Planning officials in the Fairbanks North Star Borough are set to embark on a series of community workshops beginning on March 4, 2024. This initiative aims to gather public feedback on the borough’s 20-year regional comprehensive plan, a critical document that influences policies related to housing, business developments, and public investments. The comprehensive plan is revised every two decades to ensure it reflects the current conditions and needs of the borough while setting a course for the future.
The comprehensive plan serves as a guiding framework for various actions taken by the borough, including the approval of transportation projects, updates to borough codes, rezoning efforts, and the issuance of land use permits. It is a vital component of the FNSB’s operations, frequently referenced by borough staff, commissioners, and assembly members.
Borough Mayor Grier Hopkins emphasized the importance of community engagement in this process. He stated, “We want to hear from all the communities and neighborhoods in our diverse borough to make sure we hear how those communities want to grow and what they want in terms of housing, infrastructure, and road access.” The comprehensive plan is designed to be entirely community-driven, incorporating feedback from residents, surveys, and insights from a 13-member steering group that represents various communities.
Workshops Scheduled Across the Borough
The series of workshops will kick off at the Ken Kunkel Community Center in Goldstream Valley on March 4. Additional meetings are scheduled at various locations throughout the borough, including the North Pole Public Library on March 5, the Noel Wien Public Library on March 6, and Fairbanks Mushers Hall on March 8. Each of these sessions will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Two workshops will also take place on March 9 at Weller Elementary (10 a.m. to noon) and Woodriver Elementary (3 p.m. to 5 p.m.). A virtual workshop is scheduled for March 7 from noon to 1 p.m.
Bryant Wright from R&M Consultants underscored the significance of community participation in these workshops. He remarked that these sessions are crucial for understanding the collective vision for the future of the borough. “We want to see the community look like and address some of the opportunities we have,” Wright noted. The goal is to integrate diverse perspectives unique to different neighborhoods and communities within the region.
The borough has already conducted previous community workshops and a survey to collect initial ideas and insights. According to Wright, the steering committee has drafted a vision statement that positions the borough as the hub of Interior Alaska and a gateway to the Arctic. This vision emphasizes the importance of creating “thriving, welcoming, and innovative communities that support a wide variety of opportunities and lifestyles.”
Future Steps and Community Input
Developing the comprehensive plan is a complex process that began over a year ago, with a final draft anticipated by early 2027. Mayor Hopkins indicated that a follow-up survey is expected early next year to gather further feedback, which will be reviewed by the steering committee and consultants for integration into the plan.
This comprehensive plan will also inform upcoming local community plans for areas such as Ester, Goldstream, and Two Rivers. The borough’s leadership is committed to ensuring that the final document reflects the needs and aspirations of its residents.
For further details on the Regional Comprehensive Plan and to stay updated on community engagement opportunities, residents can visit the borough’s official website at fnsb.gov/compplan.
