I am running for a position on the Arcata City Council to keep Arcata affordable for everyone, restore public safety, improve the local economy, and protect the financial well-being of our working families and students.
I remain dedicated to the quality of life in Arcata, fighting to keep our neighborhoods from being rezoned from low density to high density Four-story buildings. The best approach to urban design when increasing density in single-family low-density neighborhoods involves a multifaceted strategy that prioritizes community needs and character while promoting sustainable growth. It’s essential to integrate ‘missing middle’ housing, which offers diverse housing options like duplexes, townhouses, and small apartment buildings that fit seamlessly into existing neighborhoods. This approach maintains the character and scale of the area while providing more housing units.
Additionally, incorporating design guidelines that ensure new developments are contextually appropriate and enhance the neighborhood’s fabric is crucial. For example, the redevelopment of McGraw Square at Queen Anne in Seattle https://www.dahlingroup.com/projects/mcgraw-square-at-queen-anne demonstrates how to increase residential density without compromising the historic character of the neighborhood. Moreover, zoning reforms, such as allowing accessory dwelling units and adjusting height restrictions, can create more inclusive and diverse communities.
It’s also beneficial to provide shared amenities and ensure connectivity to the city center to promote a vibrant, walkable community. Ultimately, the goal is to create urban spaces that are not only denser but also livable, equitable, and visually appealing. In every neighborhood.
My goals and visions for the future of the City of Arcata are the following.
-Environmental Justice in Local Planning and Sustainable Development
-City Planning and Infrastructure
-Housing Affordability, and Transparent Governance
I will use my professional experience and educational background in environmental and architectural design to create a vibrant urban city plan for Arcata.