The Anchorage Assembly has a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, July 25, on an ordinance dismantling the current zoning structure in Anchorage.
The ordinance would create just two zones — housing and not housing. The change has been controversial, in no small part because it states that more tightly packed neighborhoods are better for everyone — and not everyone agrees with that.
Throughout the ordinance, it becomes clear that it’s a “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” initiative, and those “DEI” words are sprinkled throughout the “Whereas” clauses at the beginning of the 17-page ordinance.
The ordinance states that “increasing residential density can contribute to a more walkable and bikeable community, reducing dependence on private vehicles and promoting healthier lifestyles; and higher residential density can support the local economy by attracting businesses and services to areas with a larger population base.”
It continues to state that “allowing more density in residential areas can create diverse and vibrant neighborhoods with a greater mix of housing types, promoting social interaction and community cohesion; and increased residential density can support public transit systems by providing a larger customer base, making public transportation more economically viable and accessible.”
The ordinance also says that higher density will give people greater access to parks, schools, healthcare facilities, and shopping centers, “as these amenities can be located closer to where people live.”
There’s also the climate change argument in the ordinance, which says “accommodating increased residential density can help reduce the environmental impact associated with suburban sprawl, including carbon emissions from transportation and the loss of natural habitats.”
The ordinance also says “increasing residential density aligns with the goals of creating a more inclusive and equitable city by providing housing options for people of different income levels and lifestyles; and higher residential density can foster a sense of belonging and community pride, as residents have more opportunities to engage with their neighbors and participate in local activities.”
None of the statements are data-driven but appear to be aspirational by the authors of the ordinance and refer to social goals of the Assembly.
Some of the community councils have opposed the change. The Chugiak Eagle River Advisory Board, for instance, has voted unanimously against the resolution.
Assemblyman Kevin Cross and Assemblywoman Meg Zaletel are spearheading the effort to rewrite Title 21, the current zoning ordinance, which, if they succeed, is likely to result in multifamily units being built in single-family residential zones in every part of the city. A tall apartment building may be constructed right next to someone’s house, under this plan.
The full ordinance being considered is at this link.
The item is 14D on the agenda, and may come later in the meeting, or could be moved to a different part of the agenda, if the Assembly votes to change the order of business. Anchorage Assembly meetings start at 5 pm and are held at the ground floor meeting room of the Loussac Library, on the corner of 36th Avenue and Denali Street. Public members are given just two minutes to provide their testimony to the Assembly during meetings.
