CITY OF ARCATA
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
STUDY SESSION
AGENDA
Monday, April 6, 2026, 3:30 p.m.
Council Chamber
736 F Street, Arcata
Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget Study Session
Special accommodations for the disabled who attend City meetings can be made in advance by contacting the City Clerk at 822-5953. Assistive listening devices are available. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.5, all writings or documents relating to any item on this agenda which have been provided to a majority of the City Council, including those received less than 72 hours prior to the City Council meeting, will be made available for public inspection in the agenda binder located on the counter in the lobby at Arcata City Hall, 736 F Street, during normal business hours, and on the City's website at www.cityofarcata.org.
PLEASE NOTE: Speakers wishing to distribute materials to the City Council at the meeting are requested to provide 10 copies to the City Clerk.
_____________________________________________________________________________________ How to Observe and Participate in the Meeting:
Observe:
Members of the public can attend the meeting in person.
Public Comment Participation in Person:
Members of the public may attend the meeting in person and give public comment.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
During special meetings, public comment is only taken at the beginning of the meeting. Pursuant to the Brown Act Section 54954.3(a), the public comment period provides an opportunity for people to address the Council only on items that are listed on the Special City Council Meeting Agenda.
5. DISCUSSION
a. Overview of the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget.
b. Provide Direction to Staff on Possible Renewal of Measure G (Existing Three-Quarter Percent Transactions and Use Tax).
c. Review and Revise the City Council's Legislative Platform; Community Support and Sponsorship of Events; Goals; and Priority Projects for the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget.
6. ADJOURNMENT
April 6, 2026 - City Council Agenda
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City of Arcata 2026-2027
Legislative Platform and Procedures
Background
To promote a structured and proactive policy to respond to local, state, regional and federal legislative issues and ceremonial requests, the following Legislative Policies and Procedures will be utilized to assist the Mayor and City Council to generate a consistent voice on issues of concern and interest to the City of Arcata.
Policy Defined
The Legislative Policy provides guidance with respect to legislative priorities and will provide Council and staff with clear direction concerning issues the City will monitor during the legislative session. Legislative inquiries and responses will be administered consistently with “one voice” as to the approved guidance set by City Council.
It is recommended that the City Council, on an annual basis, review the Legislative Guidance Policy with consideration for revisions to reflect current concerns and positions the City Council has taken on previous and proposed future legislative issues.
LEGISLATIVE POLICY
FINANCE
A. State and Federal Mandates
1. Support legislation requiring the State and Federal Government to provide full cost reimbursement to cities for all mandated programs and for all programs resulting in revenue losses.
2. Support legislation that further protects local government revenue from being taken, confiscated, diverted or otherwise used to fund state government operations and responsibilities.
3. Oppose legislation that imposes federally mandated costs for which there is no guarantee of local reimbursement or offsetting benefits.
4. Oppose any measure that mandates procedures that would make local government more dependent on the state for financial stability or reduces local discretion in the use of local government revenues.
B. Long Term Financing of Local Agencies
1. Support legislation and efforts that provides for the collection of internet sales tax and divides internet sales tax based on the point of purchase or sale.
2. Support legislation to stabilize local government financing, to increase funding to local agencies and to permit the most cost-efficient management of state-mandated programs.
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3. Support legislation which preserves and enhances the City’s ability to generate revenues from all types of sales.
4. Support legislation to protect and preserve local control over locally imposed taxes (such as transient occupancy tax and franchise fees).
5. Oppose legislation that shifts revenue from local government to the state for any purpose.
6. Support legislation that enhances the efficacy of Infrastructure Financing Districts and other post RDA legislation.
7. Support legislation that ends or modifies the Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund considering the dissolution of redevelopment law.
PERSONNEL
A. Labor Relations
1. Support legislation that strengthens good faith negotiations between employee organizations and local agencies.
2. Oppose any measure that seeks to impose federal or state mandates on the collective bargaining process.
3. Oppose legislation that mandates cities provide specific benefits, which can be more properly determined through labor negotiations.
4. Oppose any legislation that would reduce local authority to resolve public employee disputes, and support legislation that would preserve court jurisdiction, and/or impose regulations of an outside agency (such as Public Employment Relations Board).
B. Retirement
1. Support measures that would lessen the impact of CalPERS investment losses on employer rates.
2. Support measures related to pensions and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) that would allow cities to better manage the long-term growth of unfunded pension and OPEB liabilities and reduce the risk of fiscal and service level insolvency by cities.
C. Workers’ Compensation
1. Support legislation that would control medical and legal costs related to Workers’ Compensation.
PUBLIC SAFETY
A. Police
1. Support efforts to increase frontline public safety funding for cities to address increases in crime because of Public Safety Realignment and the early release of prisoners.
2. Support legislation to protect the public from the dangerous and improper use of weapons and enact necessary regulations to limit or control their use.
3. Support legislation that would strengthen state graffiti law and provide local government revenue and resources for graffiti abatement.
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4. Support legislation that would protect the public from crimes committed by use of the computer, internet or identity theft.
5. Support legislation that would provide funds for additional technology, equipment, services, or personnel (i.e. COPS bill).
6. Oppose legislation which would weaken the authority of local law enforcement to control the issuance of concealed weapon permits.
7. Support legislation which would provide a greater share of seized assets to localities.
8. Support legislation that would require transfer of information to local officials regarding threats to local safety as threats occur.
9. Advocate for legislation/funding that would take advantage of current technology to prevent crime (i.e. - the ability to use surveillance cameras and automatic license plate recognition technology).
10. Support legislative “fixes” to Proposition 47, AB 109, and the 2011 Corrections Realignment, in order to minimize its impacts on public safety.
11. Support legislation that provides local law enforcement agencies authority to recover any costs associated with complying with any federal, state or court‐ordered licensing, registration and testing requirements.
12. Support legislation that prohibits local law enforcement from contacting members of the public based solely on suspected immigration status and from conducting operations with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel.
13. Support legislation that provides funding or reimbursement for non-bias-based policing, procedural justice, emotional intelligence and police legitimacy training.
14. Support legislation that provides funding or reimbursement for de-escalation training, tactics and equipment.
15. Support legislation that encourages the research, development and implementation of less lethal technology.
16. Support legislation that protects children and provides assistance to families.
17. Support legislation that provides funding and/or reimbursement for police training.
18. Support legislation that provides funding for crime prevention, community engagement and elder abuse awareness.
19. Support legislation that provides funding for continued collaboration between law enforcement, housing experts and mental health clinicians.
20. Support legislation that provides funding and/or reimbursement for awareness, education and enforcement to protect minors from consuming nicotine products and alcohol.
B. Emergency Services/Community Technology
1. Support legislation that provides funding to local agencies for training, disaster preparedness, and emergency planning and operations.
2. Support legislation protecting local discretion regarding building and fire code standards.
3. Support measures that create or maintain local governmental authority as it applies to the cable, video and telecommunications industry and franchising processes.
4. Support rural broadband deployment.
5. Support legislation to preserve Net Neutrality.
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6. Oppose legislation that reduces local government control over cellular technology infrastructure development, installation and deployment.
7. Support legislation that provides additional financial and/or operational support from California State Universities for local fire districts and departments.
TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS
A. Traffic/Roads/Highways /Transit
1. Support legislation to repair and maintain critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges, for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and transit for multimodal transportation emphasizing forms of transportation with lower environmental impacts.
2. Support creative financing to make up for losses in gas taxes due to increased use in electric and hybrid vehicles and lower gas prices.
3. Support state-local partnerships to fund regional transportation projects.
4. Support legislation to retain local control over public rights-of-way.
5. Support legislation that provides equitable amounts of state and federal funding for roads and highways, and facilitates timely construction of local transportation projects.
6. Support legislation that increases total and proportional funding for active transportation and transit.
B. Water/Wastewater
1. Support legislation that protects water quality.
2. Support legislation that provides additional flexibility to increase and stabilize the water supply.
3. Support legislation to provide funding for mitigation measures and projects to divert, filter, or treat urban runoff.
4. Oppose legislation that imposes more stringent requirements on wastewater discharge and storm drain runoff without providing funding.
5. Oppose measures that impose unreasonable or unfunded water testing/treatment requirements.
6. Oppose efforts to mandate a state water public benefits charge unless funds remain within the local community.
7. Support legislation for funding to repair, upgrade and maintain existing critical water and sewer infrastructure
C. Solid Waste and Recycling
1. Support legislation that provides funding and program support to move Arcata towards meeting its goal of zero waste.
2. Support legislation that reduces plastic waste, supports comprehensive restrictions on single use plastic products and packaging, and provides funding and program support for increased recycling standards.
3. Support legislation encouraging active development of markets for recycled and reused goods; promoting the circular economy
4. Support legislation to increase electronics recycling, public education and improved methods for handling household hazardous waste.
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5. Support programs that provide incentives for “green” commercial and residential development.
6. Support legislation for extended producer responsibility, manufacturer responsibility, product stewardship, “right to repair” and truth in packaging and advertising.
ENVIRONMENT / CLIMATE CHANGE
1. Support legislation that encourages locally based models for energy provision and delivery.
2. Support efforts designed to reduce or eliminate the spread of graffiti.
3. Support legislation which allocates state and/or federal funds for the compliance of federal and state environmental standards.
4. Oppose measures that provide only minimal improvements in air and water quality while incurring excessive public and private costs associated with implementation.
5. Oppose legislation that adversely impacts wetlands without an overriding public benefit (e.g., sea level rise protection).
6. Support legislation that seeks to protect creeks, rivers, lakes, waterways and the ocean.
7. Support legislation and other efforts to minimize methane emissions associated with food production and waste and encourage carbon farming.
8. Support programs that provide incentives for “green” commercial and residential development.
Support legislation that provides incentives to individual homeowners and businesses for the installation of solar panels.
9. Support efforts to rebate individual homeowners and businesses for returning excess power back into the grid as a result of owner-generated energy.
10. Support legislation that provides funding and resources for alternative fuel vehicles for the replacement of municipal fleet equipment. Support efforts to provide adequate charging station infrastructure for emerging electric vehicle technology. Support legislation that provides funding and resources for retrofitting municipal buildings to increase energy efficiency.
11. Support legislation that supports conversion of infrastructure towards long-term renewables and away from natural gas dependency.
12. Support for development of local off-shore wind and microgrids.
13. Support legislation that would electrify the rail system.
14. Support legislation that develops incentives and education on trading out and/or upgrading wood heating.
15. Oppose efforts to increase off-shore oil and / or Natural Gas drilling along the California coastline.
16. Support legislation that prohibits the storage, handling and transport of coal and petroleum coke in jurisdictions in Humboldt County including Arcata.
17. Support programs that provide funding and other forms of support for the full build-out of EV charging station networks.
18. Support legislation to address historic and current environmental injustices related to pollution, land use, transportation, and resources.
19. Support legislation to amend the Coastal Act to allow hard and soft armoring solutions to sea level rise where no other feasible option exists.
20. Support legislation that would enable the City to manage and steward additional timberland acres beyond the current 2,500 Non-industrial Timber Management Plan (NTMP) timberland acre limit.
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LAND-USE PLANNING, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, HISTORIC PRESERVATION
1. Encourage federal and state financial support to provide adequate affordable housing for low-income individuals. Specifically support legislation that provides local funding to address homelessness and improves the City’s ability to access funding.
2. Support legislation consistent with the City’s Historical Preservation Element of the General Plan, including state or federal incentive programs, streamlining and grant programs.
3. Support legislation that streamlines walkable infill housing development.
4. Support CEQA reform that streamlines housing and infill development.
5. Support legislation that provides funding mechanisms for long-range planning to meet state goals.
6. Oppose legislation that removes local control on development decisions.
7. Continue to support legislation that supports the City’s past position on regulating and removing billboards.
COMMUNITY/RECREATIONAL/SOCIAL ISSUES
1. Support federal and state funding opportunities for cultural arts programs, libraries, parks, recreation and human service, open space, and facility development/renewal.
2. Support legislation that preserves the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
3. Support legislation that increases access to and affordability of education including vocational, technical and training programs and alternatives to four-year colleges.
4. Support measures that promote volunteerism.
5. Support federal and state funding opportunities that promote the ability to provide public access to technology at community facilities.
6. Support legislation that provides funding and resources for local governments to implement Healthy Cities programs and policies aimed at strengthening families and reducing adverse childhood experiences, obesity, high rates of diabetes, heart disease, and other health conditions.
7. Oppose legislation that would defund and/or shut down Planned Parenthood health centers and/or compromise access to reproductive healthcare.
8. Support State and Federal Universal and/or Single Payer Healthcare programs and legislation.
9. Support legislation that provides resources and/or programs that address substance abuse and harm reduction strategies.
10. Support local, state and federal legislation and actions that protect immigrant rights and provide education and resources so that immigrant families know their rights and how to assert them.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM
1. Support the repeal or modification of the federal prohibition of Marijuana.
2. Oppose legislation and regulatory efforts that would diminish or eliminate the authority of cities to zone and plan for the development of telecommunications infrastructure, including the siting of cellular communications towers or transmission sites.
3. Support legislation that preserves or increases funding for and increases functionality of Housing and Community Development grant programs, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership (HOME) programs as provided by the U.S. Department
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of Housing and Urban Development. Support legislation that expands the eligibility and allowable uses of program funds. Oppose legislation that would reduce funds dedicated to the programs.
4. Support legislation that provides tangible and productive tools and incentives to support job creation and retention. Support legislation that enhances the City’s ability to promote economic development and job creation.
CEREMONIAL RECOGNITION REQUESTS
Certificates of recognition, appreciation and/or achievement that commemorate a person, living or in memory of.
LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURES TRACKING
The City Manager (or designee) will periodically provide updates on important legislative issues and/or those matters that the City has a stated a position on during the Legislative Session.
RESPONSE
When a legislative matter requires action between regular City Council Meetings, the City Manager (through the Mayor) is authorized to take a position on the matter in accordance with the adopted Legislative Policy.
If there are mitigating factors where the Council may want to take a position that varies from the approved Policy, or, if it is a matter that is not inherent in the Policy, the measure shall go to the full City Council for direction.
1. The Mayor and City Manager (or designee) shall review all requests for a Mayor’s letter on legislative issues to determine if the legislation aligns with the existing and approved position through the City’s Legislative Policy.
2. Department Heads shall coordinate the initiation and development of legislative letters with the City Manager (or designee).
3. If the matter aligns with approved Policy, City response shall be supplied in the form of a Mayor’s letter to the legislative body reviewing the bill/measure.
4. If possible, the letter shall include examples of how a bill would specifically affect the City of Arcata e.g. “the funding the City will lose due to this measure could pay for x miles of road rehabilitation.”
5. When a letter is sent to a state or federal legislative body, state legislators representing the City of Arcata shall be included as a courtesy copy “cc” on the letter. The appropriate contact at the League of California Cities and legislative consultants, if applicable, shall also be included as a cc on legislative letters.
6. All letters that are sent under this policy will be cc’d to each Councilmember and posted on the City’s website.
Event or Program Source Organization
City staff led Traffic
Control? FY 2025 FY 2026 Possible FY 2027
Friday Night Markets Council Project Humboldt Made Y $ - $ 7,500 $ 10,000 Shop Local Council Project Humboldt Made - 5,000 -
Valley West Community Projects (via CUNA) Originally ARPA Playhouse Arts 25,000 - - Community Emergency Training Community Support Humboldt CERT Coalition 3,000 - 3,000 Graffiti Removal Community Support Michael Winkler 3,688 1,958 3,700 Fencing Reimbursement H St Improvement Project Community Support Joe Vagle 2,095 - - Kinetic Grand Championship Race: Plaza Event Fees Community Support Kinetic Universe N 1,300 1,300 1,300 Operations and General Support Council Line Item Arcata Chamber of Commerce 50,000 50,000 50,000 Operations and General Support Council Line Item Film Commission 7,500 7,500 7,500 Reusable dishware for public events Community Support Bright & Green - 2,500 3,500 Fairy Festival Community Support Playhouse Arts Y - 2,575 2,575 Oyster Fest* Community Support Arcata Chamber of Commerce Y - - 2,567 4th of July Jubilee** Community Support Arcata Chamber of Commerce Y - - 2,248 Halloween on the Plaza** Community Support Arcata Chamber of Commerce N - - 1,050 Season of Wonder and Light** Community Support Arcata Chamber of Commerce N - - 157 North Country Fair Community Support Same Old People N 1,981 1,981 Obon Festival Community Support HAPI N 572 572 572
Emergency Winter Shelter (pledged and Opioid Funds) Opioid Funds Arcata House Partnership 25,000 217,048 108,524 Our Space (Opioid Funds) Opioid Funds Playhouse Arts 154,669 100,000 AHHA Shower Care-A-Van (Community Showers) Opioid Funds AHHA - - 25,000 $ 118,155 $ 452,603 $ 323,674
*Arcata Chamber of Commerce has requested support for FY 2026 for Oyster Fest **Arcata Chamber of Commerce has requested support for FY 2027 for Oyster Fest, 4th of July Jubilee, Halloween on the Plaza, and Season of Wonder and Light City Manager Recommendations for Funding
City of Arcata City Council
Community Support and Sponsorship of Events
City of Arcata
City Council Goals
Facilities and Infrastructure
Enhance Appearance, Public Safety and Livability of the City • Maintain and improve infrastructure and facilities.
• Improve transportation and circulation systems.
• Improve residents' safety and comfort.
• Encourage community beautification and public art.
Environmental Leadership
Provide Leadership in Environmental Stewardship and Climate Change Preparedness • Increase local energy independence.
• Strive to achieve zero waste.
• Develop non-motorized transportation routes.
• Support open space and ecosystem functions.
• Improve water resource management.
Economic Development
Improve Local Economy and Quality of Life for Residents • Provide additional support for existing and new businesses to grow and expand. • Improve community services for business development.
• Improve linkage between energy needs and resources.
• Support a living wage and encourage investment in workforce satisfaction. • Present a welcoming and inviting Community.
Public Service
Improve the Quality of Service to the Public
• Respond to the needs of our residents.
• Increase opportunities for community engagement.
• Improve technological capabilities of the City.
Resident and Community Health
Support Community Creative and Cultural Life
• Support healthy eating and active living programs.
• Provide recreation opportunities for all residents.
• Support housing opportunities.
• Clean up environmental hazards and encourage City Code compliance. • Support essential human services.
Prepare for Future Needs
Provide Opportunities for Residents and Staff
• Provide leadership developing strategies for climate change. • Use the best available science for future planning.
• Develop long-term plans for sustainability.
City Council Policy Objectives
1. Develop policies and support community organizations that provide services that improve the quality of life in Arcata and events that promote Arcata as a “livable community.”
2. Maintain benefits, labor standards, and improve workplace safety and conditions for City Employees.
3. Promote an energy efficient and pedestrian friendly transportation web between neighborhoods emphasizing pedestrian, bicycle, and alternative modes of transportation.
4. Promote efficient use of energy and use of renewable energy in buildings, facilities and infrastructure in Arcata.
5. Implement the Capital Improvements Program to City infrastructure.
6. Strengthen partnerships Maintain strong working relationships with Humboldt State University, Cal Poly Humboldt, College of the Redwoods, local schools, civic and professional organizations.
7. Address expanding land management needs including updating Forest Management Plan and Non-Industrial Timber Management Plan.
8. Develop strategies in response to the changing needs of youth, teens, students, families and seniors.
9. Maximize opportunities for public participation and civic engagement.
10. Collaborate with other jurisdictions and non-profits to maximize regional effectiveness and increase funding opportunities.
11. Maintain contacts and open communication with representatives at various State and Federal levels.
12. Incorporate smart growthinnovative technology, design, principles and practices in the advancement of a sustainable city.
City of Arcata: FY 2025-26 6-27
Draft Arcata City Council Priority Projects for 20265-276 Fiscal Year
1. Coordinate a regional Homelessness Reduction Strategy framework identifying initial priority benchmarks to provide or continue to shelter those who are or may become homeless.
a. Continue to support the regional efforts to provide solutions to homelessness, including supporting cold weather shelter services, participating in the Homeless Services Working Group, and collaborating with local service providers and neighboring agencies to leverage resources and reduce duplicate services.
b. Seek additional support for the Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program. c.b. Continue to seek funding for housing rehabilitation and remodeling rental assistance programs to assist residents in staying in their homes and preventing them from becoming homeless.
d.c.Consider adopting tenant and eviction protection policies and regulations. Coordinate with, working with Legal Services, and other resources. Collaborate with equity arcata, and Cal Poly Humboldt housing, and student groups to inform students about housing resources and rightstenants.
2. Valley West Improvements & Programming
a. Work with the community to build programming for the Valley West community center and complete the long-term operational planning considering this and other sites. Valley West Community Center Assessment was completed. Recreation has hosted programming throughout Valley West including Camp Carlson during the summer and Hoop Nights at Valley West Park. b. Focus public safety on the neighborhood meeting priorities of trespassing/loitering, narcotic activity, vacant properties and encampments and coordinate enforcement of nuisance properties. Consider flashing crosswalk(s). Community Ambassadors have expanded work into Valley West. The City continues to partner with New Directions for monitoring of Carlson Park. c. Continue to support and enhance business activity in the Valley West Neighborhood.
3. Look for opportunities to collaborate with Humboldt County and local jurisdictions/non-profits to increase mental health and social services.
4. Public Safety
a. Continue to support and expand programs that provide an alternative response to crises other than policing. Seek long-term funding strategies and 24-hour emergency crisis response for adults and youth. b. Re-establish the Public Safety Committee and provide additional oversight duties. c.b.Initiate and implement Opioid prevention programs, including education programs, and projects to benefit those affected by substance use disorder..
d.c.Implement ordinance banning the sale of nitrous oxide. Focus public safety on the neighborhood meeting priorities of trespassing/loitering, narcotic activity, vacant properties and encampments and coordinate enforcement of nuisance properties.
Consider flashing crosswalk(s).
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City of Arcata: FY 2025-26 6-27
e.d. Continue to clean up public spaces, remove illegal camps and debris, and actively discourage camping in City parks and green spaces and continue to work with community partners and volunteers to monitor and clean up public property. . The City continues to partner with New Directions for active monitoring and clean up of public property. f. Consider coordinating with other jurisdictions to implement a ban on disposable vaporizers. g.e.IEvaluate the role and reporting structure for Community Ambassadors. Consider transitioning the program to more emphasis on citywide trash and debris cleanup.Identify and implement new ways to improve alternative response to crisis and consider initiating a program to engage the Community Ambassadors to work with county and other crisis response providers. h.f. Coordinate with theSupport Humboldt Transit Authority to identify implement programs and policies to keep City bus stops clean and accessible to the ridership.
g. Seek outside funding and support to continue the Juvenile Diversion Officer position
5. Continue Government Relationship growth with local Tribal Governments by seeking to strengthen relationships with tribal governments and identify ways to honor and build awareness of Wiyot history and language. The City partnered with and contracted with the Wiyot Tribe to design and implement bilingual interpretive signage at Carlson Park celebrating Wiyot cultural lifeways and highlighting the Soulatluk language.
6. Economic Development Strategies
a. Complete an Economic Development Strategic Plan and identify programs and projects to implement the plan.. b. Promote business and tourism: Identify funding source(s) to advertise Arcata as a great place to shop; support visitarcata.com and regional marketing around student alumni successes locally. Collaborate with the Chamber, Humboldt Made, Cal Poly Humboldt (staff and student interns) and other local tourism organizations. c. Develop public/private partnerships to support and encourage development projects. d. Market and sell vacant Alder Grove Industrial Park parcels. e. Develop schedule and plan for Happy Valley business park development. f. Initiate project to develop wayfinding and placemaking for Downtown and Valley West. g. Develop an Economic Development program with staff support that includes implementation of Economic Strategic Plan goals, City Council goals, and other priority projects.
7. Prioritize Future Planning
a. Finalize redevelopment planning and Surplus Land Act process for Happy Valley and Little Lakes Properties. b. Implement SB 1383 and new franchise agreement for solid waste and organic recycling services. The City continues to work in partnership with other local Humboldt County jurisdictions to refine a new franchise agreement with Recology and cost proposal for fair and efficient services. Staff anticipate the franchise agreement coming before the Council in spring 2026. c. Complete a condition and needs assessment for the long termlong-term maintenance and replacement of city facilities.
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City of Arcata: FY 2025-26 6-27
8. Implement the Arcata Arts Strategic Plan by working with existing arts efforts established in the community. a. Continued engagement with the arts and culture community to identify ways to bring art into the community. If additional funding is identified, complete a third call for arts in the Arts around Arcata program. The third Call for Art was released in winter 2026 with implementation anticipated in spring 2026. City and Playhouse Arts staff provided a three-year review of the Arcata Strategic Arts Plan to Council in fall 2025.
9. Climate Change and Climate Adaptation
a. AFinalize, adopt and begin implementation of the regional Climate Action Plan (CAP). The Regional Climate Action Plan has been completed and is anticipated to go before the Council for potential adoption and identify sources of funding to implement mitigation projects.
b. Implement the Arcata Sea Level Rise Adaptation Pathways Plan Project, funded through an Ocean Protection Council grant, and continue to pursue funding for additional analyses, Continue sea level rise adaptation planning and implementation strategies including research, analysis, project implementation and strategic property acquisition to support long term climate change adaptation. Completed the Arcata Sea Level Rise Risk & Vulnerability Assessment, completion of the Arcata Wastewater Treatment Facility Long Term Feasibility Study anticipated at the end of March, grant awarded from the Ocean Protection Council to develop an Arcata SLR Adaptation Pathways Plan, and another grant is being written to develop potential adaptation designs for the Butcher Slough/South H Street neighborhood.
c. Continue Ddevelopment of the Climate Resiliency Pipeline Framework, a climate resiliency a pipeline of projects to cohesively synthesize citywide efforts and leverage potential funding sources. An initial climate resiliency pipeline of projects has been developed and is informing projects proposed for the Capital Improvement Program.
10. Parks and Trails Improvements
a. Finalize agreements and licenses and beginComplete construction of the Arcata Annie Mary Trail (A&M) between Sunset Avenue and the Mad River. Construction is well underway along the entire 3.5 mile trail corridor, and the first trail segment between the Arcata Skate Park and the new Hinarr Hu Moulik Cal Poly dorms was completed in fall 2025. b. Implement accessible perimeter trail around the Ennes Park ExpansionConsider areas for increased public access to garbage and recycling cans and sharps disposal within City properties. Ongoing. c. Construct storage shed at Carlson Park to facilitate summer camp programming and special event rentalsPilot the opening of restrooms at Redwood Park during park visiting hours and assess if a Portland Loo style bathroom is a more appropriate facility.
Exterior restroom at Redwood Park have been opened to the public. d. Implement basketball court improvements at Redwood Park. Currently in the design phase with implementation planned for fall 2026.
11. Safe Streets: Transit and Alternative Transportation Systems a. Develop conceptual Implement alternatives for safety improvements on K Street between 8th and 12th Streets to slow traffic and improve safety at crossings.
City of Arcata: FY 2025-26 6-27
12. Proactively maintain a strong partnership with Cal Poly Humboldt focused this year on:
Maintain regular communication with Cal Poly Humboldt through quarterly liaison meetings and identify opportunities to create a sense of community and better understand the needs of the student population in regard to housing and transportation.
13. Update the City’s website to be accessible and compliant with current regulations and incorporate language translation tools.Explore options to support Spanish translation of Council meetings including agendas as needed. Staff
14. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
a. Continue implementing the MOU for Equity Arcata with Cal Poly Humboldt and improve connection between the University, the City and the Community.Coordinate efforts of the Arcata Chinatown Project. b. Coordinate efforts to complete the Arcata Chinatown Project.
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City of Arcata: FY 2026-27
Draft Arcata City Council Priority Projects for 2026-27 Fiscal Year
1. Coordinate a regional Homelessness Reduction Strategy framework identifying initial priority benchmarks to provide or continue to shelter those who are or may become homeless.
a. Continue to support the efforts to provide solutions to homelessness, including supporting cold weather shelter services, participating in the Homeless Services Working Group, and collaborating with local service providers and agencies to leverage resources. b. Continue to seek funding for housing rehabilitation and rental assistance programs to assist residents in staying in their homes and preventing them from becoming homeless.
c. Consider adopting tenant eviction protection policies and regulations. Coordinate with Legal Services, equity arcata, Cal Poly Humboldt housing, and student groups to inform tenants.
3. Look for opportunities to collaborate with Humboldt County and local jurisdictions/non-profits to increase mental health and social services.
4. Public Safety
a. Continue to support and expand programs that provide an alternative response to crises other than policing. Seek long-term funding strategies and 24-hour emergency crisis response for adults and youth. b. Initiate and implement Opioid prevention programs, including education programs, and projects to benefit those affected by substance use disorder.
c. Focus public safety on the neighborhood meeting priorities of trespassing/loitering, narcotic activity, vacant properties and encampments and coordinate enforcement of nuisance properties. Consider flashing crosswalk(s). d. Continue to clean up public spaces, remove illegal camps and debris, and actively discourage camping in City parks and green spaces and continue to work with community partners and volunteers to monitor and clean up public property. e. Identify and implement new ways to improve alternative response to crisis and consider initiating a program to engage the Community Ambassadors to work with county and other crisis response providers. f. Support Humboldt Transit Authority to implement programs and policies to keep bus stops clean and accessible to the ridership. g. Seek outside funding and support to continue the Juvenile Diversion Officer position
5. Continue Government Relationship growth with local Tribal Governments by seeking to strengthen relationships with tribal governments and identify ways to honor and build awareness of Wiyot history and language.
6. Economic Development Strategies
a. Complete an Economic Development Strategic Plan and identify programs and projects to implement the plan.
City of Arcata: FY 2026-27
b. Promote business and tourism: Identify funding source(s) to advertise Arcata as a great place to shop; support visitarcata.com and regional marketing around student alumni successes locally. Collaborate with the Chamber, Humboldt Made, Cal Poly Humboldt (staff and student interns) and other local tourism organizations. c. Develop public/private partnerships to support and encourage development projects. d. Market and sell vacant Alder Grove Industrial Park parcels. e. Develop schedule and plan for Happy Valley business park development. f. Initiate project to develop wayfinding and placemaking for Downtown and Valley West. g. Develop an Economic Development program with staff support that includes implementation of Economic Strategic Plan goals, City Council goals, and other priority projects.
7. Prioritize Future Planning
a. Finalize redevelopment planning and Surplus Land Act process for Happy Valley and Little Lakes Properties. b. Implement SB 1383 and new franchise agreement for solid waste and organic recycling services. c. Complete a condition and needs assessment for the long-term maintenance and replacement of city facilities.
8. Implement the Arcata Arts Strategic Plan by working with existing arts efforts established in the community. a. Continued engagement with the arts and culture community to identify ways to bring art into the community. If additional funding is identified, complete a third call for arts in the Arts around Arcata program.
9. Climate Adaptation
a. Adopt the regional Climate Action Plan (CAP) and identify sources of funding to implement mitigation projects. b. Implement the Arcata Sea Level Rise Adaptation Pathways Plan Project, funded through an Ocean Protection Council grant, and continue to pursue funding for additional analyses, project implementation and strategic property acquisition to support long term climate change adaptation.
c. Continue development of the Climate Resiliency Pipeline Framework, a pipeline of projects to cohesively synthesize citywide efforts and leverage potential funding sources.
10. Parks and Trails Improvements
a. Complete construction of the Arcata Annie Mary Trail (A&M) between Sunset Avenue and the Mad River. b. Implement accessible perimeter trail around the Ennes Park Expansion c. Construct storage shed at Carlson Park to facilitate summer camp programming and special event rentals d. Implement basketball court improvements at Redwood Park.
11. Safe Streets: Transit and Alternative Transportation Systems a. Implement alternatives for safety improvements on K Street between 8th and 12th Streets to slow traffic and improve safety at crossings.
City of Arcata: FY 2026-27
13. Update the City’s website to be accessible and compliant with current regulations and incorporate language translation tools.
14. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
a. Continue implementing the MOU for Equity Arcata with Cal Poly Humboldt and improve connection between the University, the City and the Community.
b. Coordinate efforts to complete the Arcata Chinatown Project.