Press Releases and Public Service Announcements

Police and Fire Commission Meeting 7/23/2025

7/18/2025

The Police & Fire Commission will meet Wednesday, July 23rd at 5:30 PM in Harrigan Centennial Hall. Items on the agenda include Approval of May Meeting Minutes and Police Body Camera Discussion. This meeting is open to the public.


Regular Assembly Meeting 7/18/2025

7/18/2025

The Assembly of the City and Borough of Sitka will hold a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, July 22 at 6:00 p.m. at Harrigan Centennial Hall, meeting room 6, located at 330 Harbor Drive. The full meeting packet and supporting documents are available online HERE. Watch the meeting live at www.cityofsitka.com or on the City’s YouTube channel. 


Big Ideas Book Club at Sitka Public Library

7/17/2025

The public is invited to explore big ideas through short stories and small books with the Big Ideas Book Club, hosted by Garrett Faulkner from Outer Coast and Margot O’Connell from Sitka Public Library. The group will meet five times starting August 28th and ending on September 25th, with each meeting focused on a different short story or novella. Books will be provided free of charge thanks to the generous support of the Friends of Sitka Public Library. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information, please call the library at 907.747.4020 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.


Sitka Babies and Books at Sitka Public Library

7/16/2025

Sitka Babies and Books and Sitka Public Library invite babies, toddlers and preschoolers to a “Moo Moo in a Tutu” program at the library on Saturday, August 2 at 10:30 am, at Sitka Public Library. This event will be led by professional ballet dancer and teacher Juls Bicki. Pre-register children will receive a free new book.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or e-mail Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org


Armchair Travels with Mike Morris and Gary Bagley at Sitka Public Library

7/17/2025

The public is invited to hear Mike Morris and Gary Bagley talk about forty years of paddling trips on the Yukon River on Thursday, August 21st at 6:00 p.m. in the Sitka Public Library Multipurpose Room. This event is part of Sitka Public Library’s Armchair Travel Series and will complete the story they began sharing last year. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Margot at 907.747.4028 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.


Road Closure Notice: Siginaka Way

7/16/2025

A section of Siginaka Way is currently closed to all through traffic as part of the Thomsen Lift Station Improvement Project. The closure is expected to continue through Monday, August 4.

Motorists and pedestrians are advised to seek alternate routes and avoid the area. Traffic control and detour signage are in place to guide local access.

The work is being performed by K&E Alaska, Inc. For contractor-related questions, please contact their office at 907.747.3838.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this important infrastructure improvement. For more information, please contact the City and Borough of Sitka Public Works Department at 907.747.1804.


Traffic Flow Modification at Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport Terminal

7/15/2025

Starting July 21, traffic flow in front of Rocky Gutierrez Airport will be modified to accommodate construction of frontage improvements as part of Phase 2 of the Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport Terminal Improvement project. Traveling public should expect partial closures of the loading zone and are advised to use the parking lot for loading and unloading during these closures. Please refrain from stopping in the Drive Through Lane or Turning Lane during this time. 

Impacts to the traffic flow are anticipated through the end of September 2025. 

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.



Tiny Tin Library Program for Tweens and Teens

7/15/2025

Tweens and teens are invited to create their own tiny tin library with supplies provided at Sitka Public Library. Once they build their mini library, they can keep it at home, or they can bring it back to the library to put on display until August 9. Interested tweens and teens can ask for a bag with the supplies at the circulation desk. Bags are free, and they will be available until they are gone.

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


Dragonkeepers Scavenger Hunt at the Library

7/9/2025

Sitka Public Library invites youth of all ages to become Dragon keepers and participate in a self-directed scavenger hunt. The library Dragon masters have decided to let all the library baby dragons loose and dragon keepers must find their assigned dragons to earn points for their teams! Each set of dragons is worth star points and the team with the most star points will win. Points will be counted on Saturday, August 1.

For more information ask at the library’s circulation desk or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org


New Utility Payment System Launches August 1

7/9/2025

The City and Borough of Sitka will be transitioning to a new payment system for utility bills paid online or at the utility counter. The new system will launch on August 1, 2025. 

The updates include:

  • A new, secure online payment portal that is more user-friendly
  • Updated card terminals at the utility counter for in-person payments

If you are currently enrolled in autopay for utilities, you will need to re-enroll through the new portal after August 1. Moorage payments are not affected. 

For further information or questions, please contact 907.747.1818 or by email at utilities@cityofsitka.org.


Non-Profit Organizations Annual Grant Funding Applications

6/27/2025

Grant applications are available for non-profit organizations to apply for annual funding from the City and Borough of Sitka FY26 General Fund. $45,000 is available for disbursement. Applications are available at City Hall, 100 Lincoln Street, 3rd Floor (Municipal Clerk’s Office), and online HERE.

Submit completed applications to the Municipal Clerk’s Office by 5:00 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2025. Applications received after the time fixed for receipt will not be considered. Applications will be awarded in September at an Assembly Special Meeting.

For more information, contact the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 907.747.1826 or clerk@cityofsitka.org.


Updated Fees at Harrigan Centennial Hall - Effective July 1
6/26/2025

The City and Borough of Sitka would like to inform the public that rental rates at Harrigan Centennial Hall will increase effective July 1, 2025.

Harrigan Centennial Hall is a state-of-the-art facility and a vital community gathering space, hosting everything from weddings and cultural events to public meetings and performances.

This is the first comprehensive fee update in 9 years, and it reflects increased operational costs, facility enhancements, and our commitment to maintaining an accessible and high-quality venue for the community.

What’s changing?

  • Updated hourly and daily rates for meeting rooms and the auditorium
  • Revised kitchen and equipment rental fees
  • Adjustments to rehearsal, set-up, and alcohol service charges
  • New rates for holiday and after-hours use

Whether you're planning a birthday party or a multi-day conference, Harrigan Centennial Hall remains one of Southeast Alaska’s most flexible and welcoming venues.

To view the full rate schedule and policy, visit: www.cityofsitka.com/departments/HarriganCentennialHall

Please contact Harrigan Centennial Hall Manager for information or questions at 907.747.4090.

Thank you for supporting the continued care and use of this premier community facility.


Alaska Public Media PBS Kids Space Summer Camp at the Library
6/20/2025

Alaska Public Media PBS Kids is partnering with Sitka Public Library to host a space exploration themed summer camp for kids 7 to 12 years old. Through games and activities, the kids will work their way up the ranks to receive their space badges, from building comfortable living facilities on mars, to watching balloons deflate on a string to measure air pressure. The camp correlates with PBS’s TV program, Ready Jet Go.

The camp will run on Wednesday, July 30 and Thursday, July 31 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Snacks & materials will be provided. To register call the library at 907.747.4020. For more information e-mail Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org


Alaska Public Media PBS Family Engagement Program at the Library
6/17/2025

Alaska Public Media PBS Kids and Sitka Public Library invite parents and/or caretakers of children 3 to 8 years old to attend a PBS Kids Growing Up Well: Supporting your child’s Social-Emotional & Character Development program on July 31 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Sitka Public Library.

This program will help children develop their social & emotional skills & habits with their favorite characters like Daniel Tiger and Sesame Street. Join the PBS team to learn techniques that will help your child become more Self-aware & have more Self-control.

To register call the library at 907.747.4020 Snacks & Refreshments will be provided! Note: Each family that attends will receive a $50 dollar gift card. For more information call 907.747.4020 or e-mail Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org


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.


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


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.


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 907.747.1826 or 907.747.1811.


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.


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