Eureka is more than geography and lore...it is a way of life. Our relative isolation has cultivated a proud individualism among our citizenry, often overcoming incredible adversity to form a foundation on which this city may continue to grow and prosper. As we move forward, the diverse people of our City will no doubt build upon that foundation as we confront our challenges together, and respond in a manner which retains that unique "Eureka" character.
Founded in 1850, Eureka is one of California’s finest historical landmarks. Located along scenic Humboldt Bay and rich with Victorian architecture, working harbors and marinas, there are many characteristics which contribute to the unique livability of our city. Tucked within the beautiful setting of the bay and estuaries, the trees, ocean, hills and rivers lays our dynamic urban landscape characterized by the city’s historic Old Town district. An active seaport, thriving businesses and industries providing diversified employment, a prominent arts community, remarkable recreational opportunities, distinct cultures, and a variety of human-scale neighborhoods each unique in character allow for a broad range of lifestyles.
Eureka has developed into a historic urban center that continues to be basically sound. Downtown Eureka is the bustling heart of the Humboldt Bay region, providing a financial, retail, cultural and residential core that is alive and energetic, and must remain so. The City’s recently adopted “Strategic Visioning Plan” calls for maintaining our basic development patterns while providing direction for responding to our future demands. It supports our base industries which represent much of our potential for growth and stability, while effectively maintaining our quality of life and small town feeling.
Today Eureka differs from the city of twenty or a hundred years ago. It differs from the city of yesterday. The passage of time and the diversity of peoples and their interests inevitably bring change. The future seems to be arriving at an ever-increasing pace as the qualities that make the Eureka area so livable continue to draw more households to the community. Jobs are shifting and the historical resource-based economy is in transition. At times our solid foundation may seem fragile and we must take care to protect and enhance our unique history and livability while always respecting the new ideas inherent within an evolving community.
Eureka is an urban area. This is a fact that cannot be changed. All of its history and character and fabric are woven into our identity. The challenge before us is to retain these characteristics in the face of change we cannot control, and to effectively manage those forces which we can. We must accept some change, or we run the risk of losing all the things that make Eureka one of most desirable places to live on the north coast of California.
As land and housing costs continue to increase, so do the costs for providing needed public facilities and services. The City’s public safety, transportation and infrastructure systems must keep pace with increasing demand for City services. Planning for the future must respond to these factors while preserving the city's economic health and livability. Coastal access, public recreation, greenways and open space opportunities must all remain as central components. A community discussion on city annexation objectives should eventually take place. Exploring alternative modes of transportation, new road systems, and increased public transit opportunities are critical concerns for our city. Water and sewer capital improvements must remain a top priority to meet expected population growth both inside and out of City Limits.
We must work to be tolerant of each other’s ideas. We must persist in working together, compromise when necessary, and tirelessly strive toward integrating our diverse priorities into one community vision. This will take time. Together we are Eureka, and our diversity is our strength. No one but us is here to assure our success.
