Anchorage, AK

If you want to apply for a rebate from the AHFC, it looks like patience will need to be a virtue that you will have to cultivate.

A few weeks ago in my blog( Anchorage Sponsors Energy Efficiency!), I mentioned that the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) is offering rebates to homeowners who opt to make their homes more energy efficient.

Apparently, there are many in Anchorage, as well as the rest of the state, who believe in living green and receiving the additional benefit of a rebate from the AHFC.

So, what's the problem with that? Before a homeowner can qualify, the home must be rated by a professional home energy rater. So many homeowners have called in to get information about the rebate program or to place their name on the list that the AHFC cannot process all the calls.

The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation is working to consolidate and streamline the process. AHFC says it is working as fast as it can to make it easier for homeowners to get an appointment with a home energy rater.

Next week, they will begin the task of streamlining by consolidating the first-come, first-served calls to a central processing database. Instead of each individual energy rater receiving a call and making their own appointments, the centralized database will place the calls (in order that they are received) and assign the caller to an energy rater.

This will help reduce the backlog and, hopefully, speed up the process of applying for the rebates. But, with the overwhelming response to the program, it looks like patience will be a virtue you will need to cultivate in the mean time.

Related Websites:
The Anchorage Department of Neighborhoods (Anchorage energy grant information)
The Alaska Building Sciences Network (Anchorage, Alaska)
Alaska homeowner energy audits and green living information (ABSN)

Let's get moving and join in the formation of a regional transit system.

To build a regional transit system that is workable and deemed valuable by the future commuters of that system, your input is needed. Your involvement and advice is being solicited. A joint agreement has been signed by Mayor Mark Begich and Mat-Su Mayor Curt Menard to create a Regional Transit Authority to serve the 14,000+ commuters in the Anchorage and Mat-Su corridor.

Mass transit is a hot-topic throughout the nation, especially with the spike in gas prices everyone has seen this year. Mass transit is more than just a topic here in Anchorage, it is a real and present need. Currently the People Mover transit system and the Share-a-Van program are operating at full capacity. Our park-and-ride lots are overflowing. There is a long waiting list of willing and able commuters who can't get a ride because our current mass transit resources are maxed.

Who knows better how the current transit system can be improved than those who use it? Who better to advise what is needed than those on the current waiting lists (over 700 riders are waiting to participate in the Share-a-Van program)? Who better than those who do not have convenient access to existing transportation resources? For those of you who want to see an improved transit system and the development of an integrated regional system, take a moment of your time to take this survey.

The mayors are asking that you complete the "Commuter Survey" on the city's home page. I will make it even easier for you. I have placed the link for the Commuter Survey below. Please take the time to fill it out.

Commuter Survey

People Mover

We do things a little differently here in Anchorage, including our focus on energy efficiency. For the Anchorage Municipality, September is Energy Efficiency Month.

In the lower 48, the Federal Energy Management Program highlights energy efficiency in the month of October.

Why wait another month? Join the folks here in Anchorage by taking stock of your energy usage to see what you can do to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.

Winter will soon be here and our consumption of energy will increase. Fall is the time to take stock and make changes.

Weatherize now and you will be more comfortable this winter while saving money. That should be a good incentive. Many states, counties, cities and energy companies are offering incentives to homeowners which will save you even more than just a reduction in your monthly energy bill. You may qualify for a grant from The Anchorage Department of Neighborhoods depending on your income.

Alaska is one of the states offering an incentive to property owners. You may even qualify for other home improvements as well. Alaska offers a no-income qualifying Home Energy Rebate to property owners who make energy efficient improvements through the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation.

The Alaska Building Sciences Network, located here in Anchorage, is a great resource for the best practice of energy usage. Their website offers homeowners energy audits, green living information and more.

Get on the bus with Anchorage's People Mover transit system. With the high price of gas many have begun to look at public transportation as an alternative for commuting to work. Many cities including Anchorage are now offering better people moving systems as well as car pool information. The public transportation is a great alternative and I would like to suggest that you look at your local bus schedule as an alternative means for visiting local attractions as well.

You know the old saying "practice what you preach"? Well, Anchorage does that. The Municipality of Anchorage is working to reduce the city's energy usage and working to a more green living future. This will not only benefit our planet but will save taxpayers millions of dollars.

Anchorage facility managers are working towards energy efficiency in their individual departments. City Hall employees have already earned a GreenStar certification for their efforts. The Performing Arts Center did such a great job at reducing their energy usage that the power company thought the meter was broken.

Just last month a policy requiring new green public building standards was unanimously adopted by the Anchorage Assembly. The adopted policy is known as "LEED". LEED standards will apply to public buildings of 5,000+ square feet; the new policy also offers private construction incentives adopt LEED standards.

Now look up at the lights. You will soon see new streetlights throughout the city. When you see them you can smile because they are saving you money ($360,000 a year). Old streetlight bulbs are being replaced by new LED bulbs. Replacement will begin in October.

True energy efficiency may not be reached for many years. But, if each of us will do our small part, we can maximize what we have today.

This week marks the last chance you will have to experience and enjoy one of Anchorage's outstanding events. There is nothing as beautiful as an Alaskan summer in Anchorage with its vibrant colors, warm sun, amazing scenic wonders, and its special festivities.

One of our man-made wonders is about to close its doors for another season. I am sorry to see it go but am looking forward to next spring when the Anchorage Market and Festival will return again with its excitement, fun, entertainment and wonderful foods.

The Anchorage Market and Festival is one of the largest and most successful open-air markets in the nation. This year marked the 16th and most successful season for the Anchorage Market and Festival. In 1992, the market opened with about two dozen merchants, which has grown to over 400 vendors and 314 booths.

The Anchorage Market and Festival offers everything from its own Alaska section which features Alaskan grown produce and food products to foods from around the world. Alaskan artisans also present their works of art and handmade crafts.

The Market is more than just food and crafts it is shopping, dinning and entertainment. You can dine as you shop and with 36 food booths there is a wide variety of cuisine selections. While shopping and dinning you can also enjoy a some wonderful performances by street entertainers (locally, known as buskers) along with special performances presented near the headquarters area.

The Anchorage Market and Festival has become a destination event for Alaskans and visitors alike with over 30,000 attending each week. The numbers reflect those who come back again and again to enjoy the ambiance and the many offering of all the vendors.

By the way, the market is open for 18 weeks with over 30,000 attending each week that makes a total of 540,000 visitors. Considering that the number of those living in Anchorage is about 300,000 that is rather impressive don't you think?

Unfortunately, this is not a year long event and must come to an end. September 7 will be our last day to enjoy all the wonderful offering to be had; so hurry - your last chance is upon you.

Get All the Details

Watch the Market Video!

The old song "Meet Me At The Fair" is quite apt for Alaskans and visitors to the area this week. This is the final week for the Alaska State Fair, which ends September 1^st.

There is nothing that has the same energy as a State Fair. The Alaska State Fair is no exception to the rule. This year's fair should prove to be the largest and grandest fair of them all, as we celebrate our 50^th year of statehood.

Our State Fair celebrates all that is Alaska and is conveniently located just outside of Anchorage on the beautiful scenic Glenn Highway. The Alaska Railroad will provide transportation by bus and train making it easy for everyone to attend.

When you get to the fair, be sure to visit the Craftsman House with its "Wild Salmon On Parade" exhibit. Alaskan artisans will be displaying sculptures representing our state's magnificent salmon. This is absolutely a must see! (Hours: noon - 8 pm). This exhibit is only one of the many free attractions that will be included with your fair admission.

Of Course, there is no way that I can tell you about all the exhibits, concerts, contests and events that will be featured at this year's fair. The schedule is "chuck full" of things to see and do; so be sure to check it out.

So, come one and come all (Louie, too) for a fun filled day at the Alaska State Fair!