About the City Attorney
The City of Redding, incorporated on October 4, 1887, is a general law city formed under state legislative statutes and governed by a body of laws in the State Constitution. Redding is one of many California cities operating under the Council-Manager form of government. Under this form of government, the City Council appoints the City Manager and the City Attorney.
The Redding City Council appointed Christian Curtis as the City Attorney in December 2023. Mr. Curtis has extensive work experience in the public sector, including his most recent role as Counsel for Mendocino County, where he also served as the Deputy, Chief Deputy, and Assistant County Council. He has also worked in the private sector for the firm Curtis LLP and as an Associate Attorney with Shine Compton, APC.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California, Berkeley. Mr. Curtis received his Juris Doctor (JD) from Brooklyn Law School in New York, receiving multiple awards and achievement scholarships.
He is a lifelong resident of rural Northern California and has spent his legal career representing local governments in the region and helping them navigate their unique legal challenges.
The City Attorney is the legal counsel for the City Council, volunteer advisory groups, and City staff. Duties include:
- Advising City officials on all legal matters involving the City, including land use, personnel, contracts, real property transactions, elections, and redevelopment.
- Reviewing contracts, leases, and agreements entered into by the City.
- Assisting departments in the research and development of City resolutions and ordinances.
- Representing the City in state and federal court.
- Overseeing outside counsel handling of unique litigation on the City's behalf.
- Overseeing the Risk Management — Liability, Litigation & Insurance Division.
More Information
Risk Management | Liability, Litigation & Insurance
The Risk Management — Liability, Litigation & Insurance Division:
- Manages personal injury or property damage claims.
- Manages the City's insurance portfolio.
- Evaluates major loss exposures in terms of their past and potential frequency and severity and recommends ways to reduce risks.
- Operates a Safety Inspection Team.
- Works with insurance carriers, claims administrators, and attorneys in the defense and settlement of claims.
Visit the Risk, Liability & Insurance Page for more information.
Can the City Attorney's Office help me with my legal problem?
No, the City Attorney's Office cannot give individualized legal advice to private citizens or groups.
The City of Redding (as a municipal corporation) is the exclusive client of the City Attorney's Office. The City Attorney's Office provides a full range of legal services to the City Council, City Boards, City Commissions, and City staff.
Here is a list of other agencies which may be able to provide assistance:
- Health & Human Services: 2-1-1 Shasta
- Attorney Info: State Bar of California
- Child Support Issues: Shasta County Child Support Services
- Attorneys | Local Complaints & Referrals: Shasta-Trinity Counties Bar Assoc.
- California Courts Self-Help Forms: California Courts Self-Help Guide
- Car Purchase/Repair Problem: California Department of Consumer Affairs
- Consumer Complaints & Referrals: Better Business Bureau of Northeast CA
- Consumer Fraud or Violations: Shasta County District Attorney | Consumer Protection
- Contractor Problems: California Contractors State License Board
- Criminal Matters: Shasta County District Attorney's Office
- Local Legal Services: Legal Services of Northern California
- Laws in Redding: Redding Municipal Code
