Emily Sinkhorn | Photo from City of Arcata

Press release from the City of Arcata:

The City of Arcata has selected Emily Sinkhorn as the City’s new Environmental Services Director. Sinkhorn will oversee Arcata’s Environmental Services Department which encompasses the City’s parks, natural resources, facilities, recreation, streets, utilities, water and wastewater divisions.

Sinkhorn has a depth of experience in watershed restoration, climate change, forestry, alternative transportation, grant development and community engagement. She most recently served as the Director of the Natural Resources Services Division of Redwood Community Action Agency, overseeing programs that restore local watersheds, promote active living and support community-led change.

Of Emily Sinkhorn’s appointment, City Manager Karen Diemer noted that, “Ms. Sinkhorn’s proven track record of environmental stewardship, experience delivering completed projects through public engagement, commitment to ending racial disparities in local government, and her dedication to ensuring core public services are supported stood out from a pool of very qualified applicants. I am excited to see Arcata’s Environmental Services legacy grow through Emily’s leadership.”

Sinkhorn has a strong compass focused on environmental stewardship and its connection to community health, and as Arcata’s new Director of Environmental Services she, “looks forward to strengthening community partnerships to address climate change, zero waste strategies, active transportation and improving public spaces and infrastructure.” When asked about her current outlook she shared, “I am looking forward to working with the Environmental Services team, and I am committed to maintaining the collaborative, long-term view the City has built while also prioritizing practical projects to address climate change, complex environmental problems and issues of equity that often disproportionately impact the most vulnerable in our community.”

Emily Sinkhorn graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, and has a Masters of Science in Forest Ecology from Oregon State University. She has spent many years volunteering for local environmental and community organizations including the Bigfoot Trail Alliance, the Humboldt Bay Trail Fund Working Group, McKinleyville Land Trust, Greenwheels, Humboldt Roller Derby and the Humboldt Folklife Society.

Emily’s work as Arcata’s Director of Environmental Services will commence following ratification of her employment contract at the City Council Meeting taking place virtually on Wednesday, April 21 at 6 p.m. Please visit cityofarcata.org for instructions on how to view the meeting.