Housing for All

When talking to community members, one of the main topics of discussion is homelessness and the services provided to our unhoused community. As a member of the city council, I have continuously supported affordable housing options and advocated for inclusionary zoning in the Gateway and General Plans. During my time on Council we have successfully applied for and completed two Project Home Key grants working with Arcata House Partnership and DANCO Communities converting two underutilized hotels into permanent supportive housing. We continue to partner with local service providers to offer services and sheltering.

Our City Council has continuously invested in new and creative options for helping support the unhoused in our community. This includes the creation of the safe parking program using COVID American Rescue Plan Act funds (ARPA) and as Mayor, Adopted a Shelter Crisis designation to support continuation of the safe parking program for residents currently living out of their cars. The program served over 150 individuals this past year and transitioned 60+ into more permanent housing through the program.

During my time as Mayor I strongly supported different housing types to meet the needs of our community. Our Council supported our Community Land Trusts and adopted a homebuyer down payment assistance program. I have also supported tenants through the adoption of the Residential Rental Inspection Program. This program will ensure that our housing stock is safe and sanitary for all tenants.

If reelected I plan to continue to advocate for housing in our community. I hope to work with city staff to continue to lower barriers to produce housing for our community including, continued refinement of form based codes for opportunity zones of the General Plan and to work to develop of pathway for the production of more accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Arcata.

Opening of West Village Studios