Cal Poly Humboldt, Students and McKinleyville Residents Launch Economic Development Study

Cal Poly Humboldt faculty and students, working with a team of McKinleyville residents, have launched a community-centered Economic Development Study aimed at guiding local growth, strengthening job opportunities and supporting area businesses. Project manager Joshua (Josh) Zender, Ph.D., a business professor in the School of Business, said the effort will transform local ideas into concrete steps for economic recovery and sustainable development.

The interdisciplinary team includes participants from Business, Recreation Administration, Economics, Psychology, Environmental Resources Engineering and Geography. The study will examine economic conditions, infrastructure, community amenities, workforce issues, healthcare and housing affordability. Zender said, "By formalizing plans, it turns ideas into action," and added, "If you want to attract people to a community, the housing has to be affordable." He also described the initiative as a chance for residents to shape policy: "This project represents a unique opportunity for McKinleyville residents to directly shape the future of their community."

Organizers plan to gather public input through a community-wide survey, focus groups and interviews with residents, business owners and workers. Survey participants will be offered the option to sign up for focus group sessions; residents are urged to use the McKinleyville Community Services District website to participate or to contact the district by phone for assistance. The district can be reached at (707) 839-3251. Cal Poly Humboldt’s Office of Research & Sponsored Programs can be reached at (707) 826-4189 for questions about the university’s role.

The project was presented to the McKinleyville Municipal Advisory Committee on Jan. 28, and Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone underscored the partnership nature of the work at a Jan. 29 State of McKinleyville forum, saying, "Cal Poly doesn’t want to tell us ‘Here’s your plan.’ Cal Poly wants to develop our plan." Project planners say the study may be completed by summer, producing an actionable economic development plan intended to help McKinleyville pursue grants, recruit businesses and prioritize investments.

The study arrives as Cal Poly Humboldt continues to be a major regional economic actor. The CSU Economic Impact Report shows the university supports 6,600 jobs and generates $717.8 million in industry activity, figures organizers cite to underscore local workforce and business linkages. Project leaders say the study aims to connect that institutional footprint to community needs in healthcare, housing and small-business development.

For McKinleyville residents, the immediate impact will be an opportunity to influence priorities that affect housing affordability, local jobs and public infrastructure. The next steps are straightforward: complete the district’s brief online survey, consider joining a focus group, and watch for draft recommendations later in the spring. The study’s recommendations could shape grant applications, zoning conversations and business recruitment efforts for years to come.