Do you live in Arcata, or in Eureka’s Second or Fourth Ward? Are you interested in serving in your local government, helping make important decisions that affect your town? The cities of Arcata and Eureka remind you that there are multiple council seats opening and urge you to consider running in the general election on November 3.

Two seats will be opening on Eureka’s City Council — for Ward Two (currently held by Heidi Messner) and Ward Four (currently held by Austin Allison). Only one person, Humboldt County Planner Liza Welsh, has officially announced plans to run as a Fourth Ward candidate.

The only requirement to run for Eureka City Council is that you must be a resident and registered voter in the ward in which you intend to run. The nomination period begins on Monday July 13 and ends August 7.

You can find more information on how to run in this City of Eureka press release:

Residents of the City of Eureka will have an opportunity to serve and help shape the direction of their community by pursuing one of the two upcoming vacancies on the City Council. During this coming November 3, 2020, statewide general election, there will be two (2) seats for the office of City Council Member up for election.

The nomination period for Eureka City Council candidates begins Monday July 13, 2020 through Friday, August 7, 2020. Forms are available at the opening of the nomination period on July 13, 2020. It takes approximately one hour to review the information with the City Clerk. Due to COVID-19 building restrictions, appointments are required.

To be eligible to become a candidate, you must be a registered voter and resident of Wards two (2) or four (4). Ward information is available on-line at “ward maps” or by calling the City Clerk’s Office. Elected Councilmembers receive a stipend of $500 per month. Regular Council meetings are held twice per month on the first and third Tuesdays with special meetings and workshops held as needed. As a member of the City Council, those elected will have a hand in developing the city’s policies, approving ordinances and resolutions, making land-use decisions, and hearing appeals on decisions made by City commissions/committees. Additionally, councilmembers represent the City as a liaison at various regional boards, commissions, and joint power authorities (JPA’s) to which they are assigned as well as represent the City at numerous functions.

Interested Eureka residents can view the entire Candidate Nomination Packet on-line to review the nomination forms and information.

Serving on the City Council provides a rewarding opportunity to help shape the future of Eureka and members of the Council come from all walks of life with a common desire to represent and serve their community.

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In Arcata, three city council seats will be up for election in November. Two of those seats are currently held by council members Paul Pitino and Michael Winkler. Previous council member Susan Ornelas left another seat open  when she resigned in March.

No one has yet announced plans to run for Arcata City Council. So, what are you waiting for? Come on, folks. Let’s make these races interesting!

More information can be found in this City of Arcata press release about the general election:

The City of Arcata will hold a general municipal election on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Three seats on the Arcata City Council will be up for election, and two measures will be included on the ballot.

The City Council adopts laws and sets policies to guide the City Manager and City staff in City operations. City Council members attend two regular City Council meetings each month in addition to other special meetings and study sessions, and other monthly meetings of various regional agency partners.

Nomination papers for the City Council seats will be available beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, July 13, 2020 through Friday, August 7. Nomination papers may be received electronically upon request by emailing the City Clerk at bdory@cityofarcata.org or by calling (707) 825-2103. Nomination papers may also be picked up at the City Manager’s Office in City Hall, located at 736 F Street.

Qualifications for individuals who wish to run for a seat on the Arcata City Council include that they must be at least 18 years old, must live within Arcata city limits, and are registered to vote at their Arcata residence address. Nominees must also obtain at least 20, but no more than 30, signatures of registered voters who reside within Arcata city limits and are registered to vote at their Arcata residence.

Two City ballot measures to be voted on at the November 2020 General Election include a measure to increase the City’s cap on affordable housing, and a measure to approve an annual parcel tax of $37 to fund the improvement and maintenance of Arcata’s City parks, trails and open spaces.

Primary arguments for or against a ballot measure must be received by the City Clerk by Friday, July 17, with rebuttal arguments due on Tuesday, July 28. For more information on requirements for submitting an argument for or against a ballot measure, please contact the City Clerk by email at bdory@cityofarcata.org or by calling (707) 825-2103.

For more information, please visit ​cityofarcata.org​ ​or call (707) 822-5953.