Do you live in the county’s unincorporated areas — like, McKinleyville, Cutten or anywhere farther out in the boonies? Do you want to offer input on whether/why/how you’d like to see new housing in your community?

Then you might want to check out one of this press release from the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department:

The Humboldt County Planning & Building Department is in the process of updating a document called the Humboldt County Housing Element, which identifies current and future housing needs and sets goals, policies and standards to preserve, improve and develop housing in the unincorporated areas of Humboldt County.

The Humboldt County Housing Element was last updated in 2019 and it currently serves as a blueprint for housing production, affordability, zoning updates and more in unincorporated Humboldt County through 2027. State law requires cities and counties to update their housing elements every five to eight years, and the county’s next housing element update will be due in July 2027.

While the Planning & Building Department takes on the process of updating this document over the next year, the county wants to hear from its residents. You will have the opportunity to provide input during a series of in-person community workshops to be held soon in locations across the county.

How to Attend

Upcoming community workshops to discuss the Humboldt County Housing Element update with the community will take place in:

  • Eureka on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at the Wharfinger Building in the Bay Room, located at 1 Marina Way.

  • Willow Creek on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at the Willow Creek Community Services District Board Room, located at 135 Willow Rd.

  • Garberville on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at the Garberville Public Library, located at 715 Cedar St.

  • McKinleyville on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at the McKinleyville Municipal Advisory Committee meeting in Azalea Hall, located at 1608 Pickett Rd.

All meetings will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., except the McKinleyville Municipal Advisory Committee meeting, which may run until 9 p.m. Workshops will include a brief presentation followed by a Q&A to gather community input on housing needs, barriers to housing access, fair housing strategies and the effectiveness of the previous housing element. All interested community members are encouraged to attend and share their thoughts.

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access to all county programs, services and activities through the provision of accommodations for individuals with qualified disabilities as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With 72 hours prior notice, a request for reasonable accommodation for these meetings can be made by calling 707-268-3737.

To receive community meeting updates or ask questions about the 2027 Humboldt County Housing Element update, please email mholtermann@co.humboldt.ca.us or call 707-268-3737 for more information.

For more information about Humboldt County’s 2027 Housing Element update, please visit HumboldtGov.org/2027HousingElementUpdate.