With the help of technical assistance providers funded by the California Strategic Growth Council’s California Climate Investments Technical Assistance program (CCI TA), Arcata 30th Street Commons became the first tribal led project funded by California Climate Investments through the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program. The project, proposed by the Yurok Indian Housing Authority (YIHA), earned a $11.4 million award and exemplifies how a strong vision, combined with partnership, technical assistance, and investment can help transform an under resourced community.
When the Yurok Indian Housing Authority and the city of Arcata decided to pursue AHSC funding, they sought support through the California Strategic Growth Council’s CCI TA program to bring their project to fruition. The California Coalition for Rural Housing — a technical assistance provider for the AHSC program — leveraged its relationships and experience working with Tribal Governments and rural communities to support the Yurok Tribe in developing its part of project while the Institute for Local Government, working through the California Climate Investments‑funded BOOST pilot program, supported the city of Arcata.
Arcata 30th Street Commons will provide 36 multi‑family affordable units for low‑income households as well as a number of integrated transportation investments in the city of Arcata. This project stands out for its culturally important features, developed through deep community engagement conducted by the Tribal Council, with a particular emphasis on responding to the needs of tribal elders. As a result, the project includes a community garden where the Native Foods Council, a Yurok youth‑led nonprofit, will work with residents to share knowledge and traditions of the Yurok culture. In addition, the Yurok Tribe ensured the project site will include wetlands restoration, green spaces, native tree and vegetation plantings, non‑native plant removal, and the construction of a traditional cultural area and play area on‑site for youth.
“This project represents the first time that Yurok citizens will have access to affordable housing in an area where there is a university, a Native American health clinic, transportation, and all of the other quality‑of‑life improving amenities Arcata has to offer,” said Richard Myers, the Chairperson of YIHA’s Board of Commissioners. “We are extremely excited about this partnership with the city of Arcata. We are equally proud to be the first tribe to receive an Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities grant, which is going to create numerous positive opportunities for tribal and non‑tribal citizens.”