Making and breaking cities in Alaska

Communities grow and change, and sometimes it makes sense to adjust a city's boundaries or even create or dissolve entire municipalities. Processes exist that allow residents to have a voice in how their communities are sized.

In Alaska, a municipality can be a city or a borough. This differs from most other states that may have counties, cities, towns, and villages that may share responsibilities and jurisdiction. Alaska has 161 incorporated municipalities, 145 cities and 16 boroughs. There is also an “Unorganized Borough” for the rest of the state’s land.

Let's start with annexation, which is adding to an existing municipality. Imagine your neighborhood sits just outside city limits, but you'd like access to city services like police protection, parks and recreation, animal control, or a more proactive road maintenance program. As a developer, maybe you own land that you want to subdivide and market, but the tax structure is more helpful inside the city than outside.

The first step in annexation involves building community support. Residents and property owners in both the existing municipality and the area proposed for annexation need to understand the benefits and challenges of joining forces. These conversations often focus on practical matters like tax rates, service improvements, and representation in local government.

When there is enough interest, a formal proposal is sent to the Local Boundary Commission, which oversees all municipal boundary changes in Alaska. Three key things are required: for the areas to be compatible as a single community, for the expanded municipality to provide services to the new area, and for the change to benefit the entire state of Alaska.

The proposal then undergoes extensive public review. Hearings held by the Commission provide residents with a chance to voice their support or concerns. If approved to move forward to the next step, the state legislature may review for action or residents might vote on the change.

Now, let's look at dissolving a municipality. Sometimes communities decide that having a formal municipal government no longer serves their needs. Perhaps people have moved out or the tax base can no longer support necessary services.

This has happened in the Mat-Su in the past. There was once a JFK City in the valley that was incorporated in December 1963. JFK City was dissolved in March 1974 by the Alaska Legislature because the community had no residents for an extended period.

A dissolution process begins with a petition signed by at least 15 percent of the number of people who voted in the last general election. This shows the Local Boundary Commission that there's serious interest in making this significant change. If there were 1,000 voters, you need to have 150 signatures.

Along with signatures, petitioners are required to present a transition plan. This plan needs to address several questions: What happens to municipal services? Who is responsible for public safety and infrastructure? Who will pay the existing debts? What becomes of assets like buildings and equipment? The plan must also explain how the community will function without a municipal government.

Just as with annexation, the Local Boundary Commission reviews the petition and holds public hearings. Residents get multiple opportunities to weigh in on the proposed change. If the Commission approves the petition, voters in the municipality make the final decision through an election. A majority must vote in favor of dissolution for it to take effect.

There is no way out of a municipality except dissolving the entire thing. Unlike annexation where a small neighborhood can join a city, there is no process for a small neighborhood to cede from the city.

Both annexation and dissolution can significantly impact daily life in a community. Annexation typically means a change in taxes and new services and representation in municipal government. Dissolution often means losing some services and local control, but also reducing bureaucracy.

For those considering either path, early communication with the Local Boundary Commission staff is invaluable. They can provide guidance on the process, required documentation, and common pitfalls to avoid. The Commission's website has many detailed manuals and examples from other communities that have gone through these processes.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.