Housing Steering Committee Reconvenes to Launch Implementation Phase of the Housing Action Plan

On October 28, 2025, KEDC welcomed local leaders, community partners, and regional agencies to Kodiak College for the reconvening of the Housing Steering Committee (HSC). This luncheon served as an important milestone in our community’s work to move from planning to action. It also marked the first formal gathering since the completion of the Kodiak Housing Action Plan, funded through the Denali Commission.

A Roadmap for Coordinated Action

KEDC Executive Director Melissa Schoenwether opened the event by presenting the completed Housing Action Plan, noting that it reflects months of research, interviews, surveys, and village visits. The plan translates Kodiak’s complex housing challenges into specific priorities and strategies, ranging from zoning reforms to infrastructure needs, financing tools, and solutions for both urban and village settings.

Jared Reynolds from the UAA Center for Economic Development (CED) provided an overview of the six major themes in the plan: housing finance tools, zoning and land use reform, construction and permitting improvements, infrastructure, village housing investment, and strong leadership and coordination. He emphasized that the HSC will serve as the primary body guiding implementation, identifying near-term wins and long-term opportunities.

A New Structure for the Housing Steering Committee

KEDC outlined an updated structure for the Housing Steering Committee designed to support clear communication, accountability, and steady progress. The new three-tier engagement model includes:

Core Members who lead and advance implementation efforts,
Advisory Members who contribute subject expertise, and
Community Partners who help communicate and share information with the public.

KEDC will facilitate meetings, track progress, maintain communication with partners, and support the committee in aligning community efforts across the City, Borough, tribes, local employers, and nonprofits.

Community Input: What Matters Most in Year 1

Small-group discussions offered participants the chance to highlight the priorities most important—and most achievable—for the coming year. Several themes emerged clearly:

1. Leadership and Coordination

Participants underscored the need to establish and fund a dedicated Housing Coordinator. This role would support implementation, organize committee efforts, and maintain communication with local government.

2. Policy Tools and Sequencing

Members discussed the importance of coordinated sequencing for Voluntary Collection Agreements, short-term rental regulations, and accessory dwelling unit incentives. Many recommended that STR and VCA frameworks be clarified before expanding ADU programs. The group also supported exploring a Housing Trust Fund to help finance long-term solutions.

3. Collaboration with Employers and Agencies

Strengthening local partnerships—including with the U.S. Coast Guard, major employers, and tribal partners—was recognized as essential. Participants agreed that coordinated communication will help avoid competition for housing units and align efforts across sectors.

4. Public Education and Clear Communication

The need for accessible, public-facing materials emerged as a common theme. Ideas included fact sheets, myth-buster resources, and brief explainers on zoning, permitting, and the development process.

5. Projects and Early Wins

Attendees identified near-term opportunities such as updating STR and ADU policy, supporting village housing rehabilitation, and exploring redevelopment options for the old fire station.

What It Will Take to Move Forward

Participants noted that progress will require capacity, funding, and ongoing partnership. Conversations emphasized:

• Supporting and funding a Housing Coordinator

• Strengthening partnerships with KIHA, AHFC, AML, and other Alaska communities

• Focusing on the Housing Action Plan as the guiding framework

• Conducting an ADU process audit and clarifying land use responsibilities

• Launching public education efforts to ensure accurate and accessible information

Next Steps

KEDC is reviewing engagement cards and feedback submitted by attendees and those unable to attend. A proposed meeting calendar for the HSC will be available by November 19, with meetings scheduled through June.

Future work will include sharing updates with village communities, organizing meeting schedules for each of the three engagement tiers, and preparing materials to support public understanding of Kodiak’s housing landscape.