Anchorage Leaders Support Multigenerational Housing Model

The city is making it easier to build multigenerational housing that can accommodate families, children, and seniors who want to ‘age in place.’

1 minute read

December 27, 2024, 8:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Anchorage, Alaska skyline with snowy mountains in background.

Rocky Grimes / Adobe Stock

A multigenerational housing model could offer relief from high housing costs and a built-in community for residents of Anchorage, Alaska.

In a piece for Alaska Public Radio, Ava White explains how one family has housed four generations in a Fairview fourplex. Now, local policymakers like Devin Kelly of the Cook Inlet Housing Authority are looking to make it easier to build and access multigenerational housing. “Multigenerational living allows people to balance community and privacy, and have access to live in support, like eldercare. Anchorage has an affordable childcare shortage, and Kelly calls the potential to live with a built-in childcare giver is a ‘huge deal.’” Kelly notes that the definition of multigenerational housing is flexible and would not apply to only related family members. 

White adds, “The city is in a better position to support new developments of multigenerational housing after Anchorage officials made a number of changes to the housing code. The Anchorage Assembly passed the HOME Initiative in June, which basically eliminates single family zoning. They’ve also increased where accessory dwelling units can be added, and eliminated off-street parking requirements which gives developers more flexibility when building.”

Thursday, December 26, 2024 in Alaska Public Media

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

View of residential street in Los Angeles with palm trees and hazy city in distance.

Rebuilding Smarter: How LA County Is Guiding Fire-Ravaged Communities Toward Resilience

Los Angeles County is leading a coordinated effort to help fire-impacted communities rebuild with resilience by providing recovery resources, promoting fire-wise design, and aligning reconstruction with broader sustainability and climate goals.

April 27 - Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office

Entrance sign for San Jose-Santa Clara Regional wastewater treatment facility.

When Borders Blur: Regional Collaboration in Action

As regional challenges outgrow city boundaries, “When Borders Blur” explores how cross-jurisdictional collaboration can drive smarter, more resilient urban planning, sharing real-world lessons from thriving partnerships across North America.

April 27 - * A Placemaking Journal

Rendering of Penrose Roundabout in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia Is Expanding its Network of Roundabouts

Roundabouts are widely shown to decrease traffic speed, reduce congestion, and improve efficiency.

April 27 - WHYY