The City of Palmer is asking residents, business owners, and visitors to help shape the future of downtown Palmer. An online survey is now open as part of the City’s Parking and Pedestrian Access Strategic Plan for downtown. The goal of the plan is to improve mobility, safety, and accessibility in the Central Business District. The plan will guide decisions on infrastructure, policies, and programs that could reshape how people move through downtown Palmer.
The City’s Planning and Zoning Commission asked for an independent study of parking and walkability in Palmer’s downtown in late 2024. The City Council approved $50,000 in funding earlier this year. RESPEC was selected and began work in July.
In addition to the survey, RESEC is gathering feedback via stakeholder interviews, public meetings, and presentations to local boards and commissions.
In September, ordinance 25-004 came before the council. It would have eliminated off-street parking requirements for restaurants, bars, and retail businesses in the Central Business District. After considerable pushback from downtown business owners, the council decided to postpone action on the ordinance until after the Parking and Pedestrian Access Strategic Plan was presented.
The plan’s goals include assessing current regulations, enhancing pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, strengthening ADA accessibility, supporting economic development, and ensuring community input is reflected in the recommendations.
Palmer Director of Community Development Nathaniel Ouzts said the project is more than a parking study. “By improving walkability, wayfinding,and accessibility in our Central Business District, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth that respects Palmer’s unique charm and history,” he said.
The study is scheduled to conclude in early 2026. Until then, officials say the survey is a key opportunity for the public to weigh in. It is available now on the city website and Facebook page. Public meeting dates and project updates will be posted on the City of Palmer website.
It’s election season!
Early voting in Palmer, Wasilla, and Houston continues weekdays through Monday, October 6th at each City Hall from 8am to 5pm. Wasilla also has Saturday hours from 10am to 3pm. Election day for all cities is on October 7th. Not sure where to vote on election day? Check out the Division of Elections My Voter Portal.
Borough elections are on Tuesday, November 4th.The deadline to register to vote is Sunday, October 5, 2025. Uppdate or register to vote online on the Division of Elections website. You can also register to vote at the Alaska State Division of Elections office in Wasilla or at the Borough Clerk’s office.
This Saturday is an action-packed day. Some events are: the Health Fair at Mat-Su Regional with free fasting labs, Frost Fest at the Palmer Depot, Volunteer Orientation at the Animal Shelter, and a bagpipes concert at St John’s Church in Palmer. We’ll have more on the possibilities on Friday.
The podcast series Voices of the Mat-Su came to a close in August. The two-year series was produced with a grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation. Now it’s time to reflect on the impact and success of the podcast. And, we need your help. Please complete a short survey on your impressions of Voices of the Mat-Su. It’s on our website at bigcabbageradio.org until October 15th.
Page Two articles are written by Emily Forstner and Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
Thank you for your continued support of Big Cabbage Radio. It’s never too late to donate and be part of your community radio station. Please, donate today.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Wednesday, October 1 2025.