“We are continuously moving forward.”: Wasilla Mayor gives State of the City address

The Wasilla Chamber of Commerce hosted Wasilla Mayor Glenda Ledford as she gave her State of the City address Tuesday, updating attendees of current and future goals of the city.

“We have remained persistently focused on fostering economically driven partnerships while emphasizing a special focus on the infrastructure improvements and development. The future of the city is determined by our adaptation to a changing economy and growing landscape in the Mat-Su Valley,” said the Mayor, kicking off her address.

She said that as the economic epicenter faced with a growing population, Wasilla is embracing change, encouraging economic growth, and developing infrastructure, keeping the city’s primary focus on water, wastewater, economic development, and expansion of the Wasilla airport.

“We are in perpetual pursuance of revenue opportunities through government and private partnerships and grants to aid in the city projects and programs.”

Several ongoing projects and accomplishments Mayor Ledford shared included QuickConnect, a project between Palmer and Wasilla and the Mat-Su Borough designing a Palmer-Wasilla water system.

“This is currently in the design-engineering phase and will be looking at the economic feasibility of future high-dense housing possibilities.”

She also touted the $5.7 million in federal funds for water/wastewater treatment infrastructure improvements, which is currently working on design-build of a new treatment upgrade at the existing facility; $70,000 CEDS grant money for the development of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy; a completion of a CEDS project and launched the first Wasilla Tech Alliance in partnership with Matanuska Telephone Association (MTA) and Wasilla High School.

She plugged the completion and opening of the Alaska Railroad new passenger train stop with new parking lot paving and passenger platform that opened earlier this year.

Mayor Ledford said other future city endeavors include submitting a build-to-scale Ignite Grant for attracting entrepreneurs and tech-focused industries to the region; applying for a $1.9million dollar grant to EDA for the economic feasibility of expansion of the water infrastructure; planning and development at the Wasilla Municipal Airport, updating the master plan, with expansion of the runway up to 6000 feet; $1.9 million grant for upgrades to the Public Safety and Dispatch Center, increasing connectivity, reliability, and resiliency; completing a 2 year expansion and enhancement of connectivity and increasing efficiency by providing real-time data; and revisions to Wasilla Municipal Code Title 15, Land Development Code, is underway.

“We are in the finalization phases and look forward to providing more streamlined services for developers, businesses, and homeowners.”

She also discussed the Arctic Winter Games, in which the Mat-Su Valley hosted an estimated 8,000 athletes and spectators.

“The city received numerous compliments for our friendly and helpful staff at the Menard Center,” she said, adding that the Wasilla Police Department also played an intricate part in maintaining traffic control and public safety. “I am extremely pleased and very proud everyone who helped make this event a safe and enjoyable occasion.”

She also praised the Menard Center for its ongoing ability and adaptability, gaining notice from the public, vendors, and business owners who have presented the city with various ideas for expansion.

The city administration is also preparing for the upcoming FY 2025 budget with a first presentation of the budget scheduled for May 13, during a regular Wasilla Council meeting.

“The city continues the goal of providing the highest level of service at the most affordable cost to our residents of the city and to the Mat-Su Valley by focusing on the continued growth trending in our general population to ensure all city budgets deliver the highest level of service possible to the public by aligning operations, personnel, and infrastructure.”

She also said seeking innovative and strategic opportunities through partnerships between the city, other local governments, and the private sector to improve business opportunities; supporting a continuing source of funding for revenue through partnerships to aid and expand city programs and projects; continuing to provide the citizens with the highest quality of law enforcement service possible in the most efficient and effective manner possible.

“I’m extremely pleased by what we have accomplished and equally happy that we are continuously moving forward for the betterment of our city, leaving a legacy for our future generations.”