Measure I-Affordable Housing Initiative

On November 3, 2020, Humboldt County residents approved Measure I – Humboldt County’s Affordable Housing Initiative.  

On December 8, 2020, the Board of Supervisors accepted the certified November 3, 2020 election results.  

I’ve heard there will be an affordable housing measure on the November 3, 2020 ballot for Humboldt County voters.  What is this about?   

Yes, you’ve heard correctly.  In July 2020, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors passed Resolution 20-70 which authorized the submittal of an Article 34 ballot measure to the voters in the unincorporated area of Humboldt County.  The ballot measure asks voters for their approval to allow Humboldt County to obtain state and federal funding to construct, develop, or acquire affordable rental housing within unincorporated areas, either directly or through assisting private projects, up to 2.5% of the total number of housing units existing in unincorporated Humboldt County, without raising taxes.  It is identified as Measure I on the November 3rd ballot.  More information about Resolution #20-70 and the three Board hearings leading to the adoption of Resolution #20-70 can be found here: May 19, 2020 Board meeting,  July 7, 2020 Board meeting, and July 28, 2020 Board meeting.

What is Article 34?

Article 34, formally known as Article XXXIV Public Housing Project Law  for California Law Libraries   for California Law Libraries  for California Law Libraries  for California Law Libraries   for California Law Libraries  for California Law Libraries  for California Law Libraries  for California Law Libraries  for California Law Libraries  for California Law Libraries for California Law Libraries for California Law Libraries   for California Law Libraries , is part of the State of California Constitution.  It was added to California’s Constitution by a voter initiative (Proposition 10) in 1950.  Article 34 prevents any city or county from developing, constructing, or acquiring in any manner low-rent housing projects until a ballot measure is approved by a simple majority of qualified voters.  Article 34 applies to low-income rental projects developed by private persons or non-profits using certain types of public financial assistance, in addition to publicly-owned low-income rental projects.

What is Humboldt County’s Article 34 measure?

Humboldt County’s Article 34 measure is identified as Measure I on the November 3, 2020 ballot and is as follows:

Who can vote on Measure I?

Voters living in the unincorporated areas of Humboldt County can vote on Measure I.  Please contact the Office of Elections for more information about registering to vote, the November 3, 2020 election or your ballot.

Who would be eligible to live in Article 34 housing?

Article 34 housing are rental dwellings for low income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Individuals and families experiencing homelessness would also be eligible.

Are the cities of Eureka and Arcata included?

Arcata and Eureka have their own Article 34 measures.  Their Article 34 measures only apply inside their city limits and do not apply to the unincorporated areas of Humboldt County.  Eureka’s Measure O was approved by city voters in 2016.  Arcata’s Measure L was approved by city voters in 1992.  The November 3, 2020 ballot includes a separate measure within the city limits of Arcata asking Arcata voters to approve an extension of their Article 34 measure.  Like 1992’s Measure L, if approved by a majority of city voters, it will apply only inside Arcata’s city limits.

Where can I get more information or ask questions?  

Please contact us if you have questions about Humboldt County’s Measure I.  You can also call and leave a message at 707-268-3708.  A Humboldt County staff member will reply to your email or return your call normally by the end of the next business day.