Press release from Stacy Atkins-Salazar:

Arcata City Councilwoman Stacy Atkins-Salazar is announcing her candidacy for re-election to the Arcata City Council. Atkins-Salazar was elected to a four-year term in 2020. During her term, she has served as both Vice-Mayor and Mayor, and as the council liaison to the Homeless and Housing Working Group, Cal Poly Humboldt and for the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Collaborative.

Additionally, Atkins-Salazar represents Arcata on the Humboldt County Association of Government (HCAOG) and has served on its Executive Committee since 2021. She has also served as Humboldt County’s representative on the California County Association of Governments (CALCOG) since 2022. Stacy has represented Arcata at the League of California Cities, Redwood Empire Division since 2022, and currently serves as Second Vice-President.

“Arcata is a beautiful and unique community filled with diverse people who share one very important value; we love our town! With its multitude of parks and natural resources, unique local businesses, a growing university and small-town character, there is so much to appreciate,” says Atkins-Salazar.

Atkins-Salazar was born and raised in Humboldt County. She graduated from Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt) with a master’s degree in psychology. After teaching at College of the Redwoods for several years, she opened a small business in Arcata, which continues to thrive after 24 years. Stacy and her husband, Andy, raised their family in Arcata. In 2020, Stacy ran for city council “to help our community find common ground so that we could navigate the challenges of that difficult time together.”

After serving on council for a while and listening to what the key issues and concerns were, Atkins-Salazar focused her efforts on building affordable housing, growing Arcata’s parks, trails and open spaces, and maintaining and improving the city’s infrastructure and financial stability. Stacy also worked to solve some long-standing issues in the community.

Atkins-Salazar proposed starting a Community Ambassadors Program to address on-going concerns from community members and small business owners in and around the Plaza. She won support from fellow council members and helped design the program which has made a positive impact on the Plaza and downtown area by helping visitors, unhoused people and business owners with a variety of needs while keeping our public spaces clean. Atkins-Salazar would now like to see the program expand to other areas of Arcata, such as Valley West.

Using American Rescue Plan Act funds, in 2022 the city council initiated a Safe Parking Pilot Program and awarded a contract for operations to the Arcata House Partnership. This extremely successful program served families and individuals who were living in their vehicles by giving them a safe place to park while working on their housing goals. Residents had access to charging stations, bathrooms and meals. People participating in the program had access to case management services, assistance with application for benefits and connection/referral to other community resources. Atkins-Salazar supports finding new funding sources to continue this effective program.

Looking towards the next four years, Atkins-Salazar said, “I will continue to consider the struggling climate and our planet in every single decision I make and vote I take.” Stacy will also continue to support policies and programs that will create more affordable housing, protect and grow the city’s parks, trails, open spaces and working agricultural lands and ensure a robust infrastructure during her next term.

“When Stacy first ran for city council, my husband, Glenn, and I asked many questions. Stacy listened respectfully and responded with honesty and sincere conviction. Since 2020, I’ve seen Stacy’s love for Arcata and her desire to serve ALL our community members shine through, as she passionately addresses our community’s economic, environmental, social needs and more! Beyond her countless hours fulfilling council member duties, I often see Stacy fully engaged, listening and supporting our community at CPH and AHS events, community cleanups, festivals, meetings, memorials, vigils, rallies and runs. Stacy’s compassion and dedication to our community serves us well,” said Romi Hitchcock-Tinseth, Faculty, Cal Poly Humboldt, Communication Department.

Third District Humboldt County Supervisor Mike Wilson said, “I’ve had the privilege of working with Stacy on numerous city, county and regional initiatives. Whether addressing affordable housing, climate action or safe streets, Stacy is a dedicated and diligent council member who thoroughly researches and considers diverse perspectives. As a mother, teacher and business owner she demonstrates a profound commitment to fostering a flourishing and welcoming Arcata.”

“Stacy Atkins-Salazar is a rare, extraordinarily skilled leader who fully embodies integrity. Her agenda is all about transparent public service at the highest level. Stacy is a “git-r-done right” person with extraordinary communication skills; she compassionately listens while sharing realities, practical matters and possible solutions regarding any challenge. She builds quality relationships with people in our city, county and state to serve the people of Arcata at the highest capacity. Stacy Atkins-Salazar is a breath of fresh air,” said Jayce Walker, owner, Eco-Groovy Deals in Arcata.

Former State Senator, and current coordinator of Equity Arcata Home Away from Home, Wesley Chesbro said, “Stacy has shown a commitment to continuing and building on what’s great about Arcata, while working to meet the challenges of climate change, affordable housing and sustainable growth.”

“Serving on the Arcata City Council has given me even more appreciation for our community. The diversity of views in Arcata contributes greatly to our strength and I will continue to find common ground in the issues that challenge us,” said Atkins-Salazar. “I am extremely proud of all we have accomplished, and I am enthusiastic to continue working with our community for thoughtful, equitable and climate friendly policies to keep Arcata unique, strong and thriving. I would appreciate your vote on November 5th.”

To learn more about Stacy, please visit ‘Stacy Atkins-Salazar: Arcata City Council’ Facebook page or StacyAtkinsSalazar on Instagram. For questions, to volunteer or set up a meeting email: stacyatkinssalazar@gmail.com.