Press Releases and Public Service Announcements

Closure for GPIP Scrap Yard
6/9/2025

The City and Borough of Sitka’s Gary Paxton Industrial Park (GPIP) Scrap Yard located at 4655 Sawmill Creek Road will be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 12. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., GPIP Scrap Yard will resume regular business hours until 4:00 p.m.

Please contact the CBS Public Works Department with any questions. 907.747.1804.


Tourism Committee Meeting June 12
6/6/2025

The Tourism Commission will hold its regular meeting on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive. Agenda items include a discussion of potential public art projects and locations, review/recommendation of a response received to the Request for Proposals for the Visit Sitka contract, discussion/recommendation on Lincoln Street closures for the remainder of the 2025 visitor season, and a discussion/recommendation on changing the negotiated agreement between the City and Borough of Sitka and the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal from a memorandum of understanding to a memorandum of agreement. The public is welcome to attend. 


Tree and Landscape Committee Meeting June 17
6/6/2025

The Tree and Landscape Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at noon in Harrigan Centennial Hall. Agenda items include: Future projects. The meeting is open to the public.


Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting June 10
6/6/2025

The Parks and Recreation Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. in Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive. Agenda items include: Commercial Land Use Permit Applications and Discussion on Memorial Bench Policy. The meeting is open to the public.


Regular Assembly Meeting June 10
6/6/2025

The Assembly of the City and Borough of Sitka will hold a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Harrigan Centennial Hall. The June 10 packet and supporting documentation is available HERE

Assembly meetings are livestreamed through the City's website at www.cityofsitka.com, and YouTube channel.


Section of Maksoutoff Street Closed Through September
6/2/2025
The City and Borough of Sitka will close a section of Maksoutoff Street from Lincoln Street to the Wells Fargo driveway to accommodate restroom facilities beginning Thursday, June 5. This upper section of Maksoutoff Street will be closed through the end of September.


Planned Power Outages for Island Electrical Grid Work
5/30/2025

The City and Borough of Sitka (CBS) Electric Department has planned intermittent electrical outages from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Monday, June 9 through Friday, June 13 as crews work on the island electrical grid. The following islands will be affected: Aleutski, Anderson, Bamdoroshni, Beardslee, Breast, Galankin, Gillmore, Marne, Sheep, Twin, Whale, Guertin, Dove and Ring. During this time, the Electric Department will have electric crews physically present on each island throughout the day. 

In addition to working on the electrical grid, the Electric Department will also be contacting property owners regarding an underwater cable sign/labeling project. Property owners on these islands are encouraged to contact the Electric Department at 907.747.4000 to discuss the details of the project. 

CBS Electric Department thanks our customers for their patience and understanding during this time. For more information, please contact the Electric Department at 907.747.4000. 


Blatchley Pool Closed
5/28/2025

The Blatchley Middle School Pool is closed until mid-June for maintenance. No public activities will be held until Saturday, June 21 at the earliest. Reopening date is subject to change, based on maintenance needs. Look for the Blatchley Pool schedule post-closure online at http://www.recreation.cityofsitka.com/ in June.

For any questions or updates, contact the City and Borough of Sitka Parks and Recreation at recreation@cityofsitka.org or 907.747.4031.


Neurodiverse Physical Activity Group
5/23/2025

The City and Borough of Sitka Parks and Recreation and Sitka Mountainside Rehabilitation Clinic announce Physical Activity Groups for Neurodiverse youth 3 – 8 years old. This program, guided by Occupational Therapists, offers a supportive and inclusive environment for participants to engage in physical activity, build fine motor skills, and create social connections. Registration is available now at http://recreation.cityofsitka.com. Sessions will be held at the Keet Gooshi Heen Main Gym on select Mondays in June and July, starting June 9th. The program is $45 per student. Scholarships are available, please apply prior to registering.

For more information, contact Parks and Recreation by emailing recreation@cityofsitka.org or by calling 907.747.4031.


Stay and Play Program at the Library 
5/24/2025

Babies, toddlers, and siblings up to five-years-old are invited to the Stay and Play Program at Sitka Public Library. The program will run from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the Sitka Public Library's on Tuesday, June 10, June 17, and June 24. This is a self-guided program. Families will have access to a variety of tinkering toys and activities. Materials will be available to use until 4:25 p.m. to allow for clean-up time.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org


Free Summer Breakfast at the Library
5/24/2025

Sitka Public Library's free grab-n-go Summer Breakfast program starts every Wednesday, starting June 4, and ending July 30. Youth are welcome to pick up a free bagged snack at the library’s ocean side window. 20 bags are available first come, first served. There is no limitation based on family income or sign up necessary. This program is offered in partnership with Sitka Conservation Society.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org


Color Our World: Art and Kids Program at Sitka Public Library
5/24/2025

Sitka Public Library is offering a Color Our World: Art and Kids hands-on program about artists and art, with readings, and an art activity for primary school kids, rising 1-3. The program will run Tuesdays, June 10, 17, and 24 at 10:30 am at the Sitka Public Library’s multipurpose room. The program is free, and materials will be provided. Pre-registration is required for each session.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org


Dungeons and Dragons Self-Directed Quest at Sitka Public Library
5/24/2025

Sitka Public Library invites youth to dive into an adventure by testing their will and wit as they solve brain-teasing puzzles and mysterious cryptograms. They can complete the self-directed activities on their own or with a friend. The program is best for youth aged 10 to 13 years. Those interested can ask for the first clue at the circulation desk anytime between June 7 and June 21.

This is a Color Our World summer program. For more information call 907.747.4020 or e-mail Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org


Summer Schedule: Preschool Storytime at Sitka Public Library
5/24/2025

Sitka Public Library’s Preschool Storytime will be offered the following Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at the library’s multipurpose room: May 29, June 5, June 12, June 19, July 10, and July 24. The program includes readings, rhymes, songs, and a craft project. Everybody is welcome.

For more information call 907.747.4020.


Bad Art Kick-Off Summer Party at Sitka Public Library
5/24/2025

Tweens and teens are invited to kick-off the Color Our World summer program at Sitka Public Library with a Bad Art party on Thursday, June 5 at 5:00 pm. Participants will have access to craft and art materials to create the “worst” possible piece of art. At the end of the party, a Bad Art Exhibition will be set so everyone can browse and cast 3 votes for their favorite pieces. The winner will get a dreadful trophy. This program is free, and pizza and snacks will be provided. Registration is preferred.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org


How to Participate in Assembly Meetings
5/23/2025

Regular Assembly Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in Harrigan Centennial Hall. The agenda and supporting documentation are available at https://sitka.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx, the Sitka Public Library, or by contacting the Municipal Clerk's Office at City Hall. Public comment on agenda items and “Persons to be heard” is encouraged and welcomed. Citizens may provide comments by email, in person, or by phone. Regular and special Assembly meetings are live-streamed through the City's website and YouTube channel. In addition, regular meetings are aired live on KCAW FM 104.7. To receive Assembly agenda notifications, sign up with GovDelivery on the City’s website.

For more information, visit https://www.cityofsitka.com/CityAssembly or contact the Municipal Clerk's Office at 747-1826 or 747-1811.


Reading Dragons and Friends Summer Reading Program Age 6-9 at Sitka Public Library
5/21/2025

Starting Saturday, May 31 at Sitka Public Library, kids aged 6 to 9 years-old can participate in the summer Reading Dragons and Friends program. This is a collectable card game that rewards kids for reading! Cards range from dragons to other mythical creatures, like unicorns and griffins. Participants can battle players with their cards or collect them just for fun! Readers can sign up at the library to get a DIY collector’s card box, three starter cards, a reading tracker and a checklist. This program is part of the Color Our World summer program at Sitka Public Library, and it runs through August 2. Registration is free and open to all community members. This program was designed by Dover Public Library in Dover, Ohio. For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.


Adult Summer Reading Program at Sitka Public Library
5/21/2025

Registration begins for Sitka Public Library’s Adult Summer Reading Program on Saturday, May 31st . You can win prizes two ways: submit book reviews to be entered in our weekly prize drawings, and/or complete the summer-long reading challenge by August 9th for a chance to win a Grand Prize. For more information, please contact Margot at 747-4020 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.


Boards, Committees, and Commission Opportunities
5/16/2025

Now is the time to make your voice heard!
Boards and Commissions play a crucial role in shaping the future of key topics within the city.

  • Current Vacancies:
  • Animal Hearing Board

  • Building Department Appeals Board

  • Health Needs and Human Services Commission

  • Historic Preservation Commission

  • Investment Committee

  • Local Emergency Planning Committee

  • Sustainability Commission

  • Tree and Landscape Committee

This is your opportunity to make a real impact on your city's growth!
Apply now – Time is ticking!

For more information, contact the Deputy Municipal Clerk at 907-747-1826.
Apply today at www.cityofsitka.com/boards-commissions.


Fisheries Enhancement Fund Request for Proposals
5/1/2025

Request for Proposals for the disbursement of the available $47,883 in the Fisheries Enhancement Fund, established by Ordinance 2006-38 and approved by voters in the regular election held October 3, 2006, will be received at the Administrator’s Office, City Hall, City and Borough of Sitka, 100 Lincoln Street, Sitka, Alaska, or email to holley.bayne@cityofsitka.org by Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 2:00 pm. Proposals received after the time fixed for receipt will not be considered.

Include the following information in the proposal: History of the organization, a current balance sheet, pro forma financial statements, and dollars requested from funds. In addition, state what will be achieved with the funding and explain how this will enhance fisheries within the City and Borough of Sitka.

Please contact the Administrator’s Office for additional information at 100 Lincoln Street, Sitka, Alaska, 907.747.1812, or holley.bayne@cityofsitka.org.


City Hall HVAC Upgrade: Open During Construction
4/18/2025

The heating and ventilation system at City Hall, located at 100 Lincoln Street, is scheduled for an upgrade. Work is expected to begin in late spring and continue through the summer. While some construction activity will occur during regular business hours, City Hall will remain open to the public throughout the project during regular hours.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Public Works at 907-747-1804.


Airport Hold Room Exit Modification
9/16/2024

Beginning October 1, 2024, and continuing through late Spring of 2025, construction at the Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport will alter the exit from the passenger hold room to accommodate the  installation of a jetway foundation. Passengers will no longer exit the breezeway. Instead, they will pass through a secure corridor adjacent to baggage claim to access the airfield. Please follow instructions provided by airline staff when boarding and moving onto the airfield. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding during this construction period. For questions, please contact the City and Borough of Sitka Airport Terminal Manager at 907.747.1803 or by emailing airport.project@cityofsitka.org


Ground Loading and Unloading for Passengers at the Airport
6/19/2024

Starting July 15, the Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport will undergo improvements affecting how passengers board and exit planes. For approximately 10 months, until late Spring 2025, passengers will embark and disembark the aircraft from the tarmac using portable stairs or ramps, as the current jet bridge will be out of service. 

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience during this timeframe. Please contact the City and Borough of Sitka Airport Terminal Manager with any questions at 907.747.1803 or by emailing airport.project@cityofsitka.org