The Willits City Council is accepting applications to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Councilmember Greta Kanne last month. Kanne declined to elaborate on her decision, stating, “I served the city of Willits for six years as a council member. I was honored to represent my community. And I resigned shortly before Christmas. I’m ready to be a private citizen.”
City Attorney James Lance outlined the council's options during a special meeting on December 17. “She resigned December 11th, and by law, that started a 60-day window for the city council members to appoint a replacement or to conduct a special election." Lance said a special election could not occur until November 2025 and would cost about $35,000.
Lance added, “The way to avoid that delay and expense is to appoint a successor.” He proposed a process involving applications, public hearings, and interviews, with the deadline for applications set for January 15.
Robin Leler, a public school teacher who narrowly lost a her council race in November, expressed support for the process. “I’m especially heartened that the public is going to have a go at it again and asking questions that shows a breadth and depth that I think will give us the best candidate,” she said.
As of January 8, no qualified applicants had come forward. One applicant was disqualified for living outside city limits.
Housing challenges remain a significant issue in Willits. At last week's council meeting, Dusty Duley, the city’s community development director, reported that only 46 housing units have been constructed since 2019, far short of the 111 units required under the housing element of the general plan.
But Duley said there is not a shortage of developer interest in Willits. “We have actively spoken with experienced developers and facilitated meetings with property owners,” Duley said.
Developers are particularly interested in larger projects. “It doesn’t pencil out building, you know, 4 or 5 units at a time, but if they can get an opportunity to build 25 houses or more, uh, so they’re actively seeking properties in Willits,” he explained. Property owners interested in collaborating with developers are encouraged to contact the city.
Duley also highlighted ongoing efforts to rehabilitate existing housing stock through no-interest loans, with five loans currently in process.
