Our Palmer Golf Course is at risk: A letter to the Alaska community

Dear Alaska Community,

Many of you have heard rumors that the Palmer Golf Course might be at risk under the city’s 2026 Airport Master Plan.

Unfortunately, those concerns are valid and it’s important that every resident understands what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how we can protect one of Palmer’s most valuable public spaces.

1. Why the Golf Course Is Involved in the Airport Plan

Nearly four decades ago, the Palmer Airport received federal aviation grants from the FAA. Those funds came with something called “grant assurances,” which require the land bought or improved with federal money to remain tied to aviation unless released by the FAA. Because the golf course sits on land that was once tied to those grants, the FAA considers it “airport-obligated property.”

Now, as part of the 2026 Airport Master Plan, city officials are re-examining the land tied to the airport including the golf course-to decide whether it should stay recreational or be reclassified as aviation land.

2. The Financial Reality

Here’s the part that’s being overlooked:

The Palmer Golf Course consistently operates at a surplus, generating money for the city.

The Palmer Airport operates at a loss, relying on city subsidies each year.

Despite that, city leadership has floated the idea of dramatically increasing the golf course’s lease rate by as much as 5,000 percentstaying it might be required by the FAA.

Under FAA Order 5190.6B and 49 U.S.C. §47107 (Grant Assurances 24 and 25), lease rates must be based on documented fair-market value through an independent appraisal, as Land classified as “airport” or “aviation-obligated” comes with federal restrictions under 49 U.S.C. §47107 and FAA Order 5190.6B.

That means it:

Can’t be used for housing, retail, or most commercial purposes.

Must either serve a direct aviation function (like hangars, taxiways, or flight schools) or get special FAA approval for limited non-aeronautical uses (like storage or golf).

Any revenue from that land must go back into the airport enterprise fund -it can’t be used for general city projects.

Result: The land can’t be sold or developed freely, so private buyers and appraisers value it far lower than unrestricted city or private property.

3. What the FAA Allows

If a piece of airport land is no longer needed for aviation, the FAA offers a process called a “release of obligation.”

That allows the city to buy the land from the airport fund and continue using it for recreation as long as the airport fund is repaid its fair market value over time.

Other cities, including Eugene, Oregon and Boulder, Colorado, have successfully used this exact process for parks and golf courses located on airport property.

The FAA’s goal is simple: to keep the airport’s books balanced, not to force communities to destroy public spaces.

In Palmer’s case, the city could use the golf course’s existing annual surplus to repay the airport enterprise fund over time: a fair, FAA-compliant, and financially responsible solution that protects both city assets.

4. Why the Golf Course Matters

Beyond the numbers, the Palmer Golf Course is part of our city’s identity.

It:

Buffers surrounding neighborhoods from airport noise, air traffic, and potential fuel emissions.

Provides tax revenue and economic activity through tournaments, tourism, and local spending.

Attracts visitors who shop, dine, and stay in Palmer boosting the small-business economy.

Creates local jobs, from groundskeeping and hospitality to maintenance and seasonal work.

Hosts community events and fundraisers, supporting schools, nonprofits, and local causes.

Offers affordable outdoor recreation for residents of all ages and abilities.

Provides low-impact exercise opportunities that improve physical and mental health, especially for seniors.

Supports youth development through junior golf programs, high school teams, and summer activities.

Serves as a gathering place that strengthens community connection and pride.

Preserves one of Palmer’s largest green spaces, keeping the city beautiful, open, and connected to nature.

Acts as a cooling green zone, reducing heat and improving air quality compared to paved land.

Protects water quality by filtering storm runoff before it reaches the Matanuska River.

Offers accessible recreation for people with disabilities wide paths, gentle slopes, and outdoor access.

Enhances Palmer’s image as a welcoming, livable, family-friendly city for residents and visitors.

Generates consistent revenue for the city, operating at a surplus that offsets general fund expenses.

Prevents overdevelopment by maintaining open space in a region facing rapid growth.

Losing or paving over this space would harm not just recreation, but the environment and our economy.

5. What’s Needed Now

Residents are asking the City Council and Mayor to:

Be transparent about the city’s plans for the golf course under the Airport Master Plan.

Request an FAA release of obligation for the golf course property.

Pursue the repayment plan using golf course revenue, ensuring both the airport and golf course remain financially stable.

6. How You Can Help

Email the City Council and Mayor (via cityclerk@palmerak.org) asking them to support the FAA-compliant repayment plan and protect the golf course.

Attend upcoming council meetings and speak during public comment.

Share this information with your neighbors -many people still don’t know the golf course could be converted to airport land.

The Palmer Golf Course is more than fairways and greens: it’s a natural buffer, a community gathering space, and a reminder of what makes Palmer special. Together, we can protect it with transparency, good data, and common sense.

Respectfully,

Save the Palmer Course