Rebecca Baer, CEO & President of Shasta Economic Development Corporation, Trisha Funk, Director of Startup Redding, and Steve Bade, Assistant City Manager for the City of Redding share how Redding is experiencing strong economic momentum with Amazon’s new distribution center, downtown revitalization efforts, expanded air service, and a growing startup ecosystem.
Interview with Linda Bott and Eric Woodstrom on Free Fire Radio (KCNR)
Interview Summary
The recent KCNR interview highlighted exciting developments shaping Redding’s economic future. A major milestone was the groundbreaking of Amazon’s new distribution facility at Stillwater Business Park. With construction already underway, the facility is expected to be completed by August 2026 and will primarily serve rural and “super-rural” areas, ensuring better access to goods for communities that often lack convenient options. City leaders praised Amazon’s swift commitment, noting that the project validates years of groundwork at Stillwater. As one of the few “shovel-ready” sites in California, the business park can accommodate companies that want to move quickly, making Redding an increasingly attractive location for large-scale investment. Officials emphasized that Amazon’s presence often draws additional distribution and logistics partners, signaling broader growth ahead.
Beyond Amazon, the conversation pointed to a shift in perception about Redding as a place to do business. Developers such as Panattoni and companies like Costco, In-N-Out, and Grange Co-op have already chosen to expand locally, further evidence of the city’s momentum. With population projections showing an increase of 17,000 to 20,000 residents by 2045, the community is preparing for sustained growth. One particularly exciting project on the horizon is Fabric Mass Timber, which will establish California’s first mass timber manufacturing facility right in Redding, representing a new industry for the region.
Downtown development was another focus of the discussion, with the city preparing to introduce a proposed Downtown Entertainment Zone. If approved, this district would allow patrons to carry alcoholic beverages purchased at local bars and restaurants into public spaces within defined boundaries, creating a more vibrant atmosphere similar to entertainment zones in larger cities. Leaders believe the measure will support businesses, attract more visitors, and bring new energy to the downtown core.
The city’s airport is also experiencing significant progress. United Airlines’ new direct flight to Denver has been a “game-changer,” connecting Redding to the East Coast and boosting travel opportunities for both residents and visitors. July marked a record for passenger boardings, underscoring the community’s embrace of expanded air service. While a major runway project will temporarily close the airport from late September to late October, leaders see it as an essential investment in long-term growth. Improvements to the parking lot and the continued operation of Peter Chu’s restaurant during construction were also noted as positives.
Finally, the conversation highlighted the region’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Trisha Funk was introduced as the new Director of Startup Redding, a program of the Shasta EDC. Through initiatives like Startup Sessions, Startup Games, and the Venture Conference, Startup Redding supports local entrepreneurs, connects them with resources such as the SBA and GoBiz, and fosters a culture of innovation. Leaders underscored that entrepreneurship strengthens the local economy by creating resilient problem-solvers and new opportunities.
