Update from City Council

City Council Passes COV Budget for 2023
After holding a series of in-depth budget work sessions throughout October and November, the City Council voted to adopt the City of Valdez Budget for 2023 at their December 13^th meeting. Council members applauded the hard work of Finance Department staff in navigating this year’s budget process. Check out the 2023 budget highlights.

Special Election Scheduled for February 7, 2023
A special municipal election will take place on Tuesday, February 7, bringing voters a proposal to increase the allowed residential property tax exemption from $50,000 to $75,000 of the assessed value (or the maximum permitted under state law).

The Alaska Legislature passed a bill to increase the maximum exemption amount allowed in the last session. The City Council passed Ordinance 22-12 in November to propose language in the City code. However, state law requires local voters to ratify changes to this residential tax exemption type.

For more information about the Special Election and to read the proposition, visit the City’s elections website.

Absentee voting for this election starts Monday, January 23.

Senior Housing Project Progresses
The City Council continues to work with city administration and Valdez Senior Housing Associates, LLC, on developing and completing a new senior living apartment complex.

In addition to city and private capital, this project has received a land donation from the City of Valdez and has been awarded funding from the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation and the Rasmussen Foundation.

The City Council voted on December 13 to amend the contract on this project to ensure that each of the 29 apartments in the facility will have in-unit laundry. This housing project is expected to commence in the summer of 2023.

City of Valdez Zoning Code Title 17 revision

Valdez Zoning Code Revision

The City is working with a consultant team, Agnew::Beck and Stantec, to revise our community’s zoning code (Title 17) to align the City’s zoning and land use standards with the vision, goals, and land use map in our recently adopted Comprehensive Plan (“Plan Valdez”). We have also formed a Working Group of community advisors, representing a broad range of perspectives, who will meet monthly to discuss key topics in the code revision process and guide the City and our team during drafting. Plan Valdez, completed in 2021, is our primary guiding document - but we’ve also identified several key goals for what the new zoning code should do:

Be consistent with Plan Valdez
Address natural hazards
Plan for "winter city" conditions
Create land use/development flexibility
Allow more housing options
Accommodate mixed-use projects
Remove unnecessary regulations
Streamline review procedures

Check Out The Title 17 Revision Project Website!
The project website, www.zoningvaldez.com, is your one-stop resource for information about the process, links to Plan Valdez and current code, a schedule of upcoming meetings, materials from prior meetings, and other resources. As we move into the new year, information will be shared about n open house for the public (planned for early 2023, when we are further along in the drafting process), when the draft code will be available for review, and an updated timeline for formal approval.

individual pushing a snow blower to clear snow

Helpful Tip- Residential Snow Removal

Valdez Municipal Code 12.04.050, Snow Removal from Private Property, provides guidance for residents when removing snow from private property. Snow removed from a residential property by owners, occupants, or snow removal contactors must be placed as close to the sides of any roadway as practical and may not be placed in any manner that would inhibit the passage of vehicular traffic.

Ideally, snow removed by individuals would be taken to the nearest authorized city snow storage lot and placed as close to the existing snow pile as practical. Snow may not be placed in any manner that would interfere with access to the back of the lot or an existing snow pile.

Is Your Business Registered with the City of Valdez?

Anyone conducting business in Valdez is required to first register with the city and renew their registration annually. There is no application fee, and all that’s needed to apply is your State of Alaska Business License. So far, 308 businesses have registered for 2023. A valid business registration is required to participate in programs like energy assistance and beautification grants and be eligible for City of Valdez contracts. If you’re in business in Valdez, register today!

Complete the online registration form on the City's forms page. If you have questions or require assistance completing the form, visit the Planning Department window at City Hall (212 Chenega Avenue) or call 907-834-3401.

Social Media Engagement - December Success Story

Thank you to the City's Solid Waste, Police, and Fire Departments for your collaboration on the Grinch story! While Santa was out making Snowtown Deliveries, the Grinch made an unwelcome appearance and stole a boy's Santa gift. Luckily the Valdez Police Department was on the case!

Facebook Post Analytics
Reach: 14,160 (the number of people who saw the post at least once)
Engagements: 4,100 (the number of reactions, comments, shares, and clicks on the post)

920 reactions
96 comments
119 shares

Thank you for spreading the holiday cheer this time of year!

January Meetings and Events

Important Dates for January 2023

Monday, January 2nd – New Year’s Holiday Observed - City Offices Closed
Tuesday, January 3rd – City Council – Legislative Priorities Works Session and Regular Meeting
Monday, January 9th – School Board
Tuesday, January 10th – Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, January 11th – Beautification Matching Grant Lunch and Learn; Planning and Zoning Commission
Friday, January 13th – Deadline for Property Tax Exemption Applications
Monday, January 16th – Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday – City Offices Closed
Tuesday, January 17th – City Council – Hospital Master Plan Work Session and Regular Meeting
Wednesday, January 18th – Economic Diversification Commission
Thursday, January 19th – Ports and Harbors Commission (note date change due to holidays)
Monday, January 23rd – Absentee Voting Starts for Special Election; School Board
Wednesday, January 25th – Planning and Zoning Commission
Thursday, January 26th – Beautification Commission

Access agenda materials and meeting schedules for Valdez City Council and City of Valdez Commissions.
Access online calendars for additional city events and activities.

Engagement Opportunities

Website Photo Project - Spirit of Valdez
Help us capture the essence and spirit of Valdez for use on the City's website. The City of Valdez Communications office is looking for talented photographers to showcase Valdez and is now accepting submissions for photos to be featured on the City of Valdez’s main website. The City is in the process of redesigning the website. While several large images are currently featured on the City’s homepage, the redesign will include images used throughout the site. The City would like to highlight local artists’ photographs and the Valdez community. Photos may be submitted by anyone, with parent or guardian approval, for those under 18.

Title 17 Zoning Code Revision: Sign up to receive project updates by email! Join the mailing list to receive project updates about the zoning revision process. At most, six emails will be sent. To sign up, visit the project website, enter your email address in the Sign Up for Project Updates and click the JOIN button.

Join a City Board or Commission! The following boards or commissions still need volunteers to step up and engage: the Museum and Historical Archive Board of Directors, Valdez Consortium Library Board, and the Economic Diversification Commission. Visit the Boards & Commissions web page to learn more or to apply for a vacancy.

Sign up for FlashVote!
Valdez residents are encouraged to sign up for FlashVote, a survey tool that allows residents to have a voice in city government through text, email, or voice responses. FlashVote is a public survey research platform that recruits a panel of residents representative of the entire community to answer short surveys. FlashVote is designed to gather feedback within 48 hours, allowing City government to quickly get useful and statistically valid information from residents. Responses from FlashVote surveys will be used to inform City decisions on services, programs, and initiatives.

Join your friends and neighbors and sign up at www.flashvote.com/valdezak.

Help Name the Newsletter! We need your help naming the City's newsletter. Offer a name for the City's newsletter along with a brief statement explaining why your selection is the best name for the newsletter. If your submission is selected, you will win the City's undying gratitude! Submit your newsletter name nomination to communications@valdezak.gov.

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