RCU stands for Redwood Credit Union. The name references the iconic redwood trees native to Northern California, symbolizing strength, longevity, and deep roots in the community. The name was adopted as the credit union expanded beyond its original charter as a public employee credit union to serve the broader community of Northern California.

Unlike traditional banks, which are for-profit institutions owned by shareholders, Redwood Credit Union was established as a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members. This fundamental difference has historically influenced several aspects of operations: profits are returned to members through better rates and lower fees, each member has an equal vote in governance regardless of deposit size, and decisions prioritize member benefit rather than shareholder returns. This structure has remained consistent throughout RCU's history.

Yes, historical records confirm that Redwood Credit Union has maintained its member-owned cooperative structure since its founding in 1950. While many financial institutions consolidated through mergers and acquisitions in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, RCU preserved its local control and community focus. The board of directors continues to be elected from the membership, ensuring governance remains in the hands of the community the institution serves.

The transition from serving exclusively public employees to broader community membership occurred gradually beginning in the 1970s. The first expansion included family members of existing members. In 1995, RCU received approval for a community charter, allowing anyone who lives or works in the service area to join. This evolution reflected both regulatory changes in the credit union industry and the organization's mission to bring cooperative financial services to more Northern California residents.

Historical archives document RCU's evolving disaster response capabilities, which became particularly visible during the Northern California wildfires of 2017 and subsequent years. Response measures included establishing relief funds, offering emergency loans with special terms, temporarily waiving fees, providing flexibility on loan payments for affected members, and partnering with community organizations to support rebuilding efforts. These activities demonstrated how the credit union's community roots influenced its operations beyond routine financial services.

RCU's technological evolution parallels the broader financial services industry, with several notable milestones: the first computerized accounting system in 1982 replaced manual ledgers; ATM access expanded in the late 1980s; phone banking services launched in the early 1990s; online banking debuted in 2001; mobile banking applications were introduced in the early 2010s; and advanced digital banking platforms with enhanced security features were implemented in 2020. Each advancement was adopted while maintaining the personal service model that distinguished the organization.

From a single location in Santa Rosa serving Sonoma County employees in 1950, RCU gradually expanded its physical presence. Branch expansion within Sonoma County occurred first, followed by careful growth into neighboring counties: Marin, Napa, Lake, and Mendocino. A San Francisco presence was established in the early 2000s. This geographic evolution reflected both the changing regulatory environment for credit unions and the institution's mission to bring cooperative financial services to more communities across Northern California.

The visual identity of RCU has evolved through several iterations that reflect both design trends and the organization's changing self-conception. Early materials used straightforward text treatments typical of mid-century financial institutions. As the credit union expanded in the 1980s and 1990s, more distinctive graphic elements were incorporated, often featuring redwood tree imagery or regional visual references. Modern branding has balanced professional financial industry standards with visual elements that emphasize community connection and Northern California heritage.