“Zoning is one of the most significant regulatory powers of local government, and research shows reform can unlock economic growth and opportunity (Flint 2022). Zoning reforms that are likely to increase housing supply include allowing more multifamily housing to be built (especially near public transportation hubs), legalizing accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and eliminating minimum parking requirements, minimum lot sizes, minimum square feet requirements, and density restrictions. None of these reforms prevent new single-family home construction; rather, the changes prevent municipalities from requiring only single-family homes. Some steps taken in recent years include: Buffalo became the first major U.S. city to abolish minimum parking requirements in 2017 (Poon 2017). Recently, more cities have followed suit, including Anchorage, San Jose, and Gainesville.”

“Is this common? …No. I personally, until this STIP cycle, I have never written a letter like this on the STIP, and I don’t know if the previous director had ever written a letter like this on the STIP, or the Policy Committee had forwarded a letter like this.” 

“The regulatory environment doesn’t support development” 

“We need strong data and leadership to address the issues” 

“Our planning and standards needs improvement”  

“Imminent collapse of the ability of the Municipality to provide basic government services…”

HOME passed! Even in its pared down version, a historic change for Anchorage. Single family zoning in Anchorage is now a thing of the past.

HOME is back. Will it be duplexes for all, or will Single Family Zoning (…plus ADUs) survive another round?

Special Limitations zoning rears its ugly head again, the conversation about public loos continues, and drama at the PZC leads to puzzlement and questions from both the PZC Chair and the Assembly Chair: “…I’m waiting to see the records because I want the truth.”

The Assembly addresses questions about their legislative powers regarding code changes, the Site Access saga continues, and the Order of the Phoenix makes an appearance in Spenard.

Alternative compliance landscape requirements in industrial areas, private open space requirements for a development with a massive parking garage, and variances for itty-bitty canopies. Are they symptoms of a larger issue, or just business as usual?

“I would like to see the sponsors and staff get in a room and mend some of this lack of trust. Staff, you’re going to need to put some effort into that relationship...I'm not afraid, they can fire me if they want.”