Business Item 5b
STAFF REPORT
City Council Business Item
DATE: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Kaylyn Stainbrook, Parks & Recreation Director
THROUGH: Amy Nilsen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Public Hearing for Unmet Transit Needs
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Hold a Public Hearing for the Unmet Transit Needs in collaboration with Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG) and forward Council Meeting recording link to HCAOG for Public Comment Review.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG) is a Joint Powers Agency composed of the County of Humboldt and Cities of Fortuna, Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Ferndale, and Rio Dell. HCAOG is responsible for allocating specific public funds for transportation improvements.
Annually, HCAOG evaluates the adequacy of local transportation by requesting local agencies conduct an Unmet Transit Needs Public Hearing. One of HCAOG’s Committees, the Social Services Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC), then evaluates any public comment and input. If the SSTAC determines a finding meets specific criteria, HCAOG will allocate funding to address the unmet transit need prior to allocating funds to other local non-transit projects (ex. streets/roads projects). If it is determined that there are no unmet transit needs that meet the criteria, agencies may then expend excess funds for nontransit purposes.
Attached it HCAOG’s synopsis regarding the Unmet Transit Needs Assessment, including their complete assessment process and criteria.
City of Fortuna’s transit service, Fortuna Transit, is a curb-to-curb paratransit service, serving individuals who reside within city limits and are either 50+ years old or have a disability. Currently, Fortuna Transit provides pre-scheduled rides Monday through Friday between 8:30am – 4:00pm based on availability.
In addition to Fortuna Transit, City of Fortuna also compensates Humboldt Transit Authority’s Redwood Transit System (RTS) in order to include several Fortuna stops in their fixed routes.
Business Item 5b
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No immediate financial impact. Funding for any additional service recommendations or unmet transit needs would need to be paid for from fares, other transit subsidies, or other revenue sources.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
1. Receive staff presentation and review Council questions with staff.
2. Open the Public Hearing.
3. Close the Public Hearing.
4. Motion to forward the Council Meeting recording link to HCAOG for public comment review. Voice Vote.
ATTACHMENTS:
• HCAOG’s Synopsis: Citizen Participation Process for Transit Needs Assessment