We can retain our current workforce, attract a new one and build a thriving community.
As a longtime Anchorage resident, business owner and mom, I fully support the Project Anchorage initiative recently introduced by a group of residents and business leaders affiliated with Anchorage Economic Development Corporation. I own and operate multiple retail stores in Anchorage, including an iconic downtown shop that I co-own with my sibling, catering to both locals and tourists. Like many Anchorage employers, I have struggled to recruit and retain employees.
With rising rents, mortgages and home prices, Anchorage is facing a housing crisis. I believe Anchorage’s high property taxes contribute to out-of-reach rent and housing costs. This affordability crisis is driving the workforce, including our children and young labor force looking to get started in their careers, to search for more affordable housing out of state.
I believe that the proposed sales tax will help address these issues. Supporting Project Anchorage’s sales tax initiative means capturing visitor spending, making home ownership more affordable and achievable for young people, and bringing back a feeling that our city is a place to be — by improving facilities for families to enjoy year-round and making green spaces more inviting and safe.
Project Anchorage’s proposal would help fund new public projects and amenities, making life in Anchorage more enjoyable for us and future generations and making locating in Anchorage more attractive to new companies. These new projects would attract significant private investment, boosting our economy. Oklahoma City faced similar economic challenges 30 years ago. Voting to diversify their sources of revenue with new sales taxes, the city attracted billions of dollars in investment.
I am convinced that by investing in ourselves, we can achieve affordable housing, and transform Anchorage into a competitive and desirable place for our families to live. The views expressed here are the writer’s and are not necessarily endorsed by the Anchorage Daily News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Survey suggests Anchorage businesses are still optimistic about doing business in AnchorageWright said the only caution was optimism about the Anchorage economy itself which was down slightly from the previous year which Wright said mirrors drops in a recent consumer confidence survey as well.
Read more »
OPINION: Celebrating trail improvements in Anchorage’s ‘backyard wilderness’I can’t emphasize enough the excellent work done by the volunteer crews and the trail-building (or repair) expertise of those who led this project.
Read more »
Can Kamala Harris Win Over Conservatives?See multiple perspectives from National Review (Opinion) and New York Times (Opinion) at AllSides.com.
Read more »
New cooking internship gives teens a taste of restaurant kitchensColorado Restaurant foundation program lets young people dip their toes into hospitality.
Read more »
LaFrance addresses homelessness, Anchorage police body cam policy as first 30 days in office approachesApproaching her first 30 days in office Thursday, Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance said her administration is working toward plans to address Anchorage’s state of homelessness and supported the Anchorage Police Department’s new body camera policy.
Read more »
LaFrance addresses homelessness, Anchorage police body cam policy as first 30 days in office approachesApproaching her first 30 days in office Thursday, Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance said Tuesday her administration is working toward plans to address Anchorage’s state of homelessness and supported the Anchorage Police Department’s new body camera policy in a wide-ranging interview with Alaska’s News Source.
Read more »