Palmer has seen a public debate over the future of its golf course and airport. At the center of the controversy are three questions: How should the City manage these public assets? What does the Federal Aviation Administration require? How much public input should residents expect when major decisions are being made?
The Palmer Municipal Golf Course sits on airport property. The land carries federal aviation obligations. City officials say there are no immediate plans to extend the runway or close the course. However, airport planning documents have identified the golf course as a possible area for future aviation development.
Palmer must plan for the airport’s future while complying with federal requirements. Officials also questioned whether the lease arrangement for the golf course met fair market value rules. The City notes that documentation supporting the reduced lease rate expired last summer. The lease required a fresh review.
Supporters of the City approach argue that these concerns cannot be ignored. Palmer receives federal aviation support. The City must protect its financial and legal interests. Officials pursued property appraisals, reviewed the operating agreement and began seeking an FAA release of obligations that could affect the golf-course land. Officials say they want to preserve the golf course.
Critics say the City created a crisis around a popular community asset. The operator, Eagle Golf Course Management, had managed the course for about 18 years. Supporters point to improved financial performance. They argue that the City had not demonstrated why the arrangement needed to end.
The disagreement intensified during contract negotiations late last year and early this year. The City cited regulatory, licensing, and employment concerns. Operator George Collum disputed the City’s position. He objected to proposed contract terms. The City took over golf course operations after negotiations broke down in March.
That decision raised the question: Is a municipal government the best organization to run a golf course? Some residents and council members questioned whether the City had the experience and resources needed to manage a seven-day-a-week business.
City officials responded that taking over management was intended to keep the course open for the 2026 season, not necessarily to establish permanent municipal management.
Transparency is a major issue. However, City officials say legal matters and contract negotiations sometimes require executive sessions.
Critics counter that they were left with unanswered questions about how the City moved from negotiating with the private operator to taking over the business. A Palmer resident filed a lawsuit alleging violations of Alaska’s Open Meetings Act. The suit is pending.
Meanwhile, the airport master plan examines future aviation needs. The City reports there are 13 acres of developable airport land. This leaves residents questioning when, or whether, the golf-course property would be needed for aviation.
Attention shifted toward who should operate the golf course in 2027 and beyond. The City Council chose municipal management for another year.
This debate is about more than golf. It concerns federal obligations, financial performance, community priorities, and public accountability. Both sides have expressed interest in preserving the course. Their disagreement is over how to achieve that goal, how to plan for the airport’s future, and how openly the City is making those decisions.
The question remains. Can the City protect its airport obligations and preserve a valued community asset while giving the public a clear understanding of the choices being made?
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Mike Chmielewski reported this Page Two article with the help of AI and yours truly, Lee Henrikson produced it. 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 Tuesday, October 20, 2026.