Residents Call for Revitalization of Downtown Anchorage
Anchorage, AK – May 22, 2025 — The Anchorage Community Development Authority (ACDA) has released the results of the 2025 Downtown Anchorage Survey, offering fresh insight into how residents interact with and perceive the city’s core. Conducted by Alaska Survey Research, the study gathered responses from 747 Anchorage residents and sheds light on both the challenges facing downtown and the opportunities for renewed investment.
“Our community’s love for downtown remains strong,” said Mike Robbins, Executive Director of ACDA. “Residents value our restaurants, events, trails, and cultural spaces—but they’re also asking for a downtown that feels cleaner, safer, and more vibrant.”
Key findings include:
• Local businesses, walkability, and cultural events continue to draw visitors.
• Remote work, business closures, and fewer anchor attractions have shifted visit patterns.
• Public safety and homelessness were top concerns keeping people away.
• Households earning $100,000 or more and those with children are among the most frequent visitors.
• Street parking remains the most used option.
The average Anchorage resident visited downtown 48 times in 2024, with younger adults and those living nearby visiting most frequently.
Mayor Suzanne LaFrance affirmed the Municipality’s commitment to revitalizing Anchorage’s downtown core:
“A strong, thriving downtown is essential to Anchorage’s future,” said Mayor LaFrance. “This survey reinforces what we’ve heard from residents—we must prioritize public safety, vibrant community spaces, and economic opportunity downtown. My administration is addressing homelessness, supporting small business growth, and improving public infrastructure to make downtown a more welcoming place for all.”
The findings will help guide ACDA and partner organizations as they work to implement strategies that reflect public priorities and strengthen downtown Anchorage for years to come.
Founded in 1984, ACDA is a self-funded public corporate authority for the Municipality of Anchorage that catalyzes the development of a vibrant and prosperous community.
