affect neighboring streets, business access, pedestrian movement and future development. For a community such as Redlands, where historic neighborhoods and established commercial districts exist alongside newer development, thoughtful planning is essential to maintaining accessibility while accommodating changing transportation needs. The commission does not independently establish citywide traffic laws or approve major municipal expenditures. Instead, its members provide recommendations and guidance to the City Council, which retains responsibility for final policy decisions. Commissioners are appointed by the City Council and serve without compensation. The commission meets quarterly at 6 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of February, May, August and November. The limited meeting schedule offers an opportunity for residents interested in civic participation to contribute their perspectives without committing to weekly meetings. However, serving effectively also involves reviewing information, understanding community concerns and considering how proposed solutions may affect different parts of the city. The City's recruitment announcement does not specify particular professional qualifications for applicants. Residents interested in serving should review the City's application materials for applicable eligibility requirements. Participation on local commissions is one of the ways residents can contribute to municipal decision-making beyond voting in elections or attending City Council meetings. While elected officials make final policy decisions, advisory commissions provide an opportunity for community members to examine specific issues in greater detail and offer recommendations based on the needs of the city. Residents interested in applying may obtain an application from the City Clerk's Office at 35 Cajon Street, Suite 4, in Redlands, or call (909) 798-7510 for additional information. Applications are also available through the City's website at www.cityofredlands.org/current-openings. Applications must be submitted by November 5. For Redlands residents who have ideas about improving traffic conditions, addressing parking concerns or supporting the continued vitality of the downtown business district, the opening provides an opportunity to become directly involved. The streets people travel and the places they park are part of the everyday experience of living in Redlands. By serving on the Traffic and Parking Commission, residents can help ensure those practical concerns receive thoughtful consideration as the community continues to grow.