The City Council voted unanimously to appoint Planning Commissioner and lifelong Redwood City resident Elmer Martinez to serve on the City Council.
“I’m thrilled to have been appointed unanimously by my future colleagues to serve my community on the Council,” Martinez told Climate Magazine in a written comment. “Redwood City’s future is bright, and I look forward to working with the community to make it an even better place for current and future generations.”
Following former Councilmember Mike Smith’s resignation last month, the City opened up an application process to fill the vacant District 4 seat. John Frank Marini and Eugenia Joyce Porter also submitted applications.
At the meeting, multiple residents spoke during public comment, and each endorsed Martinez for the role. All five councilmembers present voted in favor of Martinez’s appointment. Councilmembers had warm words for Martinez, praising his experience and deep community ties.
“What a proud evening,” said Mayor Giselle Hale. “Despite being young in years, you are deep in experience.”
“I truly believe he will hit the ground running,” said Councilmember Diane Howard.
Martinez has served on the Planning Commission since 2020 and volunteered with the Stambaugh-Heller & Palm Park Neighborhood Associations. He works for ReadyNation, a national nonprofit that mobilizes business leaders to advocate in the State Legislature supporting policies and programs that uplift our youngest learners.
He previously served as a district representative for former State Senator Jerry Hill and State Assemblymember Kevin Mullin, where he directly assisted constituents navigate state government. He emphasized his work helping constituents to access EDD funding and rent relief during the pandemic as a highlight of his professional work.
Martinez will serve the remainder of Smith’s term, which expires in 2024.
