COMMITTED TO
BUILDING KODIAK
Community
Housing is the foundation of a strong and resilient Kodiak.
Over the past year, the Kodiak Economic Development Corporation, together with the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development, worked closely with partners across the island to understand housing challenges and identify actionable, community-driven solutions. The result is the Kodiak Housing Action Plan, a roadmap for coordinated effort and tangible outcomes that reflect the voices of residents, employers, and leaders throughout the Kodiak Archipelago.
From the beginning, this effort focused on community participation. We met with residents in villages across the island to listen, learn, and gather feedback. The draft plan was shared at public meetings with the City and Borough, during an all-day community education event in town, and through a virtual forum that expanded access for community members and partners. Focus groups and follow-up discussions helped refine the recommendations and ensure they are grounded in local experience.
This plan represents the shared work of many. The KEDC Board of Directors, City and Borough staff, tribal governments, community organizations, and business leaders all contributed valuable insight. Each worked with KEDC and CED to strengthen the plan through their perspective and expertise. That spirit of collaboration and inclusion made this effort possible.
The Housing Action Plan was never intended to be a report that sits on a shelf. It was built to be used. The recommendations that follow provide both direction and accountability, guiding Kodiak toward practical solutions and real progress. Through continued coordination and focus from the Housing Steering Committee, these strategies can be translated into action that improves housing opportunities across our island communities.
Kodiak has always approached challenges with resilience, pragmatism, and a strong sense of community. This plan reflects those same qualities and sets the stage for collective action that strengthens families, supports our workforce, and secures a sustainable future for all who call Kodiak home.
Identifying the need
and supporting a solution
Though communities nationwide are experiencing a housing affordability crisis, Alaska’s housing challenges are particularly stark, exacerbated by expensive materials and labor costs, our rapidly aging housing stock and our new housing construction market isn’t keeping up with demand.
Housing is a complex issue, immune to quick fixes,
requiring both long-term planning
& creative investments.
Consequently, communities across the state are seeing the worker retention and recruitment difficulties caused by our housing shortage further slow construction, renovation, and modernization efforts. Kodiak is experiencing this, and KEDC is looking for creative solutions to address the situation.
As we work to develop community focused solutions, we need Kodiak residents to participate.