During the June 9, 2025, Regular Assembly Meeting in Juneau, community members voiced urgent concerns regarding housing and homelessness, highlighting the pressing need for local government action.

One of the most impactful discussions came from a long-time Juneau resident who passionately advocated for revisions to Chapter 35 of the city code. This resident, who has lived in Juneau for 50 years, urged the Assembly to allow subdivisions on arterial roads to adhere to underlying zoning rather than defaulting to the D1 lot size standard. This change could enable families, like hers, to subdivide their properties and provide affordable housing options for younger generations. The speaker emphasized that the current regulations are a barrier to development and contradict the city’s stated priority of addressing housing shortages.

Another resident, a firefighter and paramedic, echoed these sentiments, sharing his struggles to find affordable housing in Juneau. He expressed hope that the Assembly would consider the proposed revisions to facilitate his ability to purchase land from family members, allowing him to remain in the community he serves.

The meeting also saw multiple testimonies addressing the growing issue of homelessness in Juneau. Residents expressed frustration over the visible presence of vagrant camping and its impact on community safety and cleanliness. One speaker called for the formation of a task force to tackle homelessness, suggesting collaboration with local shelters and organizations to find effective solutions. Another resident highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of existing camping laws, arguing that the current situation is unsustainable and detrimental to the community.

In addition to housing and homelessness, discussions included calls for improved street safety for cyclists and pedestrians, with one resident recounting near-miss incidents with motorists. The need for traffic calming measures was emphasized to ensure safer streets for all users.

As the Assembly continues to address these critical issues, the community remains hopeful for tangible actions that will enhance housing availability and improve public safety. The discussions from this meeting reflect a growing urgency among residents for the city to take decisive steps in addressing these interconnected challenges.