Seward Comprehensive Plan 2030 Update

2017
Seward, Alaska
City of Seward

In 2016, the City of Seward Alaska selected RESPEC to conduct a Comprehensive Plan Update for the year 2030. The community of Seward has seen a significant amount of change since it was established in the early 1990s. Over the past two decades, the community has experienced the increases in the cruise ship industry, increases in charter boats and railroad bookings, the opening of the Alaska Sea Life Center (ASLC), and intermittent coal shipments to various locations, primarily Korea. These changes have had significant effects on the land use, economy, and character of the community.

The continuing challenge is to retain Seward’s unique historic, small-town character while pursuing modern economic development opportunities and accommodating changes in business services, public facilities, and affordable housing. The 2030 Plan is the community’s guide to managing this process.

The Plan was approved by City Council on May 30, 2017, and by the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly on August 15, 2017.