U.S. Small Business Administration Presentation at Redding City Council Meeting: Support for December 2025 Flood Recovery
- Kari Chilson
- 21 hours ago
- 2 min read
On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, during a regular Redding City Council meeting, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience presented critical information on disaster assistance available to residents, businesses, and non-profits affected by severe storms and flooding that struck the region from December 16–26, 2025.
The presentation was delivered by Mary Ann Bradfield, Public Affairs Specialist, and Charles Kite, an SBA disaster recovery expert with prior experience managing Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs). The session took place early in the meeting agenda, following a ceremonial appreciation clock presentation to long-serving Community Services Advisory Commission member Joshua Devine.
Key Details from the SBA Presentation
The SBA’s disaster loan program offers low-interest loans to help individuals, businesses, and organizations recover from the declared disaster.
Eligible uses include:
Businesses and private nonprofit organizations — to repair or replace disaster-damaged property and equipment.
Homeowners and renters — to repair or replace damaged real estate and personal property.
Small businesses and nonprofits — experiencing economic losses related to the disaster, even if no physical damage occurred (Economic Injury Disaster Loans – EIDL).
Loan Limits (based on verified losses and repayment ability)
Businesses: up to $2 million
Homeowners, renters, and non-profits: up to $500,000 for physical damage and $100,000 for personal property
Interest Rates (fixed, no prepayment penalty)
Businesses: as low as 4%
Non-profits: 3.625%
Homeowners and renters: 2.875%
Repayment Terms
Up to 30 years, depending on creditworthiness and repayment capability.
12-month deferment period on principal and interest payments following the first disbursement, to ease immediate financial pressure.
Additional Benefits
Mitigation assistance to help upgrade properties and reduce future damage risk in similar disasters.
Possible refinancing or relocation support in certain cases.
Application Deadlines (Critical)
Physical damage loans — Monday, April 6, 2026
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) — Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Both Charles Kite and the City website strongly encourage applicants to submit applications as soon as possible to avoid missing eligibility windows.
Local Assistance Resources
A Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) is currently operating inside the City of Redding building, open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. for in-person assistance.
Applicants may also:
Apply online at www.sba.gov/disaster
Call the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955
For individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Mary Ann Bradfield and Charles Kite invited questions from the council and expressed willingness to participate in future community events to continue spreading awareness.
Council and Community Response
Council members expressed appreciation for the SBA’s presence and the on-site DLOC. No substantive questions or concerns were raised during the brief Q&A, and the presentation concluded with thanks from the mayor and council. The item transitioned smoothly into the public comment period.
This presentation and the supporting information posted on the City of Redding website underscore the ongoing federal–local partnership to support Shasta County and Redding residents and businesses still recovering from the significant flooding and storm damage that occurred in late December 2025.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses—physical or economic—are encouraged to act quickly before the respective deadlines.
For the most current information, visit www.sba.gov/disaster, contact the local DLOC directly, or refer to the City of Redding’s disaster recovery page.
