Longtime Housing Commissioners Honored For Tenant Protection Work In Redwood City

REDWOOD CITY, CA — The Redwood City City Council formally honored two longtime Housing and Human Concerns Committee members whose volunteer work helped shape the city’s modern tenant‑protection and anti‑displacement policies.

Mayor Elmer Martínez Saballos read proclamations recognizing Alma Montalvo and Kate Adams Hiester, both of whom had served as chair and vice chair of the Housing and Human Concerns Committee .

The mayor said Montalvo had served on the HHCC since 2012 and held leadership roles from 2013 through 2017 and again since October 2024. He credited her with helping shepherd several major policy initiatives.

“Throughout her tenure on the HHC, Alma Montalvo has contributed meaningfully to important city initiatives, including the anti displacement strategy, development and implementation, the RV safe parking program, the housing element and the tenant protection ordinance,” Martínez Saballos said. He added that her “dedication, leadership and advocacy have strengthened the city of Redwood City's commitment to equity, inclusion, housing stability, and community well-being.”

Montalvo, appearing surprised, kept her remarks brief.

“I just wanted to say thank you. I've learned a lot. It's been very meaningful,” she told the council. “I'm really happy to be a part of this…I just encourage everybody to try to get involved and enroll.”

The council then honored Hiester, whom the mayor said had served nearly a decade on the HHCC and led its tenant protection ad hoc subcommittee.

“Kate has served as the chair of the tenant protection ad hoc subcommittee, playing a key role in the development of the city's anti displacement strategy and the subsequent tenant protection ordinance supporting protections and stability for tenants throughout the community,” Martínez Saballos said. He added that her “advocacy for equitable housing policies have made a lasting and meaningful impact on the residents of Redwood City.”

Hiester told the council the experience had changed how she understood the city.

“It really has made such a big difference in my understanding of how our community works, and I'm so grateful to be able to know so many more folks in the community and understand how we can work together to make it a better place,” she said.