Multigovernment Effort to Address Health and Safety Concerns in Aak’w Village District Moves Forward

The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) and Tlingit & Haida are working with property owners to collectively address longstanding public health, safety, and environmental concerns in the area behind Willoughby and Capital Avenues, including the historic Aak’w Village District, in downtown Juneau. 

CBJ and Tlingit & Haida are coordinating with property owners, service providers, and community partners to address accumulated waste and other conditions affecting public health, safety, and the environment. Cleanup will begin the week of September 1 on the properties at 368, 376, 386 Village St, and in CBJ Rights of Way and will include removal of junk vehicles, waste and debris. CBJ City Manager, Katie Koester, will provide an update on these efforts at the September 14 Regular Assembly meeting.  

Our shared goal is to make the area a safe, healthy, and welcoming place for the community while recognizing the complex circumstances of those currently living in or using the area. We are committed to addressing immediate health, safety, and environmental concerns with dignity and respect, while connecting individuals with mental health, recovery, housing, and other supportive resources whenever possible. 

We are committed to working toward longer-term solutions for stewardship of the area that honors the deep historical significance of the Aak’w Village District. 

For more information about this joint response, contact CBJ City Manager, Katie Koester ([email protected]) and Tlingit & Haida Communications Director, Dixie Hutchinson ([email protected]).