Equity Arcata program outlines grants, cultural events and partnership with Cal Poly Humboldt

Equity Arcata managers gave the Arcadia City Council a detailed update Sept. 17 on programs, advisory structure and new grant opportunities designed to strengthen campus-community connections and racial equity work.

Mo Harper Dezier and Fernando Paz, co-managers of Equity Arcata, described the program as a formal partnership between Cal Poly Humboldt and the City of Arcadia established in 2017 to foster inclusion for students, campus staff and local residents. The program provides cultural-event support, equity workshops and internships, advisory committee guidance and community engagement activities.

Staff described a new Community Development Grant launching this fall that will fund collaborative, community-led projects that demonstrate existing campus-community relationships. The intended purpose is to deepen ongoing initiatives rather than create one-off activities; staff said competitive applications will demonstrate sustained partnership between campus and community organizations.

Equity Arcata staff reviewed recent events and outreach: an annex space opening near the transit center, vending and networking sessions for small business owners, the Home Away from Home potluck for students, and collaboration on a sanctuary day with Central de Pueblo at the Arcata Farmers Market. Staff said outreach included multilingual engagement and indicated a monthly newsletter, social media presence (handle cited as "equity arcada") and a website (equityarcada.org) for updates and event postings.

Council members thanked staff for the report and asked whether the council had questions. Dezier said staff will provide opportunities for community input and encouraged council involvement in upcoming events.

The presentation emphasized Equity Arcata's ongoing role in cross-institutional coordination, cultural exchange and capacity-building for community organizations.