Efforts are underway to make McKinleyville an incorporated city. Do you believe McKinleyville should have its own municipal government or remain part of unincorporated Humboldt County?

— Eric Taylor

Response

Evan Schwartz

Thanks for your question, Eric. I think Mckinleyville incorporation is a really interesting topic. In 2023 A Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommended that an incorporation feasibility study was necessary to clearly understand what incorporation may look like. I am in favor of supporting that study and exploring reasonable ways to fund it. It should be acknowledged that city incorporation is not a quick, easy, or straightforward process. Humboldt LAFCo (Local Agency Formation Commission) has specific criteria that must be met to pursue incorporation. I encourage you to explore www.humboldtlafco.org/common-questions/ I think the Mckinleyville community wants more local control, and in the meantime it may be gained in other ways. For example, The MCSD earning an advisory role with The Humboldt County Association of Governments is great step in the right direction. It shows that the county is willing to listen to Mckinleyville and consider MCSD insight related to transportation infrastructure decision making. If the math pencils out I have no issues with incorporation and local governance. If the math doesn’t work, I hope the county can continue to work with the MMAC, MCSD, and the sitting Supervisor to understand and serve Mckinleyville’s wants and needs. What are your thoughts on the issue, Eric? Thanks!

 

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