Public Hearing on AO 2026-85 (Missing Middle Housing Opportunity Overlay)

The Anchorage Assembly is considering Ordinance AO 2026-85, a proposal to establish a 'Missing Middle Housing Opportunity Overlay.' This zoning tool aims to address Anchorage's housing shortage by allowing a broader range of residential development types—such as townhomes, cottage courts, and smaller homes—along arterial transit routes. The ordinance seeks to remove regulatory barriers by providing flexibility in lot coverage, setbacks, building height, and the number of structures allowed on a property. The proposal is geographically targeted rather than citywide and applies specifically to properties within the multifamily tax incentive area. It does not mandate redevelopment for property owners, nor does it function as an affordable housing program or a guarantee of lower housing costs. Instead, it is presented as one component of a larger municipal strategy to increase housing supply. Public hearings for AO 2026-85 are scheduled for September 15 and October 7, 2026. The Assembly is soliciting public feedback via email, phone, or in-person testimony to evaluate how the proposed zoning flexibility balances housing needs with neighborhood compatibility.