Cal Poly Humboldt buys 191 acres in Arcata, preserves farm jobs

Cal Poly Humboldt through its foundation announced the purchase of 191 acres of agricultural and industrial land on Foster Avenue in Arcata on November 21. The $5.05 million acquisition includes a 418,320 square foot warehouse, a strong well water capacity reported at about 400 gallons per minute, and a 600,000 gallon fire mitigation tank. Existing agricultural tenants, including Driscoll’s Berries and Sierra Madre Mushrooms, remain under current leases, and university leaders said there are no immediate development plans.

The land sits contiguous to two Foster Avenue holdings the foundation and university already own or manage, a 16 acre parcel acquired in 2022 and a 26 acre parcel bought in 2024. University representatives framed the purchase as a way to provide space and flexibility for long term program growth while preserving agricultural operations and jobs on site. They emphasized that any future uses will follow community engagement and the California Environmental Quality Act review process.

For Humboldt County residents the acquisition has several immediate implications. Retaining established tenants helps preserve local agricultural employment and the seasonal and year round work that supports many households. The site infrastructure, particularly the large fire mitigation tank and robust well capacity, strengthens local resilience to wildfire and water shortfalls, both of which have direct public health consequences in this region. Access to water and emergency storage can influence crop viability, worker safety, and local emergency response capabilities.

The purchase also ties into the university’s broader polytechnic transformation and infrastructure investments. Expanding campus managed land near Arcata creates opportunities for applied learning, workforce training, and research that can benefit local agriculture and related industries. Those potential benefits come with expectations of careful planning, environmental review, and meaningful community input, especially around water use and ecological impacts in a county that has faced water stress and wildfire for years.

Community leaders and labor advocates will likely watch how the university balances program expansion with commitments to preserve jobs and protect local resources. The university’s stated intention to comply with CEQA and engage residents sets a framework for transparency, though specific projects and timelines were not announced. For now the purchase secures critical infrastructure and tenancy, while putting a large tract of former commercial farmland into public stewardship at a time when land use and resource allocation are central concerns for Humboldt County residents.