HomeMy WebLinkAbout03062024 PACAB LAYDOWN-JAFFA240306 PACAB LAYDOWN-JAFFA
On Fri, Feb 23, 2024 at 10:14 AM Jason Bickling <jbickling@cityofseward.net> wrote:
PACAB Members,
Referenced in our meeting this last week, I wanted to forward along the excerpt from a
recent feasibility study conducted by R&M regarding Seward’s population and future
growth.
POPULATION
According to the 2020 Census, Seward had a population of 2,717 and had experienced
a 1.4%
growth from 2019. Seward’s population has experienced minimally significant
population
change for the past three decades, with total year-round populations fluctuating
between
approximately 2,700 and 2,850. The population outside of city limits is slightly less than
that of the city proper per the 2020 Census, for an approximate total of 5,000 people in
the
greater Seward area (Bear Creek, 2,129 and Lowell Point 79). It is important to note
that the
population of the greater Seward area are largely employed within city limits and come
into
the city for services and daily amenities including getting groceries, gas, mail, etc.
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day Seward has a significant population influx.
There
are roughly 1,500-2,000 seasonal employees that come to work in Seward for the
summer
supporting the tourism and fishing industries. With the added cruise ship and tourism
traffic,
Seward averages about 10,000 visitors a day with the peak being about 30,000 visitors
on
the 4th of July for Seward’s popular holiday celebration.
240306 PACAB LAYDOWN-JAFFA
The term for the Needs Assessment ranges from current conditions to 20+ years in the
future
The 20 year duration was selected to align with the projected usable life of the proposed
facility. However, most government buildings are used long past their expected lifespan.
GROWTH PROFILE
Based on AK Department of Labor and Workforce Development data, population growth
for
Seward and the Kenai Peninsula Borough is projected to be low-to-negative through
2045.
However other data indicates that Seward’s population is constrained by its housing
shortage,
not general lack of interest or employment opportunities. There are active and
continuing
efforts to increase housing supply within City limits underway so the assumption is for
low
but not negative growth rate.
Jason Bickling
Deputy City Manager
Seward, Alaska
907-224-4066 Office
907-491-0803 Cell