Peter Micciche, Mayor of the Kenai Peninsula Borough, reflected on 2024 and provided solutions to the housing issues for the next year.
So far, “Things are running very well,” Micciche says. According to the annual survey, the borough’s citizens are very satisfied with its services, including road maintenance, emergency services, and other basic services.
He then goes on to say that they have a vision for 2025. Many people throughout the community have spoken out about what they want to see heading into the new year.
One of them is low-cost housing. As the population increases, Micciche wants more housing options available for people who build our communities. “We want to bring our young people back home where they have a future, ” he says.
“With interest rates the way they are, that is not in reality within the range for young working people. Therefore, we’re having a hard time getting teachers, police officers, municipal workers, and people at the hospital. People who are building our communities—there’s just nowhere for them to live, and I think we’re going to start seeing that turnaround in 2025.”
At the last assembly meeting on Dec. 3, the Borough was approved to purchase a piece of property right next to the Chapman Elementary School, located in Anchor Point. Micciche mentions that because Homer is so expensive, families with young children are moving up into the Anchor Point area, causing Chapman Elementary to burst at the seams.
“We’re looking at following students and families where they are to make sure we have the assets available for them,” Micciche says. “We’re bringing as many people to the table that are willing to participate so that we make the best decision and we prepare our community for not quick, but slow and steady growth… I think you’re going to see that continue here on the Kenai.”
Mayor Micciche’s wish for 2025 is for citizens of the borough to stay off of social media, get the facts, participate, and let us know your vision for our community.
The next Borough Assembly will be held on Jan. 7, 2025 from 6-8pm. You can attend online by Zoom or by attending in person at the Kenai Peninsula Borough Administration building, located on Binkley St.