Arcata contracts with CUNA to bring beauty, boost biz in Valley West




ARCATA – A successful pilot partnership is blooming into a broader government-community program of engagement and improvement in Valley West.

This week, the City Council may step up the responsibilities, and the funding for Comunidad Unida del Norte de Arcata (CUNA). While CUNA currently manages cleanups of Carlson Park under an Adopt-A-Park agreement, the new contract would step up the group’s involvement for a three-month trial period, from December through February.

Some $15,000 in funding provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) would make possible one full- time employee to pursue several projects.

According to a staff report, CUNA will hold monthly meetings, expand engagement with the Spanish-speaking community, support development of a Valley West-based Main Street business group in coordination with the existing Arcata Main Street, explore expansion of health and social services in partnership with Community Health Worker Collaborative (CUMBRE Humboldt), and pursue community building activities such as weekly park and street cleanups.

CUNA will also publish, distribute and maintain “an appropriate community news outlet for the Valley West area.” This might take the form of social media, a community bulletin board or newsletter delivered door-to-door. The content would also appear on the city’s website.

The City of Arcata will support the CUNA work with the financial support, plus direction, feedback, grant assistance logistical support and more.

Funding for the three-month trial perios will consist of $13,250 for staffing and $1,750 for supplies, totaling $15,000.