County Workshop Explores Tools for Safer Connected Neighborhoods

Humboldt County Association of Governments convened a regional workshop on Wednesday, December 3, focused on improving neighborhood safety and connectivity across the county. The session was held in the Great Room at the Wharfinger Building, 1 Marina Way, Eureka, and ran from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with partner agencies tabling from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. and again from 8:00 to 8:30 p.m.

The program assembled national experts to present tools and best practices for community safety, connectivity, and neighborhood level strategies. Attendees included local agency representatives and members of the public, who had the opportunity to review resource tables before and after the presentations. Organizers described the workshop as regional in scope, aiming to align local initiatives with proven approaches and to identify practical next steps for implementation at the neighborhood level.

The event matters to Humboldt residents because it connects high level research with local decision making. By focusing on practical tools and cross agency collaboration, the workshop sought to inform future planning efforts that affect street design, pedestrian and bicycle safety, transit access, lighting, and emergency response coordination. Those elements influence residents daily by shaping mobility, public safety outcomes, and access to services.

Institutionally, the workshop highlights HCAOG's role as a convener of multiple agencies and as a potential coordinator of regional priorities. Bringing national expertise into a local forum creates an opportunity for HCAOG and partner agencies to identify concrete projects, to pursue grant funding, and to establish performance measures for neighborhood safety initiatives. For residents, the process underscores the importance of civic engagement in translating workshop recommendations into funded projects and measurable results.

Humboldt County residents seeking more information or wishing to follow up can contact Humboldt County Association of Governments at 611 I Street, Suite B, Eureka, CA 95501, by email at info@hcaog.net, or by phone at 707 444 8208.