Welcome to the City of Arcata

Citizens can now watch Arcata City Council and Planning Commission meetings live over the Internet, or access past archived meetings at their own convenience. View the Press Release for more details, or get started by watching the April 19, 2006 City Council at the new Meetings – Live and Archived link.

The City of Arcata, incorporated in 1858, is located on California's redwood coast, approximately 760 miles north of Los Angeles and 275 miles north of San Francisco. The nearest seaport is Eureka, five miles south on Humboldt Bay. Arcata is the home of Humboldt State University. The 2000 Census data shows the total population of Arcata at 16,651.

Arcata's weather is typical of the Northern California coast, with mild summers and cool, wet winters. It rarely freezes in the winter and it is rarely hot in the summer. Annual average rainfall is over 40 inches, with 80% of that falling in the six-month period of November through April. The average year-round temperature is 59 degrees. Humidity averages between 72 and 87 percent. Prevailing winds are from the north, and average 5 mph.

Arcata's Community Forest is comprised of approximately 622 acres obtained in several purchases over a 50-year period. This acquisition process culminated in the dedication of the Community Forest in 1955. The forestland was used as a source for the municipal water supply until 1964. Since then it has served many functions including recreation, education, sustainable timber harvesting and wildlife habitat. The forest serves as the headwaters of many of Arcata's urban streams.

The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary is an innovative wetland system built as a cost-effective and environmentally sound wastewater treatment solution. In addition to effectively fulfilling wastewater treatment needs, Arcata's innovative wetland system has provided an inspiring bay view window to the benefits of integrated wetland enhancement and wastewater treatment. Today Arcata's waterfront has been transformed into 100 acres of freshwater and saltwater marshes, brackish ponds, tidal slough and estuaries. As a home or rest stop for over 200 species of birds, the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary has developed a reputation as one of the best birding sites along the Pacific North Coast.

City of Arcata Welcomes New City Council Members

McDaniel Slough Wetland Enhancement Final EIR
(Note: Large file 80MB)

Homeless Service Planning and Arcata Service Center Relocation

Economic Development Strategic Plan

View the Draft of the Implementation Plan: 2006-2010 prepared by the Arcata Community Development Agency.