OUR PLAN & TIMELINE
A Future of Local Independence
Our community is unique—defined by its strong values, neighborhoods that are both close-knit and also spread over miles of land, and unparalleled natural beauty. Yet, as part of the Municipality of Anchorage, our voice is often overshadowed, and our distinct needs are ignored. Detaching from Anchorage offers us an exciting opportunity to build a future tailored to our priorities. The new borough will be called the Chugach Regional Borough, and will encompass these communities.
Why Detachment Makes Sense
Local Governance
that Reflects Our Values
By forming our own borough, we can ensure that our policies, taxes, and resources are managed by leaders who live here and understand our community's unique needs. Decisions would be made locally—not dictated by Anchorage’s urban-centric priorities. A small government structure would be easily accessible by the local citizens…imagine a mayor’s office where you can knock on the office door of the mayor and walk in for a chat. Imagine a local assembly comprised of your neighbors and friends who live in this area. Imagine schools where the students are taught math, science, reading, writing, civics and history, achieving excellent test scores.
Stronger Fiscal
Accountability
Anchorage's expansive infrastructure and failing schools demand a significant portion of tax revenues, leaving less for our own needs. Detachment means our tax dollars stay local, funding our own school district, maintaining our roads, and providing services that directly benefit our communities.
Preserve & Celebrate
Our Identity
We are more than a suburb—we are a community with our own culture, priorities, and way of life. Detachment allows us to strengthen our identity and focus on preserving what makes us special.
Tailored Economic
Development
With autonomy, we can promote growth that aligns with our values, whether by fostering small businesses, investing in outdoor recreation, or responsibly managing local resources. The commercial sector of Eagle River is dying…how many new businesses have moved in or opened shop? And yet if we drive through Mat-Su Valley, we see new construction and brand-new businesses operating everywhere.
Control Over
Public Services
From law enforcement to education, we can customize services to better suit the unique challenges and aspirations of our area. Imagine schools and public safety initiatives designed specifically for Eagle River and Chugiak.
The Path Forward
This decision isn't about division; it's about empowerment.
By standing together, we can create a self-sufficient, vibrant borough
that reflects our community's spirit and ensures a brighter future for generations to come.
Join us in exploring this opportunity to secure our independence and shape a better tomorrow.
Together, we can chart a course where Eagle River and Chugiak thrive—on our terms.
Let’s make our voices heard.
Milestones & Timeline
The below is a simplified timeline of the major milestones in the detachment process
outlined in Alaska Statute (AS) 29.06 and 3 Alaska Administrative Code (AAC) 110.
While we wish to detach as soon as possible, this process will take several years to complete.
In the infographic below we have given our estimate of when we hope each step will occur;
keep in mind those estimates will be adjusted depending on how long the current step takes.
If you have any questions regarding the below, please contact us here or join us for our next Town Hall.
Draft the Petition
A complete petition is comprised of:
​​
1) a Charter describing the total design of the new borough;
2) a Metes & Bounds Map showing the borders of the new borough;
3) a Transition Plan describing how we will implement the new government; and
4) a legal brief detailing the legal aspects of separation from the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA).
​
The Eaglexit board is currently revising the petition package based upon feedback from legal counsel.
Informal Technical Review (& Revision)
Once the Eaglexit Board and legal counsel believe the petition package to be complete, it is submitted to the Local Boundary Commission (LBC) staff for an Informal Technical Review. The LBC Staff then up to 45 days to review the petition and respond as approved or needs revision. (While the LBC Staff are allotted up to 45 days, that does not mean they must use the full amount if they can complete the review in a shorter period. We are simply telling you the maximum timeline possible.) If the petition package is not approved by the LBC in the first submission, then the Board and legal counsel will revise the petition package based on the feedback from the LBC Staff and resubmit. It is possible for multiple repetitions of submission and revision before the LBC Staff approves the documents and we are able to proceed to the following step.
Petition Signature
Once the petition package has been informally approved by the LBC Staff, we must obtain 15,000 signatures from residents of MOA Assembly District 2 (AD2) to proceed to a vote. While Eaglexit is obtaining signatures from AD2 residents, the LBC will hold public meetings for residents to comment on the proposed package.
Formal Review & Public Meetings
Once we have obtained the minimum number of signatures, the petition will be submitted to the LBC for Formal Review by the governor appointed members (not the staff). While reviewing the petition package, the LBC will simultaneously be posting Public Notices for Public Meetings to solicit input regarding the petition. The allotted time for this step in the process is one year. (While the LBC is allotted up to one year, that does not mean they must use the full amount if they can complete the review in a shorter period. We are simply telling you the maximum timeline possible.)
Public Vote
Once we have obtained the minimum number of signatures, the petition will be put to a vote by the residents of AD2. Residents of the MOA living outside of AD2 are not permitted to vote on the petition.
Implementation & Detachment
Once the petition has received a majority vote, we enter the implementation phase in which we will have two years, according to Alaska Statute, to complete the detachment from the MOA. This is the phase in which the separation of assets and liabilities occurs, we elect people for borough offices, start filling new school board positions, etc.
See a way your skills and abilities could help?
As this is a grass roots effort,
we could use help.
If you agree with our cause and
see a way in which you can be of assistance,
please contact us using the "Contact Us"
feature on the homepage.