The North Slope Borough held a three-day housing summit in Anchorage to discuss challenges and solutions for building homes in Arctic communities. The summit brought together experts, residents, and organizations to explore strategies to alleviate the housing shortage, reduce shipping costs, and develop a skilled workforce.
Jack Frantz, the director of North Slope Borough Housing Department, addressed participants at the housing summit on January 23, 2025. The three-day event, held in Anchorage, aimed to delve into the challenges and best practices associated with constructing homes in Arctic communities. Frantz highlighted the pressing issue of housing shortage in the North Slope, stating that the borough is losing homes to dilapidation at a faster rate than new ones are being built.
He emphasized the impact on young adults who are forced to relocate to lower cities due to the lack of available housing. The summit brought together Alaska Native experts, including Pearl Brower, president and CEO at Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation. Brower pointed out the unique challenges faced in the region, such as the short construction season and the difficulty in finding qualified labor. The remote geography and unpredictable weather further complicate matters by making the transportation of building materials expensive and unreliable.Despite these obstacles, Frantz expressed that residents in the oil-rich economy are eager to build and purchase homes. He noted that many individuals on the North Slope possess strong financial acumen and can secure loans to finance their housing projects. The summit served as a platform to connect potential homeowners with crucial resources, including funding and financing opportunities, cost-effective shipping solutions, and local contractors willing to undertake projects. Participants explored strategies to reduce shipping costs, such as collaborative ordering and the establishment of a cooperative to leverage economies of scale. Frantz also addressed the issue of home appraisals, explaining that the lengthy waiting periods can hinder residents from accessing equity for further loans. The summit included a panel discussion on skilled labor and training, with Iḷisaġvik College President Justina Wilhelm emphasizing the college's commitment to developing a workforce capable of meeting the region's housing needs. Following the event, the borough plans to compile a comprehensive guide listing banks that cater to regional buyers and contractors eager to work on North Slope projects. They also intend to share the summit's findings with residents during Kivgiq, the mid-winter festival in Utqiaġvik, and during future village visits. Frantz expressed the borough's commitment to actively engaging with residents, seeking feedback, and addressing their specific housing concerns
NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH HOUSING CRISIS ARCTIC COMMUNITIES CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGES SHIPPING COSTS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT
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