07/14/2026
Good morning everyone. I'm excited to announce my reelection campaign. Please follow along, and thank you for your support.
RELEASE
Meredith Matthews Announces Reelection Campaign for Arcata City Council
ARCATA, Calif. — Former Arcata Mayor and current City Councilmember Meredith Matthews announced today that she is seeking reelection to the Arcata City Council, pledging to continue her work expanding housing opportunities, supporting local businesses, investing in infrastructure, practicing responsible fiscal stewardship, and protecting the unique character that makes Arcata one of California's most vibrant communities.
"Serving the people of Arcata has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Matthews said. "Over the past five years, we've faced significant challenges together, but we've also made meaningful progress. I'm running for reelection because I believe our best work is still ahead of us, and I want to continue building an Arcata that is vibrant, resilient, and welcoming for generations to come."
Since joining the City Council in 2021, Matthews has built a reputation as a collaborative leader who brings people together to solve problems. She has championed housing, transportation improvements, infrastructure investments, environmental stewardship, and responsible financial management while working to strengthen Arcata's local economy.
"I said it four years ago, and I still believe it today: Meredith has 'an Arcata heart and an Arcata mind,'" said Humboldt County Third District Supervisor Mike Wilson. "She works hard, shows up, and genuinely cares about this community. I appreciate how she rolls up her sleeves to get things done—from creating more housing and improving transportation to making Arcata an even more vibrant place to live. We're lucky to have Meredith serving Arcata, and I'm proud to support her reelection to the Arcata City Council."
Beyond her work on the City Council, Matthews has represented Arcata throughout the region, believing that many of the community's biggest opportunities are best addressed through collaboration. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Redwood Region Economic Development Commission and as a Board Member of Access Humboldt. She previously chaired the Humboldt Waste Management Authority Board and served on the League of California Cities Housing, Economic Development and Community Development Legislative Policy Committee, helping shape statewide conversations on housing and economic development. Locally, she chaired Arcata's Economic Development Committee for three years, strengthening partnerships between the City and the local business community.
Professionally, Matthews has dedicated her career to strengthening Humboldt County's economy. As former Executive Director of the Arcata Chamber of Commerce and now Executive Director of the Humboldt Lodging Alliance, she has worked to support local businesses, promote tourism, and build a stronger regional economy.
"Meredith's commitment to supporting the economic vitality of our community is demonstrated not just through her words, but through her actions," said Natalie Walston, owner of Bell & Hook and Plaza in Arcata. "Throughout each role, she has consistently worked to strengthen our local economy while preserving the unique character that makes Arcata such a special place to live and do business. Meredith understands that a thriving community and a thriving business environment go hand in hand. I'm proud to support her reelection because she's exactly the kind of thoughtful, hardworking leader our community needs at the table."
Matthews said her approach to public service has remained consistent throughout her time in office.
"My approach has always been simple," Matthews said. "Listen first. Show up. Work hard. Bring people together. Local government works best when we focus less on ideology and more on finding practical solutions that improve people's everyday lives."
Her priorities for a second full term include expanding housing opportunities, supporting small businesses, investing in streets and infrastructure, strengthening climate resilience, and ensuring Arcata remains fiscally responsible while protecting the quality of life residents value.
California Assemblymember Chris Rogers praised Matthews' record of balancing long-term planning with practical leadership.
"Meredith Matthews has been a thoughtful and impactful leader for the City of Arcata," Rogers said. "Throughout her time on the City Council, she has demonstrated a commitment to responsible fiscal stewardship, expanding housing opportunities, strengthening infrastructure, and advancing policies that support both economic development and climate resilience. Meredith understands that effective leadership means balancing today's needs with long-term investments in our community's future. I am proud to support her reelection to the Arcata City Council."
Coalition for Responsible Transportation Executive Director Colin Fiske said Matthews has consistently been willing to tackle difficult issues and help move Arcata forward.
"Whenever there's an opportunity to move Arcata forward—whether it's making our streets safer, expanding transportation options, or taking meaningful action on the climate crisis—Meredith Matthews steps up," Fiske said. "She is a proven leader who helps Arcata live up to its progressive values, and I'm proud to support her reelection to the Arcata City Council."
"For me, this campaign isn't about politics—it's about continuing to serve a community I love," Matthews said. "Arcata has always been a place where people come together to solve problems, care for one another, and think boldly about the future. I'm excited to continue that work alongside this community."
For more information about Meredith Matthews' campaign, including volunteer opportunities and upcoming events, visit meredithforarcata.com or follow the campaign on social media at (1) Facebook
