Change can evoke a variety of emotions ranging from hope to anxiety. Right now, the community we care about is in the midst of many changes. Unlike the loss of many lumber mills decades ago, what is happening today can be perceived as a renewal for the region.

Not long ago someone said, “We are living in the change that we wanted.” They were saying that for many years, this region sought some change within the community and the campus. Today, this is what it feels like to be a part of it.

Whether you are on the plaza at the Farmers’ Market, walking around campus at Cal Poly Humboldt, attending a community event, or waiting in line at the grocery store, you are likely to find yourself in a conversation related to these changes. There are new industries vying to become part of our community, new housing and other developments, and implementation of the ambitious polytechnic plan at Cal Poly Humboldt.

Many people are excited about all of this and see new opportunities on the horizon, while others may wrestle with it and still have questions. Some find themselves wondering what this may mean for our area, yet excited about the opportunities. Will we lose the character of our community? Where will all the new people live? How can we grow and change while keeping our small-town charm?

Just as we see across California, our region is changing whether we want it to or not. Californians are migrating all across the state. There are 19,000 people living in Arcata, despite the campus actually having fewer employees and students than in some previous years. People are coming here for many reasons and it isn’t just Cal Poly Humboldt. The clock, in this case, cannot be turned back. The best part is, people and organizations in this region, including Cal Poly Humboldt and Arcata, are working to effectively manage the change through communication, innovation, thinking differently, and planning.

Those of us in leadership roles at Cal Poly Humboldt and the city of Arcata have the honor of helping to guide these changes and facilitating thoughtful growth, while at the same time understanding that public participation and guidance is essential to be successful. Anyone who has spent time in Humboldt County can attest to the spirit and passion of our community. We are diverse, compassionate, creative, and involved people who care deeply about this unique region.

As we move forward into new and exciting times, it is important that we do so together. Cal Poly Humboldt and the city of Arcata are committed to working together, with our community, to successfully navigate the many opportunities and challenges that are coming. We are committed to sharing, open dialogue, and community engagement. The recent polytechnic planning and the polytechnic implementation, for example, involved many members of the community. And it is important to remember that nearly all of Cal Poly Humboldt’s 1,200 employees along with thousands of students call this region their home.

In this moment, many new connections between the newer City Council and newer Administrative Team at Cal Poly Humboldt are being built. We are working from a strong foundation of more than 100 years of partnership. Our regular liaison meetings continue to keep us connected, as does the university representation on groups like Arcata Main Street, the Arcata Chamber of Commerce, the Arcata Homelessness Services Working Group, and many others.

The city and the university are connected on many levels. Past successes of the city and the university advancing together include the development of a local bus system, creation of the Arcata Marsh, bike and car share programs, Equity Arcata, and local forest and riparian restoration efforts. We are working together to create a welcoming “Green & Gold Corridor” downtown along G Street. The campus, along with several communities, has influenced new employers to the county, efforts to improve healthcare and housing, fire management, energy transformation, and much more.

Looking to the future, we will work on our climate change goals and reach them together, build housing and infrastructure that is mindful of our values, and make our community even more welcoming.

In 1913, Arcata aggressively sought to have a university in its town. Many other communities were considered. Imagine this region without a university or a community college. Better yet, imagine it with a thriving community college and university, along with vibrant towns. Whether you are excited about the new opportunities and changes, concerned about them, or a mixture of both, we encourage you to get involved. Attend City Council meetings, join one of our area’s many community groups, discuss things with your neighbors, or contact those of us in leadership positions.

We are at the beginning of a long and adventurous ride. It won’t always be smooth. Bumps are inevitable, but we are committed to working together and with our community to write this new chapter in this amazing city and region.

Be well.

Dr. Tom Jackson Jr. is the president of Cal Poly Humboldt. Stacy Atkins-Salazar is the mayor of Arcata.