Vacancies & Applications

Volunteer members of City Committees help shape Arcata's future. Committee members to advise the City Council on a variety of topics including general fund spending, economic development, trail and road maintenance, transportation, historic landmarks, sustainable agriculture, public safety and police services.


Qualifications to Serve on a City Committee

Arcata residents and those who live or work in the Arcata Planning Area are eligible to apply for a seat on a City Committee. Unless it is otherwise noted under specific sections for each committee in Title II, Chapter 3 of the Arcata Municipal Code, most City committees have 7 members. No less than 5 members must be Arcata residents and the remaining 2 members must live or work in the Arcata Planning Area.


To check your residential status, please review the documents below:


If you have questions regarding your residential status or about your eligibility to apply for a seat on a City Committee, please call 707-822-5953 for assistance.

Current Vacancies


There are currently several open seats on City Commissions/Committees including:


  • Planning Commission
  • Economic Development Committee 
  • Public Safety Committee
  • Transactions & Use Tax Oversight Committee
  • Wetlands and Creeks Committee
  • Parks and Recreation Comittee

Please click here for more information or to apply.

Community members who wish to apply to serve on a committee that has no open vacancies are encouraged to fill out this general application form and mail or deliver it to:


Attn: Commissions & Committees

Arcata City Manager's Office

736 F Street

Arcata, CA 95521


You will be notified when a vacancy arises.


For more information regarding upcoming 2022 vacancies on City committees, please review the document below:


Committee Appointments

The Arcata City Council interviews all qualified committee applicants, and a majority vote of the Council is required to be appointed as a member of a City Committee.


Staff Liaison

A City Staff Liaison is appointed by the City Manager to assist each Committee with carrying out their roles and to ensure protocol is followed as defined by the following: