All Humboldt

Arcata residents may soon see significant increases in their water bills to fund critical infrastructure projects, as the City Council reviewed a new rate study on Wednesday. The council also received a report detailing a staggering 71% increase in state-mandated housing goals and controversially approved a contract for an environmental review of the proposed Rogers Garage housing project.

The Arcata Planning Commission has again postponed the adoption of its comprehensive Local Coastal Program (LCP), pushing the decision to February 2026. The delay stems from complex negotiations with the California Coastal Commission over policies for sea level rise adaptation and the regulation of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

The Arcata Fire District Board of Directors is escalating its concerns about the district's capacity to provide emergency services for Cal Poly Humboldt's expanding campus, seeking to leverage a university offer for state-level lobbying. During their October 14 meeting, the board also approved the purchase of a new command vehicle and formally adopted the 2025 California Fire Code.

The Arcata Fire District Board of Directors approved a new three-year labor agreement with its firefighters, featuring annual 4% wage increases. The board also adopted its 2025-26 budget and took steps to address concerns over its ability to service future high-rise developments in Arcata's coastal zone. A significant change to the regional mutual aid agreement, which will delay response from neighboring agencies, was also a key topic of discussion.

The Arcata City Council approved using $300,000 in city funds to begin planning for the 'Reconnect Arcata' project after state funding was cut. The decision followed a debate on fiscal responsibility, while the council also heard extensive public comment urging the establishment of a sister city relationship with Gaza. Additionally, the council issued proclamations for Fire Prevention Week, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Latinx Heritage Month.

The Humboldt County Association of Governments has established a new committee to find long-term funding for the region's popular trail systems. The board also debated and recommended a methodology for allocating state-mandated housing goals among local cities and the county.

The Arcata City Council unanimously approved levying over $10,000 in costs for a nuisance property cleanup and approved a significant contract amendment for the Sunset Avenue interchange project. The brief meeting also featured public comments on campus-related parking shortages and the Israel-Hamas conflict, alongside a presentation from Equity Arcata.

The Arcata Fire Protection District (AFPD) held a special joint meeting with the Arcata City Council to review a comprehensive report assessing community risks and the district's financial health. The meeting, largely focused on a report from AP Triton, did not result in immediate decisions but highlighted concerns about data accuracy and the district's preparedness for future needs.

The Arcata City Council held its regular meeting on September 3, 2025, approving proclamations for International Day of Peace and several awareness months. Significant progress was also reported on the South Arcata Multimodal Safety Improvement Plan (SAMSIP).

The Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG) recently met to discuss the 7th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Determination (RHND) and the Eureka-Arcata Highway 101 Corridor's adaptation plan. Key challenges and next steps were outlined for both crucial initiatives.

The Arcata City Council held its regular meeting on August 20th, 2025, addressing a range of issues including a significant development project, community events, and public concerns about decorum at council meetings. The meeting also featured the recognition of a long-term city employee and the adoption of a proclamation for Suicide Prevention Week.

The Eureka City Council voted 4-1 to pursue legal action to protect city interests during their August 19th meeting. The meeting also featured a presentation on Arcata's successful Residential Rental Inspection Program and announcements of several upcoming community events.

The Arcata Planning Commission approved a crucial easement for the long-awaited Annie and Mary Trail and amended the city's Community Benefits Program, incorporating valuable community feedback. The decisions pave the way for significant improvements to Arcata's infrastructure and community engagement.

The Arcata City Council held its regular meeting on August 6th, 2025, approving a proclamation declaring Arcata a sanctuary city for 2STGI individuals. The meeting also saw passionate public comments regarding housing shortages, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and concerns about city policies.

The Humboldt County Planning Commission denied a parcel map subdivision application in Bayside, citing inconsistencies with the county's General Plan and zoning ordinances. The applicant, Larry Henderson, sought to subdivide inherited property into two smaller lots, but the commission's decision highlighted concerns about compliance with local regulations.

The Arcata Planning Commission approved a use permit for Hounds of Humboldt, a new commercial dog park and tavern, during their July 22nd meeting. The approval comes with conditions addressing noise, waste management, and accessibility. Public comment was overwhelmingly supportive.

The Arcata City Council held its regular meeting on July 16th, 2025, focusing primarily on a potential Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenue-sharing program to boost hotel development. Public comment covered a range of issues, from divestment proposals to concerns about homelessness. The council also approved the Arcata Friday Night Market.

The Arcata Fire District Board of Directors held their monthly meeting on July 8th, approving a new utility vehicle and discussing upcoming collaborations with Humboldt County and the City of Arcata. The meeting also highlighted the contributions of the Arcata Volunteer Fire Association.

The Arcata Planning Commission held its July 8th meeting, electing new leadership and continuing a public hearing on the Arcata Local Coastal Program update to October 14th. The meeting also featured an announcement about an upcoming "Week Without Driving" event.

The Arcata Fire District Board of Directors held their June 10th meeting, highlighting the Arcata Volunteer Fire Association's (AVFA) contributions and recent grant successes. The meeting also included an incident review and updates on upcoming community events.