1/16/2026

• The Tree and Landscape Committee will meet on Tuesday, January 20 at 12 PM. Agenda items include: Future Projects.
• The Health Needs and Human Services Commission will meet on Wednesday, January 21 at 12 PM. Agenda items include: amendments to Sitka General Code Chapter 2.30 “Health Needs and Human Services Commission,” updates from working groups, nominate a commission member to participate as a member of Sitka’s Walkability Action Institute team, and nominations for Chair and Vice Chair
• The Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday, January 21 at 7 PM. Agenda items include: Review and adoption of findings of fact related to the Planning Commission's denial of a conditional use permit request at 408 and 410 Oja Way, Public hearing and consideration of a conditional use permit for a marijuana retail facility at 327 Seward Street, Discussion of Annual Short-term Rental Report, and Sitka Land Suitability and Feasibility Study Phase I Summary and Recommendations.

All meetings are held at Harrigan Centennial Hall and are open to the public.

Public Discussion on Bear Resistant Containers

1/15/2026

Citizens are invited to an informal meeting with Assembly Members Saline and Christianson to discuss options for bear resistant containers. The meeting will take place on Thursday, January 29, at 6:00 p.m. in meeting room 6 of Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive.

Those unable to attend may submit written comments to clerk@cityofsitka.org no later than noon on January 29.

For more information, contact the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 907.747.1826 or 907.747.1811.

Public Safety Advisory - Shotgun Alley

1/14/2026

City and Borough of Sitka crews assessed storm impacts the morning of Wednesday, January 14. A large tree was identified leaning from private property and overhanging the City right-of-way on Shotgun Alley following high winds on Tuesday, January 13. Tree removal is pending. Until the hazard is addressed, travelers are urged to use extreme caution when walking or driving through the area, remain alert to changing weather conditions that could further destabilize the tree, and avoid stopping or parking beneath the overhanging section. 

If the tree falls while crews are not on site, please report it immediately by contacting the Public Works Office at 907.747.1804 during business hours, or Emergency Services after hours or on weekends.

Holiday Closure for GPIP Scrap Yard

1/13/2026

The City and Borough of Sitka’s Gary Paxton Industrial Park (GPIP) Scrap Yard located at 4655 Sawmill Creek Road will be closed on Tuesday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Regular business hours will resume on Wednesday, January 21. GPIP Scrap Yard is open Tuesday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the exception of observed holidays. 

Please contact the CBS Public Works Department with any questions. 907.747.1804.

Stay and Play Program at the Library

12/24/2025

Babies, toddlers, and siblings up to five-years-old are invited to the Stay and Play Program at Sitka Public Library. Programs during the fall will run the following Tuesdays from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the Sitka Public Library's multipurpose room: January 13, January 27, February 3, February 24, March 3, March 10, and March 17. This is a self-guided program. Families will have access to a variety of tinkering toys and activities. Materials will be available to use until 4:25 p.m. to allow for clean-up time.

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

Sitka Community Orchestra Begins January 27

12/23/2025

City of Sitka Parks and Recreation welcomes string, wind, brass, and percussion players to the Sitka Community Orchestra, conducted by Drew Larson. Musicians must be able to read music and bring their own instrument. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., beginning Tuesday, January 27 in the Blatchley Middle School Music Room, 601 Halibut Point Road. Concert will be Sunday, April 19 at the Sitka Performing Arts Center in collaboration with the Sitka Community Choir. The fee for this program is $20. Register now at http://recreation.cityofsitka.com.

For more information, contact City of Sitka Parks and Recreation at recreation@cityofsitka.org or 907.747.4031.

Sitka Community Choir Begins January 25

12/23/2025

The City of Sitka Parks and Recreation announces the second session of Sitka Community Choir, beginning Sunday, January 25 at 3:30 p.m. No experience necessary, all are welcome to sing. Lead by Andrew Hames, rehearsals will take place on Sundays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Sitka High School Music Room, 1000 Lake Street. Participants should park in the back lot closest to the Sitka Performing Arts Center. Registration is required, sign up now at recreation.cityofsitka.com. The fee for this program is $20.

For questions, contact Parks and Recreation at 907.747.4031 or recreation@cityofsitka.org.

Listening in the Dark: A Midwinter Sound Bath at Sitka Public Library

12/23/2025

Sitka Public Library will offer a free sound bath program led by Sound Healing Practitioner Laura Humphreys on Tuesday, January 27th at 6:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. Space is limited, and registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring yoga mats, blankets, pillows, and eye coverings for comfort. To reserve your spot, call Sitka Public Library at 747-4020. For more information, email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org. 

Penguin Celebration at the Library

12/24/2025

Sitka Babies and Books and Sitka Public Library invite families to join a penguin celebration on the first program of the new year. Books, crafts and activities for kids younger than 5 are part of the event. The program will be on Saturday, January 31 at 10:30 am at Sitka Public Library. Pre-registration is required to reserve a free themed book. For more information or to register call the library at 907.747.4020

Winter Preschool Storytime Schedule at Sitka Public Library

12/24/2025

During the winter months, Sitka Public Library’s Preschool Storytime will be offered the following Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at the library’s multipurpose room: January 15, January 22, January 29, February 5, February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12, and March 19. The program includes readings, rhymes, songs, and a craft project. Everybody is welcome.

For more information call 907.747.4020. 

Reminder Business Personal Property Declarations Due February 18

12/22/2025

The City and Borough of Sitka Assessing Department will be sending out Business Personal Property Declarations on December 22. All business personal property subject to taxation is to be itemized and declared per SGC 4.12.050. A declaration form can be requested by emailing assessing@cityofsitka.org. Declarations can be returned to the Assessor’s Office, 100 Lincoln Street, Sitka, AK 99835 or emailed to assessing@cityofsitka.org. Declarations must be post marked or received by 4:00 p.m. February 18, 2026, to avoid a $100 late fee per SGC 4.12.055 and to receive the filing on time $25,000 assessed value exemption per Alaska State Statute 29.45.050. 

Contact the Assessing Department by email or calling 907.747.1822 for further information. 

Armchair Travels: Scotland

12/16/2025