Arcata Council Appoints Kimberley White Mayor, Stacy Atkins Salazar Vice Mayor

At a special city council meeting on December 12, 2025, the Arcata City Council unanimously appointed councilmember Kimberley White to serve as mayor. The appointment followed Arcata's customary rotational system, which typically advances the sitting vice mayor into the mayoral role, and marks White's first time serving as mayor since joining the council in 2022.

The mayoral position in Arcata carries ceremonial responsibilities and procedural authority. As mayor, White will chair council meetings, set meeting agendas, declare special meetings, and facilitate council discussion. The office does not include veto power, meaning formal policy outcomes will continue to be determined by council votes, but the mayor's control over agendas and meeting management gives the office substantial influence over which issues reach the floor and the order in which they are considered.

Councilmembers and members of the public used the special meeting to acknowledge the service of former mayor Alex Stillman, who has served a total of 19 years on the council. Colleagues praised Stillman for long service and steady leadership as White assumed the role. The council also appointed Stacy Atkins Salazar as vice mayor. Under the rotational practice, Atkins Salazar is likely to become mayor in December 2026.

For residents, the transition signals a continuity of leadership norms but also a practical shift in who will shape the council agenda and public meetings. White's tenure on the council since 2022 provides a record of community involvement and local priorities that residents can track as she chairs meetings and advances agendas. The unanimous vote indicates council cohesion at the moment of transition, but the absence of veto power underscores that policy changes will remain a collective council responsibility.

Community members interested in local policy and decision making should monitor upcoming council agendas and meeting schedules to see how the new mayor allocates time and attention to public safety, land use, budget priorities, and other local issues that affect daily life in Arcata.