The City of Seward is embarking on a crucial mission: crafting a comprehensive plan to guide its future. And they want your input. This week, the Community Development Department is hosting a series of town hall meetings, inviting all residents – whether inside city limits or from areas like Bear Creek, Moose Pass, and Lowell Point – to share their vision.

“Information will be taken from everybody, regardless if they live inside City limits,” says City of Seward Planner Courtney Bringhurst. “This includes residents of the Bear Creek Flood Area, Moose Pass, and Lowell Point. The more input and opinions, the better the vision about our community will be.”

Why should you care? Community Development Director Daniel Meuninck is eager to dispel the notion that these plans are just for the government.

“Sure, comprehensive plans are used for updating ordinances, policies, processes, and regulations, but it is also used by nonprofits for grant applications, developers deciding what to build, and people interested in opening new businesses,” he explains. “We want to hear everyone’s thoughts about what topics and goals should be included in the Seward Comprehensive Plan. Good community actions are based on what the community has to say is its priorities.”

One particularly hot topic is finding the right balance between the summer tourism boom and maintaining a vibrant, year-round community. Both Bringhurst and Meuninck are eager to hear your thoughts on this delicate equation.

The town halls, facilitated by Agnew: Beck Consulting, promise to be accessible and engaging. With an open house format, you can drop in as your schedule allows and contribute where you feel most passionate. Expect a brief introduction, followed by breakout sessions focusing on key areas of interest. All ages are welcome, with a special push to get more 19- to 29-year-olds involved. The department even plans to visit schools to gather input from those under 18.

Bringhurst and Meuninck emphasize that these aren’t shouting matches. And if you can’t make a town hall, you can still share your thoughts via the comment box on the comprehensive plan page. The survey completion deadline is May 31, 2025.

Here’s your chance to shape the future of Seward. Mark your calendars:

• Tuesday, April 22: UAF K.M. Rae Marine Education Building
• Wednesday, April 23: Bear Creek Fire Station
• Thursday, April 24: Seward High School

All town halls run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.