To the Anchorage Chamber Membership:

As one of the largest business organizations in Alaska with nearly 800 members representing over 40,000 employees, the mission at the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce is to advance a successful business climate by attending to the civic, economic, and cultural betterment of our community. For over 100 years we have served as a resource where members can gain business knowledge, strength, and insight, and we are motivated to support the growth and success for all of Anchorage. 

With our annual regular municipal election and bond propositions before us, we’d like to express support for Proposition 3 for Parks & Recreation Service Area Capital Improvement. A sizable investment is proposed for Town Square Park, bringing important safety and visibility improvements that will enhance the security, experience, and sense of welcoming for such a central location in downtown Anchorage.

The funding goes beyond beautification to address the very real safety concerns that have plagued this space in recent years. Town Square Park has become a place where many feel unsafe, reflective not just anecdotally or on social media forums, but evidenced with emergency service calls tripling last year to 1,399 APD interactions in 2024. 

Parks contribute to population growth and economic vitality by boosting quality of life and making cities more attractive places to live and work. When spaces are safe and welcoming to visitors and residents, they spend more time and money in the area, boosting the economic impact. Residents increase a sense of pride in their city, and create a sense of community. Parks are an essential component of quality of place, as evidenced in the Choose Anchorage plan, in addition to the added attention to downtown revitalization.

It’s an investment in a safer, more vibrant downtown that benefits everyone who lives, works or visits Anchorage. By supporting the investment in Town Square Park, we are supporting revitalization of downtown Anchorage, and extending this vitality through the municipality. 

Very sincerely, 
Kathleen McArdle
Anchorage Chamber of Commerce
President & CEO