Housing Division

Housing Programs

A variety of housing opportunities in the city of Arcata is a primary goal of the City Council. The Housing Division has been successful in applying for and obtaining grant funding to provide affordable housing opportunities in Arcata. The Housing Division also collaborates with the Planning Division to assist developers of affordable and market rate housing projects.

Housing programs offered vary depending on grant funds that are available at the time. Current programs support the following:

  • A range of housing choices, including affordable housing for individuals and groups;
  • Infill development in vacant, brownfield, and underutilized land;
  • Creation of residential units on upper floors of businesses; 

Most housing programs are open to applicants who meet State income qualification guidelines. Income limits are determined by the CA Department of Housing and Community Development.

Affordable Housing in Arcata

Click here for a list of Affordable Housing resources in Arcata.

Census 2020Census 2020 Opens in new window

You can make a difference for Arcata by simply completing a nine question survey!

Participating in the Census survey helps determine dollars that fund important programs for the next 10 years.

  1. Online:  https://my2020census.gov
  2. Phone:  844-330-2020
  3. Mail: Return your paper Census form you received in the mail
  1. Temporary Restrictions on Evictions
  2. Homebuyers Assistance
  3. Mobilehome Parks
  4. Housing Projects
  5. Housing Element
  6. Substandard Housing

Temporary Restrictions on Evictions Due to Non-Payment of Rent During the COVID-19 Emergency

Based on the Governor’s Executive Order N-28-20 that granted authority to local governments to limit a landlord’s ability to evict tenants during the COVID-19 emergency, the City Council passed Urgency Ordinance No. 1532 that outlines restrictions on evictions here in Arcata. This Ordinance would prohibit a residential, mobilehome, or commercial eviction under the following conditions:

  1. The tenant provided written notice to the landlord before the rent was due (and simultaneous notification to the City).
  2. The tenant provided to the landlord verification that they (any their co-signer if applicable) experienced:

    • A substantial decrease in household or business income caused by i) a layoff; ii) a reduction in the number of compensable hours of work; iii) substantial out-of-pocket medical expenses; or, iv) a substantial decrease in business income caused by a reduction in opening hours or consumer demand; or v. a substantial decrease in household or business income caused by the need to provide childcare due to school closures or to care for an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 and 
    • The decrease in household or business income or the out-of-pocket medical expenses described in subparagraph (1) was caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, or by any local, state, or federal government response to COVID-19; and
  3. Demonstrate that the decrease in household or business income has not been adequately offset by unemployment insurance, a government COVID-19 stipend, government-sponsored loan or grant financing, or similar COVID-19 financial support; and
  4. Pay the portion of rent that the tenant is able to pay.
  5. The Ordinance terminates on May 31st, 2020 and requires a repayment period of unpaid rent within 90 days from May 31st, 2020.

The City Council meeting in which this Ordinance was passed can be viewed through our website.

Questions about the Temporary Eviction Restrictions

Questions about the temporary restrictions on evictions can be directed to the City Manager’s Office at CityMgr@CityofArcata.org or #707-822-5953.