Residents from Assembly District 2, callinmg themselves “Eaglexit,” have set taken the next step to create a new borough, the Chugach Regional Borough, encompassing the region extending from Eklutna to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
The process of detachment and incorporation initiated by Eaglexit began with the submission of a written petition recently, as well as a charter outlining the proposed governance structure, and a comprehensive legal brief supporting the move to independence and self-determination.
The documents were formally submitted to the Local Boundary Commission for review.
The Local Boundary Commission, established by the Alaska State Constitution, will evaluate the materials supporting the creation of the new borough.
Once the petition, charter, and legal brief pass muster, Eaglexit will embark on a timeline set by the commission for the subsequent steps:
- Signature Collection: With corrected and final documents in hand, Eaglexit will initiate the signature collection process. Signatures must be collected no more than one year prior to the formal submission of the petition package to the LBC.
- Analysis and Public Involvement: After successfully gathering signatures, the package will be resubmitted to the LBC for an in-depth analysis. This phase, lasting 18 months to 2 years, includes public hearings and the incorporation of community input.
- Decision and Transition: The LBC staff’s analysis and the input from the public will culminate in either approval or denial of the petition. If approved, a vote on detachment will be held, or a recommendation will be presented to the state legislature for further action. A successful outcome would trigger a two-year transition period to establish the new Chugach Regional Borough.
Eaglexit’s journey toward self-governance and borough creation carries historical significance, reflecting the determination of communities to forge their destinies.
As the late Lee Jordan, a prominent Eagle River advocate for local autonomy, asked decades ago, “Will the people of Chugiak-Eagle River have the opportunity to control their own destiny, or must they forever remain subject to what has been decreed for them by Anchorage?”
To support its mission, Eaglexit is seeking financial assistance for critical aspects such as media outreach, polling, and legal counsel. Community members are encouraged to learn more at the Eaglexit website at www.Eaglexit.com.
The driving force behind Eaglexit is the desire to empower its community through increased autonomy, enhanced public engagement, improved education, and tighter fiscal control. With a land area of 1,050 square miles and a population of 50,000, the proponents believe that the Chugach Regional Borough would serve as a significant and meaningful addition to the state.
