Community Values
Community Vision
Anchorage 2020 Goals
Land Use & Transportation
Design & Environment
Public Improvements & Services
Implementation
Housing & Community Development Consolidated Plan Goals
Work Force & Economic Development Goals
General or Departmental Goals
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The full range of goals for ANCHORAGE 2020 is addressed through the coordination of the four long-range planning initiatives listed below. Throughout this chapter, goals corresponding to each planning initiative are identified by the applicable icon.
⬚ figure | Anchorage Bowl Comprehensive Plan |
⬚ figure | Long-Range Transportation Plan |
⬚ figure | Housing & Community Development Consolidated Plan |
⬚ figure | Work Force Development Plan |
ANCHORAGE 2020 is a long-range guide for community growth and development. The Planning Department is coordinating four major long-range planning efforts. In addition to the ANCHORAGE 2020-ANCHORAGE BOWL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, they are the Long-Range Transportation Plan, the Housing & Community Development Consolidated Plan, and the Work Force Development Plan. These plans identify community assets and prioritize the investment of public resources to support a safe and healthy community, a sustainable economy, and livable neighborhoods.
A comprehensive plan responds to community values and, at the same time, relates those values to the local capacity for various land uses and public services. To help identify community values, the Planning Department conducted an informal newspaper survey in 1996. Over 1,500 people participated, identifying what they liked best about Anchorage and what they would most like to see changed.
Based on responses to the survey, the most important attributes about Anchorage were its: • Natural beauty and setting • Trails/parks/greenbelts/open space • Outdoor and recreational opportunities • Cultural facilities & events • Accessibility to the wilderness • Small-town feel with big-city amenities • Friendly, caring people • Beautification/city of lights and flowers • Educational facilities and programs • Economic development/employment opportunities. Some of the desired changes were to: • Expand/improve mass transit
Goals express the aspirations of a community. They are important because they set the direction of the Comprehensive Plan. They also provide a way of assessing the Plan's success.
The goals in this plan were developed by the community and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission in January 1999 to guide further development of Anchorage 2020. They cover the full range of community concerns and aspirations. Anchorage 2020, however, focuses primarily on land use planning and development issues. The goals that will be implemented through Anchorage 2020 are presented first. The goals that are best addressed by other municipal planning efforts and programs are listed at the end of this chapter.
• Become a true northern/winter city • Improve urban design (architecture, landscaping, streetscape, signs) • Become a more pedestrian-friendly city • Relieve traffic congestion • Maintain/improve existing roads and add new roads.
The community survey results, along with feedback from community councils and other organizations, laid the groundwork for the following vision statement. Anchorage is...
A diverse, compassionate community where each individual is valued, and children, families and friendships flourish. A northern community built in harmony with our natural resources and majestic setting. A thriving, sustainable, broad-based economy supported by an efficient urban infrastructure. A safe and healthy place to live where daily life is enriched by a wealth of year-round recreational and educational opportunities. A caring, responsive government that is accessible and equitable for all its citizens. An active learning community with abundant cultural amenities.
The Anchorage 2020 goals are grouped into four topics according to their main focus. • Land use and transportation goals address the designation of land for various private and public uses, and how those uses are connected. • Design and environment goals address quality of the built and natural environments.
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Many People Mover routes originate at the downtown transit center.
• Public improvements and services goals address public facilities and services needed to support ongoing development. • Implementation goals address how the plan should be carried out.
G • Residential Uses: A variety of housing types and densities in safe, attractive neighborhoods that offer a choice of urban, suburban, and rural lifestyles that are appropriate for northern conditions and in harmony with our natural setting.
G A • Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, and Transportation Uses: A balanced supply of commercial, industrial, institutional, and transportation land uses which is compatible with adjacent land uses and has good access to transportation networks.
G A • Mobility and Access: A transportation system, based on land use, that moves people and goods safely, conveniently, and economically, with minimal adverse impact on the community.
• Transportation Choices: An efficient transportation system that offers affordable, viable choices among various modes of travel that serve all parts of the community.
• General Land Use Issues: A forward-looking approach to community growth and redevelopment.
• Neighborhood Identity and Vitality: A variety of safe, pleasant, and distinctive neighborhoods responsive to the diverse needs of residents, with good access to schools, recreation, natural areas, and community facilities.
• Housing: A balanced, diverse supply of affordable, quality housing, located in safe and livable neighborhoods with amenities and infrastructure, that reflects Anchorage’s varied social, cultural, and physical environment.
• Northern City: Well-planned development based on a design aesthetic that creates a sense of place and incorporates Anchorage’s unique northern setting.
• Transportation Design and Maintenance: A safe, energy-efficient transportation system that is designed and maintained for year-round use and that respects the integrity of Anchorage’s natural and built northern environment.
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An obsolete building in a neighborhood near Downtown was transformed into a successful small-scale grocery.
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Potter Marsh is a popular bird-viewing area.
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These are examples of well-preserved, older homes not far from Downtown.
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During the winter, Westchester Lagoon is a popular outdoor skating area.
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Public open space and recreation facilities are integrated within developed areas.
Natural Open Spaces: A network of natural open spaces throughout the community that preserves and enhances Anchorage’s scenic vistas, fish, wildlife, and plant habitats and their ecological functions and values.
Water Resources: Water resources and watersheds that are protected and enhanced for their enduring viability and values.
Wetlands: A system of wetlands with functions and values that are preserved and enhanced.
Wildlife: A wide diversity of fish, wildlife and habitats throughout the Municipality that thrives and flourishes in harmony with the community.
Air Quality: Clear healthful air that is free of noxious odors and pollutants.
Economic Viability: A built environment based on design standards that sustain long-term economic viability and growth and that promote affordable residential, commercial, and industrial development.
Harmony with Nature: An urban place that develops in harmony with its natural setting and is mindful of its natural hazards.
Education: A community that provides opportunities for lifelong learning through a variety of formal and informal educational programs, and through museums, libraries, and cultural activities.
Parks, Trails, and Recreation: A sustainable and accessible system of recreational facilities, parks, trails, and open spaces that meets year-round neighborhood and community-wide needs.
Arts and Culture: A community that encourages arts and cultural activities as a catalyst for education, communication, economic development, and social progress.
Community Facilities: A well-planned mix of public and institutional facilities that meet the health, education, governmental, and social service needs of all citizens.
Utilities: An integrated, efficient, and cost-effective network of utilities and public improvements to meet community needs.
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Anchorage’s newest cinema complex joined other new business development in the Midtown area.
[G] • Funding: Development of funding strategies for efficient, effective use of public and private resources to implement the Comprehensive Plan.
The full range of goals in the Draft Goals and Objectives approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission are addressed not only by ANCHORAGE 2020-ANCHORAGE BOWL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, but also by the Housing & Community Development Consolidated Plan and the Work Force & Economic Development Plan.
These goals relate to community issues associated with social well-being and are addressed in the Housing & Community Development Consolidated Plan.
• Family: A healthy environment that provides for the emotional, physical, economic, and spiritual well-being of families and children.
• Health: A sustainable community that promotes health and well-being.
• Social Environment: A welcoming, culturally diverse community with opportunities for all residents to be responsible and active participants in a caring community.
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Carriage rides around Downtown Anchorage are a favorite of residents and tourists alike.
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Anchorage continues to expand as a leader in world-wide cargo transport.
These goals address economic development and human resource issues that are primarily addressed by the programs of numerous public, semi-public, and private entities such as the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation and the Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development.
Job Opportunities: A wide variety of job opportunities that provide good income and benefits and that advance economic self-sufficiency.
Diverse Economy: A diverse and stable economy, focused on clean industry, that makes the most of Anchorage’s regional, statewide, and global position and of Anchorage’s leadership opportunity for resource development.
Workforce Support and Development: A mix of pre-employment education and training, on-the-job training, employee support, and ongoing educational programs to improve the employability of Anchorage residents.
Business Support and Development: A quality of life and a financial climate that encourage businesses to start up, expand, or relocate in Anchorage.
These goals address issues that are of concern to government in general or particular concerns that are mainly the responsibility of other public agencies.
Civic Involvement: A civic community that encourages public involvement in decision-making.
Natural Hazards: Coordinated and proactive public policies, emergency plans and procedures, and educational programs that minimize the risk to the community from natural hazards and disasters.
Safety: A community where people and property are safe.
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The Port of Anchorage is one of the top 15 ports in the nation. Most goods entering Anchorage are brought in by container cargo ships.
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