Finding Common Ground on Anchorage's Housing Puzzle

In Anchorage, a group of neighbors recently came together to tackle the city's housing challenges. They met at North Star Elementary School, some walking, others biking, driving, or joining online. For two hours, they discussed housing, a topic that's been causing quite a stir in the city. Instead of getting bogged down in arguments about how they got into this situation, they focused on four key questions. They imagined what housing in Anchorage could look like in 10-20 years. They talked about types of housing that are denser than average single-family homes and how to make them fit into existing neighborhoods. They also discussed what trade-offs they'd be willing to make to ensure housing is affordable for future generations. The group agreed on some fundamental points. They believe more housing units are needed, and the ones they have should be preserved. They also think policy changes are necessary to meet the community's need for quality, livable, and affordable housing.They agreed that both state and local governments should invest in people and find ways to fund these investments. They also supported policy changes that allow for smaller lots and more coverage for starter homes, with some modest guidelines. They acknowledged that the city has made progress, but it's not enough to lower housing costs and keep up with the deterioration of old multifamily buildings. Not everyone agreed on every detail, but they all want a thriving city where working people can afford to live comfortably. Change can be uncomfortable, but working together on the affordability crisis can make these changes more sustainable. Everyone would benefit from a city with reduced homelessness, more young working people choosing to stay, and thriving businesses. To join in these discussions, find your community council and attend upcoming meetings. The Anchorage Housing Working Group and the Anchorage Housing Club are two such groups that are passionate about housing.