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Developing housing in the Mat-Su Burrough of Alaska will help stimulate the State’s economy.

Housing is imperative to both quality of life and growth. In a difficult climate such as Alaska it is important to utilize current knowledge and building techniques as well as vernacular building types to construt functional, aesthetically pleasing, and economic options for residents. In Alaska, it is especially important to address this building issue because the increased cost of living deters permanent settlement and therefore stunts the economy.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough, consisting of Palmer, Wasilla, Houston, as well as various other villages, is the largest growing region in the Pacific Northwest. This is not only significant for the Borough, but also for the state of Alaska as a whole because of their previous economic and population decline. A diverse employment base has greatly contributed to the success of the region because its population is relatively consistent throughout the year. As population and employment continue to rise, however, the housing need is growing without response. Furthermore, the newly developed housing is not adequate. It does not address the extreme weather conditions, topography, and seasonal use. These are all factors that can be addressed by architecture and which could not only help sustain the current population of the region, but help stimulate further growth. It is also important to consider that a beneficial housing development may persuade resident migration towards a concentrated area helping to reduce state costs. The benefit of developing Alaskan communities is beginning to be realized, and hopefully through the means of housing development, the state can continue its growth.