Local Politics · Humboldt County
At its Oct. 20 meeting, Humboldt County's Board of Supervisors received a briefing from legislative consultants about potential federal actions affecting local funding. Key concerns included the fate of $750,000 secured by Rep. Jared Huffman for the county's Public Health Lab, which depends on a full budget being finalized before a Dec. 11 continuing resolution expires. Consultants warned that proposed census changes limiting participation to citizens and green card holders could reduce federal funding allocations and congressional representation for California. A $2 billion CalFresh cost shift tied to state payment error rates could ultimately fall on the county, and a new OMB rule would give political appointees greater influence over federal grant decisions.
Local Politics · Fortuna, CA
Fortuna City Manager Amy Nilsen confirmed that Lt. Jason Kadle, a 24-year member of the Fortuna Police Department with a 30-year law enforcement career, has been preliminarily selected as the department's next chief. The appointment is contingent on mutually agreeable terms to be discussed at a closed-session hearing at the Nov. 2 City Council meeting, with an employment agreement expected before the council at its Nov. 16 meeting. Kadle would become FPD's 20th chief, succeeding Interim Chief Matthew Eberhardt, who was appointed in March 2025 and plans to leave by year's end. A badge-pinning ceremony is planned for Dec. 7.
Transportation · Humboldt County
The Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG) is soliciting public feedback on three transit-related surveys, including the PAACT Project (open through Dec. 5), the Coordinated Public Transit–Human Services Transportation Plan (open through Nov. 30), and Unmet Transit Needs (open through Dec. 31). HCAOG has also released a draft Vision Zero Action Plan for public review, with comments accepted through Nov. 9. The plan aims to eliminate traffic fatalities, citing 165 fatal crashes in Humboldt County between 2018 and 2024. Additionally, regional climate efforts are advancing with new hires at the Redwood Coast Energy Authority and city-funded Climate Manager positions.
Local Politics · Arcata, CA
The Arcata City Council meets Wednesday, November 4, at 6 p.m. in its chambers at 736 F Street to hold a public hearing on unmet transit needs as part of the Humboldt County Association of Governments annual survey process. Residents can share how local bus service could be improved or submit comments via email at info@hcaog.net. The council will also consider restructuring city departments, including renaming Engineering and Building to Public Works, absorbing Streets/Utilities/Fleet Management from Environmental Services, and merging the Building division into Community Development. Additionally, several city employees may receive salary adjustments, with department directors getting an immediate 8% increase and mechanics receiving 2.5–4% raises.
