City of Arcata
“Although the City has reduced emissions by 30% within the Municipal sector through energy efficiency upgrades and the installation of grid-tied, rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at City Hall and the Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center, overall energy use has not decreased within the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, according to an update inventory of community-wide GHG emissions conducted in 2007. Despite this, the City continues to strive to reduce emissions and is developing additional GHG reduction targets to reflect the community’s efforts.” – City of Arcata Website
About Arcata
- Incorporated: 1858
- Population: 17,3231 (2010)
- Location: 280 miles north of San Francisco, adjacent to the Arcata Bay in Humboldt County
- Elevation: 23 feet
- Area: 11 square miles
Climate Action Activities
- ICLEI member
- HEAL Cities Campaign Participant
- Cities for Climate Protection Campaign member
- U.S. Conference of Mayor Climate Protection Agreement Signatory
- Completed Greenhouse Gas Inventory, 2006
- Completed Community Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan, 2006
- Established the Energy Committee in 2000 whose primary function is to make recommendations and provide information to the City Council and Commissions regarding energy efficiency, energy conservation and conversion to greener energy sources.
- Adopted Green Fleet Policy, 2007
- Adopted Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan, 2010
- Established Arcata Community Forest, 1955
Climate Action Resources
- Arcata Greenhouse Gas Inventory
- Arcata Greehouse Gas Reduction Plan
- Arcata Environmental Services Department
- Arcata Energy Program
- “What the City is Doing”
- Arcata Energy Committee
- Arcata Green Fleet Policy
- Arcata Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan
- Solar Energy at the City of Arcata
- Arcata Community Forest
Video Clips
![]() |
The Beacon Award program is funded by California utility ratepayers and administered by Southern California Gas Company, San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Southern California Edison, under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.


