HCAOG and its member jurisdictions (the cities of Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, Rio Dell, Trinidad, and County of Humboldt) are currently working together to determine the allocation methodology of housing needs for the 7th RHNA cycle. The plan will cover the period from 2028 - 2037.
As the regional Council of Governments, HCAOG receives a determination of housing needs from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). HCAOG is then responsible for determining the methodology used to allocate the overall state-determined number of housing units to the local jurisdictions.
The table below is taken from the housing need determination letter for Humboldt County which was provided to HCAOG from HCD in July 2025. Staff members from HCD presented at the August 21, 2025 HCAOG Board meeting with detailed information about how the state arrived at these figures for our region. You can watch a recording of that presentation here.
Allocation Methodology
Following receipt of the regional housing need determination, HCAOG is responsible for adopting an allocation methodology to assign housing units to each jurisdiction. The methodology needs to meet criteria such as furthering the five objectives of RHNA and surveying member jurisdictions. HCAOG met regularly with a "RHNA working group" consisting of Community Development staff from each jurisdiction to arrive at the preferred regional methodology.
HCAOG Executive Director Brendan Byrd provided a presentation to the HCAOG Board on September 18, 2025 which provided a policy context, practical breakdown of the regional housing need determination, and a preferred allocation methodology. Those meeting materials are linked below. The preferred methodology is a 50/50 weight split between population and jobs.
Click here for the 9/18 Preferred RHNA Methodology staff report which includes copies of the three jurisdiction surveys received; click here for the Board presentation video recording; and click here for a copy of the presentation slides.
The document below describes the data sources used to support the methodology and summarizes how HCAOG is meeting its statutory obligations under RHNA.
HCAOG Cycle 7 RHNA Allocation Method and Data Sources
Public Notice
The HCAOG Board will further discuss the proposed methodology and the RHNA process at the following public meetings held at Eureka City Hall Council Chambers, 531 K Street, Eureka:
Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
HCAOG will hold a public hearing to discuss public comments or recommendations received to date regarding the draft RHNA methodology identified by the Board at the September meeting.
Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
The HCAOG Board will review all public comment and consider adoption of a preferred methodology at their December Board meeting.