The Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Commission

Purpose

To advise the mayor and the assembly on issues related to long- and short-term housing and community development needs, and strategies to affect revitalization of lower-income and at-risk neighborhoods.

Additional Responsibilities

• Review and make recommendations on proposed allocation of revenues targeted for municipally managed housing and community development programs
• Identify and address issues in Anchorage related to long- and short- term housing issues
• Advise the mayor and assembly on policies, practices, and legislation that impacts housing and community development issues
• Prioritize, in an annual action plan, strategies to assist revitalization of lower-income and at-risk neighborhoods
• Advise the planning and zoning commission about relevant housing and community development issues and their connection with land use controls
• Participate in the development and implementation of the comprehensive plan and consolidated plan
• Advise the mayor and assembly as to the infrastructure, facilities, transportation, and public services needs of lower-income and at-risk neighborhoods
• Facilitate public participation in housing and neighborhood revitalization policies, plans, strategies, and programs.

About the Commission Members

The HAND Advisory Commission has 13 members.  The members consist of representatives from the following areas: citizens with disabilities, real estate industry, banking industry, not-for-profit housing, homebuilders, residential shelters, lower-income neighborhoods, and homelessness taskforce.  The Commission is led by a chairperson and co-chair.  The three year terms are appointed on a rotating basis, such that a third of the positions come up for deliberation every year.

Meeting Specifics

The monthly HAND Commission Meeting is held on the second Wednesday of the month, between 4:00 p.m.and 6:00 p.m. in the Mayor’s Conference Room, on the 8th Floor of City Hall.  There must be 7 members present to form a quorum.  When special needs/issues arise, the Commission or staff may request an additional meeting or form a sub-committee to tackle these issues.  All meetings are open to the public.

Click here: for information on the Mayor's Homelessness Task Force