Elected officials and municipal staff gathered at the Denali Borough Assembly Meeting on December 18, 2024, to address a pressing issue: the growing housing shortage in the region. Presenting key data, officials highlighted a significant trend in the availability of overnight accommodations and the tight housing market.

The presentation showcased a chart illustrating the increase in occupied units versus total available units from 2020 to 2024. The data revealed a 50% increase in occupied overnight accommodations, indicating a rising demand that is contributing to the overall housing crunch. "Housing is tight, but overnight accommodations are growing," one official noted, emphasizing the need for more diverse housing options.

The discussion underscored a statewide and national supply shortage, prompting calls for regulatory measures to encourage the development of new housing units. Officials stressed the importance of attracting investment to the community, suggesting that the borough needs to explore various housing types, including single-family homes, dry cabins, and higher-density apartment buildings.

As the meeting concluded, the message was clear: Denali Borough must take proactive steps to address its housing challenges and ensure that the community can accommodate its growing population and tourism demands. The assembly's commitment to tackling this issue will be crucial in shaping the borough's future housing landscape.