Amy Gorn with the Mat-Su Health Foundation joins host Mike Chmielewski to discuss her work with the Healthy Families program and the state-wide Summer Camps the program sponsors

Amy Gorn

Interim Senior Program Officer, Healthy Families

Health starts with access to basic needs. The Mat-Su Health Foundation supports organizations that ensure people in the Mat-Su have access to affordable food, housing, and water, as well as to education, employment, healthcare, and places to play.

Photo/Image/Text Credit: Mat-Su Health Foundation

What does the term “Public and Charitable” mean?

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, known as DNR, has a statute that allows land to be transferred from the State of Alaska without a competitive bidding process if it serves a public use and is in the public interest. It’s called the Public and Charitable Use of land.

DNR has applied this statute at least eleven times in the last ten years. Through it, state land has been leased, sold, or conveyed at no cost for public and charitable use. 

Most parcels are less than 15 acres.  They include a community space in North Pole, a public park in Delta Junction, and a fire hall in Tolsona.  600 acres were conveyed this year for a trailhead in the Butte. Land may be conveyed to cities or boroughs to fulfill municipal entitlements. 320 acres were transferred to the City and Borough of Wrangell.

Political subdivisions of the state are allowed to apply. This is how boroughs and cities qualify.  As a public corporation of the State, AIDEA also qualifies. 

AIDEA is the  Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority. It has applied for a DNR Public and Charitable Use land transfer for almost twenty thousand acres in the Mat- Su. Over seven thousand of those acres are wetlands. AIDEA would then sell or lease the land for commercial ventures.

AIDEA seeks to establish an industrial district in Houston. It would, quote “catalyze private investment”  unquote by building warehouses, gravel pits, and utility corridors. It could be a site for microgrids, energy storage, and data centers.

DNR needs to determine whether the intended use of the land would be for public benefit. Does a commercial industrial park qualify under the Public and Charitable Use statute?

DNR must decide whether this conveyance to AIDEA qualifies as a Public and Charitable use of land.  

DNR’s initial answer is yes. They justify it through the argument that the terms Public Interest and Public Purpose are mentioned in both DNR’s Public and Charitable Use statute and the language that created AIDEA. DNR also states there is a public benefit of construction jobs and the diversification of  the economy. 

The final decision matters because the answer may set precedent.

The project is commercial in nature. It is different from previous projects approved through the DNR Public and Charitable land use conveyance.

The size of the land conveyance is an order of magnitude greater than any previously conveyed.

AIDEA is clearly different from “political subdivisions” such as boroughs and towns. It is run by a Board of Directors, not publicly elected officials. In 2025 it reported over one billion dollars in assets and over $250 million in unrestricted cash.   

AIDEA was created in 1967 and has financed or facilitated financing for dozens of multi-million dollar projects. It does not appear to have received land through the Public and Charitable Use process, although it did apply over ten years ago for a lease of fifteen acres of land on the North Slope to build a liquefied natural gas plant. The project was abandoned before the lease was approved.

Should an Alaskan statute meant to ease the cost of land to be utilized for parks, community halls, and public utilities be used to transfer land at no cost for a commercial venture?

What precedent is being set? Where  may it lead in the future?

DNR is accepting comments on the proposed land transfer until August 19. You can send comments to dmlwprogramsupport@alaska.gov.

See bigcabbageradio.org  for the email link, the DNR Preliminary Decision, and the AIDEA application 

Page 2 airs weekdays at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:50 a.m., and 6 p.m.

Tune in at 89.7 in Palmer, 89.5 in Sutton, 88.3 in Chickaloon and Glacier View or online at bigcabbageradio.org.

Please support Page 2 News and Big Cabbage Radio. Become a member: Donate today at bigcabbageradio.org. 

Kendra Zamzow reported this Page Two article and yours truly, Lee Henrikson produced it. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.

That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Tues. July 28, 2026.

Photo is from a 2024 presentation by the Land Conveyance Section of the Division of Mining, Land, and Water of DNR.

Join Dr. Jill Valerius and host Lee Henrikson as they conclude a 2-part discussion on the pros and cons of Sunscreens.

City of Palmer Finance Director Gina Davis has worked in the city finance department for over 15 years. She says that the department makes sure that public funds are responsibly managed. This means that revenues are collected and expenditures are tracked.

The city operates about a dozen funds. Each has its own account to track. The funds cover everything from the general fund to enterprise funds like water, sewer, and the airport.

Palmer’s 2025 audit received an unmodified opinion from the auditors. This is the highest level of assurance an auditor can give. It means that the city’s financial records accurately reflect its operations, funds were properly accounted for, and grant requirements were met.

Davis noted the temporary increase in the city sales tax is from 3% to 4%. The additional funds will help pay for construction of the new library. The sales tax will return to 3% in fall 2027.

Businesses collect the tax from customers and remit it to the city. They self-report the sales tax collected. It’s an honor system. However the possibility of an audit helps ensure compliance.

Davis explained that even temporary vendors operating within Palmer city limits are required to collect and remit city sales tax. This includes vendors at Friday Fling and the Alaska State Fair.

Palmer utilizes online systems for payment of utilities and sales taxes. Folks can still mail a check or or stop by city hall. Gone, though, are the days when people lined up at City Hall to pay at monthly deadlines.

Automated reminders also make compliance easier for businesses.

Property taxes work differently. The Mat-Su Borough collects both borough and city property taxes and distributes Palmer’s share back to the city each month. Palmer sets the city property tax rate at three mils. This is separate from the borough mil rate.

Residents inside the city pay both borough and city property taxes. Borough residents outside the city may instead pay fees for road or fire service areas. Their total tax rate may be less, the same, or more than what city residents pay.

One of the biggest changes in recent years has been the collection of sales tax for online purchases. Palmer joined the Alaska Remote Seller Sales Tax Commission in 2019. The city has received more than $1 million annually from taxes on remote sales since 2023. Davis says the program creates a more level playing field for local businesses who have to compete with online retailers in addition to providing revenue to the city.

City staff have started preparing the 2027 budget. The city manager will present the proposed budget to the City Council in October. Davis encouraged residents to attend or watch the public meetings. They provide insight into how local governments balance priorities and make financial decisions.

Enterprise funds, such as water, sewer, and airport operations, are largely self-supporting through the fees they collect. Other revenue sources include police citations and payments from the borough for fire services provided outside the city limits.

Davis emphasized that Palmer remains financially healthy. The city maintains a positive fund balance, or reserve. This is built when annual revenues exceed expenditures.

The full interview with Palmer Finance Director Gina Davis is found on bigcabbageradio.org in podcasts.

Page 2 airs weekdays at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:50 a.m., and 6 p.m.

Tune in at 89.7 in Palmer, 89.5 in Sutton, 88.3 in Chickaloon and Glacier View or online at bigcabbageradio.org.

Please support Page 2 News and Big Cabbage Radio. Become a member: Donate today at bigcabbageradio.org.

Mike Chmielewski reported this Page Two article and yours truly, Lee Henrikson produced it. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.

That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Monday July 27, 2026.

Holly A. Bell

Holly A. Bell is an award-winning novelist and amateur voice actress. Following a 17-year business career, Holly settled in Alaska as a professor of business and economics and an administrator at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Image/Photo/Text Credit: authorpages.com

Join us this week as we look at the federal connection to increasing rates of congenital syphilis and taxes on hockey gear. We also play Who Said It and read what George Washington said about political parties in his Farewell Address.

Taylor Raftery

Photo/Image Credit: Mat-Su Trails & Parks Foundation

The Mat-Su Trails & Parks Foundation partners with organizations and local governments on projects and efforts that expand and enhance the Mat-Su Valley’s network of trails and parks.

Join host Mike Chmielewski and his guest, Palmer’s Mayor Jim Cooper. Listen in as the Mayor gives an update on local construction projects and a preview of this week’s Celebrate Palmer Festival.

Image Credit: Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce

Jim Cooper, Mayor of Palmer

Photo Credit: City of Palmer

Check out the Discover Wild Heritage talks on Friday nights at 6 p.m. at the Mat-Su River Park. Tonight Michelle Rogers from the Mat-Su Borough presents Food for Thought: Foraging From One Hungry Hiker to the Next.

The park sits just outside downtown Palmer at Mile 17 of the Old Glenn Highway. Talks are held at an outdoor amphitheater near the day-use field.

The Mat-Su Borough sponsors them. Mat-Su Borough Division Manager of Parks, Recreation and Libraries Andy Mergens says the series gives people something informational and instructional to do on a Friday evening. Locals, campers, and visitors of all ages are all welcome to free talk.

The series started in May. Several local organizations have presented.

Mergens notes that early turnout was inconsistent. He says recent crowds have grown to more than a dozen people.

He’d like to bring the series back next summer if interest continues. He is also considering adding a winter version at Government Peak Recreation Area.

Two of the speakers dig into the valley’s roots. The Chickaloon Village Traditional Council focuses on the history of the area before the 1930s. The Palmer Museum of History and Art focuses on the 1935 government colonization project that brought settlers to the Valley.

Chickaloon Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Angie Wade says the talks are informal and conversational. She says the Indigenous and early settler history goes back long before the Colony Project. Wade notes that the series fits Chickaloon’s mission to preserve and share Athabascan history.

The Alaska Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center brings live birds to its talks. One program featured a kestrel.

The talks are free and open to everyone. They start at 6 p.m. and run about an hour. They are relaxed and family friendly.

Next Friday the Palmer Museum talks about local history and the 1935 project. Presentations are scheduled through September 4.

Keep an eye on the Mat-Su Borough Recreation and Library Services Facebook page for the speaker each week.

The story is based on the article that appeared in the matsusentinel.com earlier this month.

Page 2 airs weekdays at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:50 a.m., and 6 p.m.

Tune in at 89.7 in Palmer, 89.5 in Sutton, 88.3 in Chickaloon and Glacier View or online at bigcabbageradio.org.

Please support Page 2 News and Big Cabbage Radio. Become a member: Donate today at bigcabbageradio.org.

Emily Forstner reported Page Two article and yours truly, Lee Henrikson produced it. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.

That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Friday July 24, 2026.

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Image: Shannon Jensen of the Alaska Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center gives a presentation on a red-tailed hawk during the Matanuska-Susitna Borough’s “Discover Wild Heritage” series at Matanuska River Park in Palmer. (Photo courtesy of the Matanuska Susitna Borough)

Whoo hoo, it’s almost the weekend. Here’s a small dip in the big pool of fun and exciting events happening in the Greater Palmer Metroplex and beyond.

Celebrate Palmer from 3 to 6 p.m. tomorrow at the Depot. Enjoy free hot dogs, local veggies, kids activities, beautification awards, and community at this annual event.

Channing Wilson performs for free tonight at the Mat-Su Resort. You already know his name if you watched The Road. Wilson finished as the runner-up. He takes the stage at 8 p.m. Info is at mat-suresort.com/music.

Grab your speediest shoes and sign up for the first annual Matanuska Mile at the Palmer High School track at 6 p.m. tonight. This race is a little longer than four laps around the track. Fees support the Palmer High cross country running team. Information and registration info are on the Matanuska Mile Facebook page.

The Palmer Museum of History and Art welcomes artist of the week Richard Rearick tomorrow. Drop in to the Museum after 11 a.m. to meet him and enjoy his art.

Jesse James plays at Friday Fling from noon to 3 p.m tomorrow. James describes his music as a mashup of Americana, folk, roots, blues, indie rock, alt-country, southern gothic, and a little punk swagger.

Stroll, sip, and explore downtown Palmer during the Summer Wine Walk tomorrow evening. Enjoy curated wine tastings at local businesses. Stop by the showcase garden for music, fun, and community. Your ticket supports the Palmer Museum of History and Art. Join neighbors, friends, and local hosts for an evening that pairs wine with the place we call home. Must be 21 or older to participate. Find tickets and information at palmermuseum.org

Author and Poet Corina Deiters signs copies of her poetry collection, “Marred Mask” at Fireside Books on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. Deiters is a survivor of domestic and sexual assault. She supports fellow survivors through trauma informed poetry classes. 

Join 203 Kombucha for a Tie Dye Party on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. The dye, rubber bands, and gloves will be provided. Just bring your wonderful self and the clothing you want to tie dye! There will be t-shirts for purchase as well. 

Looking ahead, the Maryland State Boychoir will perform a free concert at Saint Michael’s Church on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The choir is composed of about 130 boys and young men, ages 7 to 20. They come from a range of ethnic, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds. Saint Michael’s is at 432 East Fireweed.

And that’s a wrap for a very small taste of the neat events happening around our locality. Get out of the house, get some fresh air and have some fun.

Have a great day and a better tomorrow.

Page 2 airs weekdays at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:50 a.m., and 6 p.m.

Tune in at 89.7 in Palmer, 89.5 in Sutton, 88.3 in Chickaloon and Glacier View or online at bigcabbageradio.org.

Please support Page 2 News and Big Cabbage Radio. Become a member: Donate today at bigcabbageradio.org. 

Keith Peticolas reported this Page Two article and yours truly, Lee Henrikson, produced it. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.