The AKPIRG Advocate, August 2025
Build Housing Near Transit Walking Tour 🏘️ 🚌
The Anchorage Housing Club (AHC) hosted a walking tour event this July, led by AKPIRG’s Dena’ina Ełnena/Anchorage Housing Organizer, Nithya Thiru. The group explored a Midtown neighborhood near Tudor and Cordova, navigating busy intersections while Nithya introduced participants to the Transit Supportive Development Ordinance (TSDO).
Nicknamed “Build Housing Near Transit,” the ordinance aims to make Anchorage more walkable, connected, and livable. It encourages denser housing near transit corridors and prioritizes safer, more pedestrian-friendly design.
Tours like this one offer a grounded look at how policy meets the pavement. As Anchorage considers the future of housing and transportation, AHC continues to build community around the idea that better design means better outcomes for everyone.
If you want to see a city that center pedestrians over cars and housing needs over big box stores, submit public comment to the Planning and Zoning Commission in August before the ordinance heads to the Assembly!
Our Team is Growing! 👏☀️
We’re excited to welcome four new team members to AKPIRG! These talented individuals are supporting community-based solutions to Alaska’s housing shortage, empowering Alaskans to access better financial products, and deepening our impact across Alaska. Join us in welcoming our new team members!
Nithya Thiru (they/them) - Dena’ina Ełnena/Anchorage Housing Organizer
Tamika Harris (she/her) - Economic Justice Policy Specialist
Salim Houck (he/they) - Lingít Aaní/Juneau Housing Organizer
Reilly Loynd (she/her) - Economic Justice Legal Intern
If you'd like to learn more about our new team members, read their bios at akpirg.org/team.
Power Planning in Progress ⚡💪
This August, AKPIRG’s Energy Lead Natalie Kiley-Bergen stepped into a new role as the primary small consumer representative on the board of directors for the Railbelt Reliability Council (RRC), taking over from outgoing Executive Director Veri Di Suvero. Aurora Roth with Chugach Ratepayers Alliance now serves as the alternate representative. Together, they ensure that everyday Alaskans—small consumers—have a seat at the table when it comes to shaping the future of our electric grid.
The RRC is responsible for coordinating big-picture utility planning across the Railbelt as well as developing and implementing consistent standards for grid operations. The RRC ensures that everyone on the Railbelt energy system, from Fairbanks to Homer, has fair access to affordable, efficient, and reliable energy. Its balanced stakeholder board includes utilities, independent power producers, consumer advocates, and environmental organizations, all working to make our energy system more efficient, reliable, and equitable.
This summer, the RRC is launching an important and exciting initiative, the development of an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for the entire Railbelt. The IRP will identify the most cost-effective and responsible generation and transmission projects to meet Alaska’s long-term energy needs. In short, it’s about making sure all Railbelt residents benefit from smart investments and pay the lowest possible energy costs over time.
Stay tuned for more from AKPIRG about how you can weigh in and help shape Alaska’s energy future.
Don't forget to Pick.Click.Give.
There's still time to Pick.Click.Give. to AKPIRG!
If you haven’t selected a cause through Pick.Click.Give., or want to make a change—you still can. The deadline to update your PFD donation is August 31.
It’s a quick and easy way to back the work we do—plus, you can support multiple nonprofits at once, including our coalition and community partners. By choosing to support AKPIRG through Pick.Click.Give, you are choosing to support accountability and transparency in our government; robust language access and Alaska Native language revitalization; affordable and reliable broadband for all Alaskans; ust and people-centered economic policies at the local, state, and federal levels; and affordable, renewable energy in Alaska.
Thank you for your support!
Go to pfd.alaska.gov to add a pledge today.
Alaska Native Language Materials Giveaway!
It's back to school and berry season!
Stop by the AKPIRG office TODAY (August 13th) for free berry buckets, notebooks, and other Alaska Native language access materials. Take what you need, and share with friends. Everything is free, first-come, first-served — come by, browse, and take what you can use!
