Palmer Mayor Jim Cooper gave an update about Palmer happenings on Inside the City on Big Cabbage Radio last Friday. He highlighted new projects, local pride, and upcoming events across Palmer and the Mat-Su Valley.
The banners hanging on downtown light poles celebrate Palmer High School graduates, says Mayor Cooper. This annual tradition started during COVID. It adds to the charm of Palmer. Residents enjoy walking downtown and viewing pictures of the graduates on the banners.
The mayor highlighted CNN’s recognition of the Matanuska River Valley as a travel destination. The article is titled “25 of the USA’s Most Underrated Destinations.” It praises the scenery, mountains, and attractions such as the Musk Ox Farm. Cooper says the recognition confirms what locals know: the Valley remains “the best place to live, work, and play.”
The new Palmer Library construction continues. Large excavation work is visible. Cooper acknowledged the project can look overwhelming at this stage. He emphasized that progress is steady and that the finished facility will be phenomenal.
Road construction season is almost here. Work starts on Evergreen Avenue near the Depot in two weeks. This is like the upgrades to Fireweed Avenue last year. Cedar Avenue will be extended this summer to allow better vehicle access to the police station.
Cooper praised the Public Works crews for cleaning city bike paths and preparing the city for summer. He also encouraged patience since paths maintained by the State still wait for cleanup.
The Palmer Municipal Golf Course is now open for play on all 18 holes following the ribbon-cutting celebration last month. The driving range is now open, and carts are allowed on the course.
The mayor highlighted positive economic developments, including new area businesses. Ribbon cuttings were held for Mat-Su Sentinel and Thrive.
The Mat-Su Sentinel opened an office downtown in the building that once housed Talis Colberg’s law practice.
Thrive is a veterinary specialist clinic. It’s one of the few in Alaska offering in-state specialty surgery services for dogs and cats. Learn more about Thrive on Valley Edition this Friday.
The Palmer Museum of History and Art is hosting a display focused on the connection of baseball to Palmer dating back to the Colony Era.
Proclamations will recognize Arbor Day, Memorial Day, Public Works Week, and Peace Officers Memorial Day at tomorrow night’s city council meeting. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. The audio and video stream of the meeting are on bigcabbageradio.org under streamed meetings.
Cooper praised students following the senior awards night at Palmer High School. He said he was impressed by the accomplishments of graduating seniors and by the amount of scholarship money awarded.
Summer events are starting. Friday Fling returns this Friday.
MTA will be installing fiber optic around the city this summer.
Cooper praised community traditions like “Drive Your Tractor to Work Day” last week. Kids of all ages waited in the rain at the Pavilion to watch vintage and modern farm equipment drive into town.
Mayor Cooper encouraged residents to continue participating in the many community events that make Palmer unique.
The full conversation with Mayor Cooper is on bigcabbageradio.org. Click on Podcasts then Inside the City.
Big Cabbage Radio thanks the MatValley Federal Credit Union for the grant to purchase new video cameras. We use the cameras to video stream the Palmer City Council meetings and other events.
The archive of the videos is on bigcabbageradio.org in Streamed Meetings.
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This Page Two article was reported by Mike Chmielewski and produced by yours truly, Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Monday May 11 2026.