Anchorage mayor candidate Q&As: What’s your view of current Anchorage land-use plans? Would you push for changes?

In advance of the April 6 Anchorage municipal election, the Anchorage Daily News asked candidates running for Anchorage mayor a series of issue questions. These include questions suggested by readers. Read all the mayor and school board candidates’ responses here.

Q: What’s your view of current Anchorage land-use plans? Would you push for changes?

Anna Anthony

I have no opinion, I don’t know much about it.

Dave Bronson

I support current land-use plans. As our need for housing increases, I would support reconsidering those plans with local and neighborhood input.

Jeffrey Brown

I find Anchorage land-use plans too restrictive generally. The fact that it costs a homeowner a $4,000 variance fee, and a $500 building permit and 3 months of worry and paperwork to get a garage built because minimum space requirements aren’t met by the change is ludicrous. The zoning commissioners’ approvals should be for major projects and not reviewing every minor change of properties that need a variance. The simple fact that it takes 3 months should inform us all of that. Besides, the big developers get their 4-plexes of townhouses on the park strip and new apartment complexes in downtown like it’s candy being handed out. We need something more fair and equitable and may need to rewrite the way we get and give variances and permits, and who approves of them.

Forrest Dunbar

We are already entering into the next cycle of Anchorage’s overarching land-use plan, and in general I support the goal of increased density and improved multi-modal transportation infrastructure in the service of livability, walkability and affordability. My administration will work with community partners, businesses and the Assembly to evaluate our plans, and will implement additional code changes (where appropriate) for mixed use, in-fill and vertical development. If Anchorage is to grow, it will increasingly be “up” rather than “out.” But the key is that we do so in a smart, transparent way that incorporates best practices from around the nation while simultaneously protecting the quality of life that makes Anchorage a special place to live.

Bill Evans

Many of them are outdated. Our comprehensive plan is based on data and experience from 20 years ago. Our land-use plans need to be updated to reflect the now several years of declining population in Anchorage and the current state of the city’s economy. We have to be careful that we are not too closely wed to plans that does not reflect the current situation.

Bill Falsey

Anchorage’s land-use plans were developed with robust community participation, and I generally support them. I am open to considering changes that advance community goals, such as greater availability of affordable and workforce housing, and quality options for seniors, such as broader availability “accessory dwelling units,” or ADUs.

Heather Herndon

It’s creating too much of a hardship. Yes, I would push for changes.

George Martinez

The Anchorage land-use plan is a road map that is effective but requires resources and plans to move things forward. I support new elements to the plan like “reinvestment focus areas,” or what I call master development zones, regulations around allowing mother-in-law apartments or “accessory dwelling units” and planning for density corridors as well.

Mike Robbins

I believe the land-use plan needs to be updated and evaluated.

Albert Swank Jr.

Disaster, and yes, I would push for changes.

Read more questions:

Why are you running for mayor?

What in your background or experience sets you apart from the other candidates and makes you suited to be an effective mayor of Anchorage?

What’s the biggest challenge facing city government and how would you address it?

Describe how your administration would approach the coronavirus pandemic

What’s your assessment of how Anchorage’s city government has responded to the pandemic over the past year? What, if anything, would you have done differently?

What role should city government play in repairing economic damage to individuals, businesses and community organizations from the pandemic?

What’s your vision for downtown, and what specifically are your short-term and long-term plans for repairing damage from the past year?

Would you make changes to the Anchorage Police Department and policing policies? Why?

Is the Anchorage Police Department adequately staffed?

Do you support the bond issue on this spring’s municipal ballot that would fund public-safety technology upgrades, including body-worn and in-vehicle cameras for police officers? Explain.

Describe, with specifics, how you would expand and diversify Anchorage’s economy.

What’s your vision for Anchorage’s economy in the future?

Is taxation in Anchorage too high/about right/too low?

Do you have ideas for alternative sources of city revenue? Explain.

Are there city programs or services you would cut? Explain.

Are there city programs or services you would expand? Explain.

What’s your view of current Anchorage land-use plans? Would you push for changes?

Homelessness remains a persistent, significant problem in Anchorage. What specifically would you do differently from previous administrations?

Name a program dealing with homelessness in Anchorage that you believe is working

Discuss your commitment to transparency and openness in Anchorage municipal government. Do you have suggestions for improving either?

What’s your assessment of Anchorage’s transportation infrastructure? Do you have a plan to improve it? How?

Are there specific transportation projects you would initiate in the municipality if elected?

The past year has been marked by increasing civic discord in Anchorage. What would you do to reduce frustration, distrust and anger that increasingly has characterized civic conversation?

What other important issue would you like to discuss?