Public Works

The City of Homer is focused on continuing projects that give serious consideration to climate change and sustainability in our community.

Below are some local and state-wide organizations that are addressing certain areas of climate change that effect Homer and surrounding communities. Some of the organizations are non-profit volunteer based, while others are state or federally funded programs.  

Homer Drawdown

Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies

Cook Inletkeeper

Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges

The City of Homer and it's citizens have been concerned with protecting the natural environment surrounding the Kachemak Bay area for decades. Following is a brief overview of some of the sustainability work related to climate action the city has conducted and is currently involved in:

The 2018 Homer Comprehensive Plan serves as a 10-year extension and revision of the 2008 Comprehensive plan. The 2018 plan covers many areas of  concern for the City of Homer, including the threats related to climate change. 

Other sustainability concerns addressed include:

• Careful land use and planning in the face of increased population growth
• Responsible stormwater management
• shoreline protection and bluff erosion prevention

Below is the full comprehensive plan available for download. 

A story map to highlighting the climate action history by the City of Homer was created by intern, Catherine Barrie. This story map is easily navigable and provides plenty of resources to help one understand how the climate crisis is effecting the City of Homer. 

Barrie wants to thank Aaron and everyone who supported her during this project; and a special shout-out to Aaron's dog, Atigun. 

In 2007 Homer's mayor, James C. Hornaday and a Global Warming Task Force formed by city council helped establish a thorough plan to address climate change at the local level. 

The plan focuses on energy use and greenhouse emissions generated by city operations and establishes goals and strategies for their reduction.

Environmental sustainability and climate change have been concerns in Homer for at least two decades and continue to be important issues of increasing priority.  The City of Homer and its' different departments continue to plan for and act on  sustainability issues that include stormwater management and green infrastructure, non-motorized transportation, and climate action. Below you can find more information on the city's efforts, as well as ways to get involved in local sustainability efforts. 

Right-of-Ways and easements are used by the City to maintain roadways and to access water ways and utilities.  Blocking right-of-ways interferes with the Public Works Department's ability to efficiently clear roads, keep traffic flowing and to service utilities.  Please keep things like vehicles, fences, gardens and snow removal out of the right of way.

Ordinance 22-40 prohibits obstruction and encroachments of the right-of-way and easements and makes obstructing city services a finable offense under Homer City Code General Penalty Chapter 1.16.