Survey Says Housing a Growing Concern in Kodiak

Brianna Gibbs/KMXT

A recent survey details what some residents may already know: affordable housing is hard to find in Kodiak. The Kodiak Chamber of Commerce conducted an economic development and housing survey last month to capture the opinions and concerns of community members on all aspects of living on Alaska’s emerald isle.

Joe Bailor is an economic development specialist and said the survey was posted on various social media websites and emailed to more than 300 community members.

—          (House Market 1                   :36       “Basically we were focusing on … to buy off island now.”)

Bailor said the survey also focused on affordable housing – a growing crisis in Kodiak.

—          (House Market 2                   :41                   “And actually trying to … at an affordable price.”)

 Of those who participated in the survey, most asked for more low cost housing or multi-family units. He said senior housing was also a concern, especially with recent data that suggests the senior population in Kodiak will double over the next 12 years.

The survey generated 187 responses, and Bailor said the participants came from a wide range of demographics in Kodiak.

—          (House Market 3                   :36                   “And the average length of … of our community.”)

 The survey was meant to start the dialogue about what Kodiak should work toward, but Bailor said it also helped provide a baseline for action.

—          (House Market 4                   :40                   “I’m hoping that, first of all the … the next few years.”)

 Bailor said he did not get the impression that survey participants were faulting any particular group or body of government, and many realized that it will take the community as a whole to help solve these issues.