Chugiak-Eagle River is a community under the municipal government of Anchorage. The community has experienced very rapid growth over the past twenty years with the population almost doubling between 1980 and 1990 from 12,858 to 25,324. The 2000 population is 29,915--an 18 percent growth rate in the past decade. The estimated population mid decade – 2005 - is approximately 35,000.

According to the 2000 census, median age for our residents in 34.2 years which is slightly older than Alaska as a state and slightly younger the United States as a whole. Approximately 66.5% of our population is married. Fifty-three percent work in the private sector. In addition, this is a well educated community with 36.8% of the population with college degrees compared to Alaska at 24.7% and the United States at 24.4%.

The Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce supports economic development and economic diversity that complements the community oriented nature of this area. Our business community is largely service/retail oriented. However, the surrounding scenic state park land, offers many opportunities for tourism development to complement the growing visitor industry in the state of Alaska.

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COST OF LIVING INDEX Since the Chugiak-Eagle River community is within the boundaries of the Municipality of Anchorage. ACCRA Cost of Living Index for Anchorage will be used to indicate relative prices. With the national average at 100, below are seven indicators.*

GROCERY-125.2 HOUSING-122.6 UTILITIES – 88.2 TRANSPORTATION-102.0 HEALTH CARE: 135.1 MISCELLANEOUS GOODS & SERVICES: 121.1 ALL ITEMS INDEX: 117.4 *Source: ACCRA Cost of Living Index First Quarter 2006

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE & SERVICES

LOCAL GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE & SERVICES

As a part of the Municipality of Anchorage, this community has two representatives who sit with nine other members on the Anchorage Municipal Assembly. Our representatives are responsible for advocating community interests and needs as well as dealing with a wide array of area-wide municipal issues.

Neighborhood community councils are very active in Chugiak-Eagle River reviewing issues related to planning and zoning, recreation, roads, public safety and education. Councils include Birchwood, Chugiak, Eagle River, Eagle River Valley, Eklutna and Southfork. Their boundaries are delineated geographically and maps can be obtained by calling the Federation of Community Councils at 277-1977.

The Chugiak-Eagle River community has local jurisdiction over two government services: Parks & Recreation and Roads. Representatives from each of five community councils make up the Eagle River/Chugiak Parks & Recreation Board and the Chugiak, Birchwood, Eagle River, Rural Road Service Area Board of Supervisors. Annually, these boards decide policies, budget and bond issues affecting local service delivery.

Most city service offices are located in Anchorage. Chugiak-Eagle River does have the following local offices available: Parks & Recreation, Road Service, Health, Fire and Police.

The Anchorage Fire Department staffs Station 11 in downtown Eagle River. Outside their jurisdiction, The Chugiak Volunteer Fire Department and the Southfork Volunteer Fire Department (under the direction of the Anchorage Fire Department) deliver fire and emergency services to the more rural areas.