Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) and a coalition of other local business leaders began developing this proposal in early 2023, after learning of Oklahoma City’s (OKC) transformation that occurred once they began investing dedicated sales tax dollars in quality-of-life improvements. Keeping in mind that Alaskans know best what works for Alaska, Project Anchorage proponents then fine-tuned the ideas they learned from OKC to specifically target what Anchorage residents need alongside visible improvements to city amenities: property tax relief, and a way to finally capture dollars from folks who visit or commute to Anchorage.
We have received over 300 project ideas to make the Municipality of Anchorage a better place to live, work, and play. Our next step is to organize, group, and evaluate project ideas. We may follow up with individual submitters for more information, and will share more in the coming weeks.
After you’ve submitted your favorite project ideas, and asked your friends and family to submit theirs, consider helping us by chipping in to get the word out far and wide about Project Anchorage. You can also sign up to receive updates on project selection and more, or submit your name to participate in the resident-led accountability and project performance board that will be established if Anchorage voters approve the initiative.
Yes. American Community Survey data from the Census Bureau on median property taxes paid by homeowners shows that the median amount in Anchorage was $4,760 in 2022, with the US average that year being $2,904. Out of about 3,200 counties (or equivalents) in the US, Anchorage ranked 129th, well within the top 10%. It’s important to note that our overall tax burden is still comparably low, it’s just that a disproportionate amount of that obligation comes from property owners.
Data compiled by the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development indicates that the average homeowner should see about a 20% reduction in property taxes after Project Anchorage goes into effect.
Conservatively, University of Alaska Center for Economic Development data predicts that this measure will bring in about $180 million in revenue annually, until the tax sunsets. Out of state visitors to Anchorage would contribute at least 20% to that revenue, and in-state commuters would contribute even more.
This measure is designed to hold harmless basic household necessities, so a number of purchase categories will be exempt from taxation. Examples of non-taxable purchases include:
We’d love to hear from you. Send us an email with your thoughts to: [email protected].
