Back to Main :: Community Impact :: Compass II :: Community Visioning Session   Community Visioning Session :: Preserve Economy Economy includes comments about businesses, employment, taxes and other Education Education includes comments about the University, School District and other Environment Environment includes comments about the natural setting, beautification, preservation, air and water quality, recycling and other Health Health includes comments about health care, hospital and other Housing Housing includes comments about facilities, homes and other Leisure Leisure includes comments about recreational and cultural activities, public use trails, arts, history and other Safety Safety includes comments about public safety, emergency services, justice and other Social Social includes comments about cultural heritage, social services, communications, government relations and other Transportation Transportation includes comments about air, bus, vehicles, rail, roadways, traffic and other Click here to download a printable version of the Preserve document Economy Locally owned businesses (food, clothing, hotels, sporting goods, etc.) prefer mom & pop. Variety and service in retail services (chain stores and vendors). Preserve the local ownership that support our 1st everything in the region. Small business development. Family owned and locally owned businesses. Business and work opportunities. Good supply of goods and services. Economic opportunity. Appropriations from the Federal Government. Opportunities for individuals to strive economically without the corporate grinder. Preserve/Support locally grown made in Alaska. Agriculture. Preserve jobs, economy to keep quality of life. Good jobs. Youth opportunities. Mom & pop shops. Small, unique, Alaskan owned stores. Small shops (crafting, coffee, Alaskana). Back to Top Education University - learning resource, accessible to children and adults. University participation in the community such as Arts, Science. Business school partnerships. The University because it foments diversity. Education all ages. Strong education system - Kindergarten to University. Quality education opportunities - University/School. Quality education. Schools (youth programs). Good schools. Opportunities for life long learning. Quality schools. Preserve strong local educational system - competent high school graduates, good place to raise kids. Access to education and sports for all (age, ability, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation). UAF Early Childhood education. Education institutions. Support for school sports. Maintain school funding to keep classroom number down. Excellent educational opportunities. Keeping public schools small. Hutch. Literacy Council. Opportunities for growth and involvement. Small school concept instead of mega schools. UAF Early Childhood education. Keep the school activities. Keep the counseling activities. School system quality. Life long learning opportunities for young people to be in leadership roles. Educational resources. Quality schools. Quality of schools K- 12. High quality of our schools (education as well as buildings). Connection to UAF. University as focus for the community. University affects all aspects of the community. Back to Top Environment Into the Woods - as the best example of an old Fairbanks cabin still in its original setting. Rural setting in an urban environment. Chena River - keep encouraging its beautification and use. Gold rush - frontier architecture and downtown "look". Historic Downtown core. Preserve some of the old houses downtown - especially along 1st avenue by power plant. Historic buildings. Historical sites. Historic buildings. Preserve of historical history such as Stern Wheel era. The Alaska Native history of this region The heart of Fairbanks (middle of the city). Such as Chena River, River Front Area, Sidewalks, Original building. Personality of downtown area. Downtown, where everything is within walking distance of everything else. Preserve land based development opportunities: mineral resources, forestry, agricultural, petroleum processing. Environment - clean water/air/trails/wildlife. Environment and surrounds. Open space adjacent to urban areas. Natural resources and scenic beauty. The national uniqueness of the Last Frontier's pristine environment. Creamer's Field & green areas. The beauty of the community - planned development, landscaping plans/ordinances, preservation plans for existing trees, wild spares. Airport Pond. Tanana Valley forests - the way they are now. Concentrated development area, avoiding sprawl. Natural environment. Green space. The openness of Fairbanks, open lands. Beautiful view of University on the hill across the Agricultural Land Grant Land as you come into Fairbanks on the Parks Highway. That University Agriculture Land Grant Land must be preserved untarnished. River side. The wild, wooded character, trail systems and untarnished historic nature of outlying areas like Ester, Chena Host Springs, Chatanika. Chena River as a community centerpiece. Green space. Spruce trees in town. Green belts around river, trails, etc. Space and trees between homes (that is very few neighborhoods have the typical home town home, home stacked upon each other, so relatively large house lots). Good older buildings with their trees to keep the friendly relaxed feel that's so typical here. Environment that recognizes the value and benefit of healthy families. Clean air, good water, beauty. Sense of openness focus on natural beauty - "nature rules". Spaciousness. Connection with the land, waters, sky. Preserve historic Fairbanks. Original buildings such as old main Samson Hardware, etc. Older communities (older parts of town). Old landmarks. Cushman Street Bridge. Old structures in city (identification). Downtown renovation - without losing the unique flavor of Alaska (restoration). Historical foundation (historical structures). Alaskaland (blending old with new). Historic buildings. Preserve history, buildings, artifacts, nature. Frontier style image. Our natural environment (don't bring in plants that are foreign to this land - it causes allergies, etc.). Green belt areas. Beauty of the landscape. Open spaces of nature. Preserve green spaces. Natural features (such as rivers). Clean air, good water, beauty. Keep the schools and the community around them. Keep the way the houses are organized around the schools. Open spaces - natural style, undeveloped, wet spaces. Open space/green space/ porous boundary between town & country (connections between the space such as trails). Wetlands. Preserve night sky. Moose, fox, all animals! Plants! Large area lot size in Borough. Wonderful open space and recreational opportunities near by. The sense of promise and wonder of Alaska. Old main school/city hall. Landmark buildings. Historical records, buildings, places. Small buildings, houses, businesses especially downtown and along the river. Litter patrol. Urban green belt. Open space preservation throughout the Borough. No big (physical size) advertisements/billboards (not obstructing sights). Smaller size buildings. The Chena River - a vital part of our community. Clean water and clean air. Existing areas where waterfowl stop to rest and eat during migrations. Preserve the wildlife and fish in our neighborhoods and rivers. Back to Top Health Breast Cancer Detection Center. Availability of low/no cost health care. Back to Top Housing Property rights cabins, shacks, etc. Individual home ownership. Housing for our seniors. Back to Top Leisure Access to cultural/academic/outdoors/sports activities usually only found in larger communities. Cultural opportunities - variety, breadth, visiting artists, local artists, community involvement including sports, etc. Youth and adult sporting opportunity, soccer, basketball, cross country skiing, etc. Fine Arts Camps. Easy access to the arts. Arts. Indian Eskimo Olympics & Fiddler's Festival. Ice Sculptures. Preserve library, opportunities besides school system, university. Alaskaland as a multi use park. Activities put together by the community for the community. Good availability of arts, drama, entertainment (leisure opportunities). Youth programs: arts, summer camps. Preserve Alaskaland, a great example of multiple use space with a strong local flavor! Arts. The Arts (availability of plays, concerts, etc.). Community services and programs, schools, library, youth activities. Library. 1% for arts. Recreational pursuits: mushing, skiing, snow machining, boating, etc. Outdoor recreation and activities. Calendar of seasonal events that celebrate life in the north (its part of the small town feel). Preserve opportunity to be in leadership role opportunities include: coaching, refereeing, music, theatre, testifying. Youth Programs: native traditional youth programs, 4H. Dog mushing accessibility (allowing dog yards in neighborhoods, trails, etc.). Nature: cross-country skiing, hiking trails. Recreation areas such as: Birch Hill, Chena Lakes, Jeff Studdart race grounds, Creamers Field. Outdoor recreation (trails/parks). Multi-use trail system. Recreation facilities (indoor and out). Soccer fields. Recreational trail system. Bike Paths. The variety of winter recreational sports and activities. Being able to walk around town, outdoor athletic fields (need more) typical Alaskan activities: dog races, festivals, Midnight Sun, etc. Recreational opportunities - most groups here have opportunities to pursue their interests. Want to maintain access to Birch Hill Ski/Recreation area by public. Access to the Clean Chena River. "Natural" recreational (outdoor) access safely accessible close to urban neighborhoods. Recreational infrastructure (ski trails, big dipper, etc.). Maintained bike trails. No loss of recreational trails. Park areas, river frontage. Outdoor recreation close to town such is ski trails, green area, parks. Emphasis of outdoor activities. Recreation: Birch Hill Trails. Birch Hill Skiing (free of charge). Core areas of trail - easy access to outdoor activities. High quality outdoor recreational opportunities. Recreational opportunities. Provide Park and Recreation with the funds to keep facilities in usable and visual order. Creamer Field and other Recreation Fields. Youth sports facilities. Access to recreation areas. Snow machine trails. Activities for seniors. Public Use Trails - specifically for areas like Salcha and Two Rivers - historical use of dog trails should be continued and allowed when new communities come in. Existing multi use trail system. Trail system motorized and non-motorized (must be included in all plans). Free outdoor resources: Birch Hill cross-country, rifle range, etc. Current ski trails & other trails. Recreation and bike path. Bike trails. The extensive trail systems throughout the FNSB for multiple uses: skiing, mushing, snow machining, running, hiking, biking. Back to Top Safety Safety for our community (relates to all other areas). Volunteer Fire Department. Safety quality of the community. Safety and security: services such as police, fire, EMS. Prepare towards large-scale emergencies, outside influences. Safety in our schools, roads, community and our homes. Safety of a small town. Back to Top Social Current volunteer opportunities and helping nature of citizens. Current services to citizens such as MOW, FRA, elder services. Give people the same consideration as wildlife! Subsistence, freedom of movement, flexibility of laws. The Alaska Constitution protects Alaskan's, American and God given right to independent thought and lives. Preserve the Alaskan no nonsense approach to Government. More is not always better. Keep syntax in a simple, clear and understandable terms. Freedoms - All freedoms let's not become the Lower 48. Self-sufficiency - A "can do" attitude. Small town friendliness, big town broad mindedness. Honoring the roots and the past. We go beyond "caring" about our youth to valuing them as integral parts of the community (with them vs. at them). Sense of community - "small town feel". Frontier mentality - flexibility, diversity, self-direction. Small town, friendly feel of the Borough. Sense of community. Community. Preserve values, safety, integrity of responsibilities for families, singles, community, churches, neighborhoods. Preserve one identity and sense of community. The "Have a Great Day" attitude so many people have. Preserve the embracing of diversity. Community ownership, intellectual tolerance, access to community activities. Native culture. Culture & personality of the community. Generosity of the people in our community. Preserve Volunteer Groups: Lions, Rotary, Students, Community Services, Red Cross, etc. Sense of community - helping each other, working together to accomplish goals. Positive community attitude - friendly/helping willing to assist. We want to maintain our reputation as a "giving" community - helping others around us. Historical identity. Quality of Life: theatre, recreation, eating establishments, spirit and sense of community. Preserve access to cultural opportunities. Uniqueness - historical resources, artifacts. Preserve cultural diversity - unique urban/rural mix, Alaska native culture and Western American culture. Cultural diversity - unique urban/rural/rural mix - Alaska Native culture and western American culture. We need to make sure we preserve our history and our culture that brought us to where we are today: Importance of the River as the main transportation source, Native influence, mining. Population diverse. Culture: respecting our diverse culture - promoting our unique Alaskan life style. "Classless" society. The sense and cohesion of community (Alaskan). The sense of community (individuality). Diversity of community with high sense of "community". Uniqueness of individual communities (start with a definition of each such as Two Rivers). Cultural awareness and education. Community focuses on revitalizing and improving the downtown area so families can enjoy safe activities. UAF strength of people brought here by the University and what it adds to quality of life - music/art/science/creative thought. Taking care of each other. Preserve the warmth and giving nature, this community gels together to help and always steps to the plate for those in need. Sense of shared ownership/caring that motivates people to naturally give their time and money to help others (formally and informally) - volunteer. Funding for meals on wheels and transportation for seniors. Sense of community - value of all. A responsible community where people take responsibility for themselves rather than expecting others (such as government) to pay for needs without paying taxes. Keep and encourage the sense of volunteer activity and strength. Cooperative spirit (homestead) willingness to create and support needed institution (volunteer agencies, public institutions, activities such as music groups, co-ops, theatre, sports, education, talks an seminars). Lack of government intrusion (privacy). Preserve balance of power between government and individuals. Available service programs. Childcare assistance, resource, referral. Keeping our history in the forefront. Historical aspects. A respect for our multi-cultural history. Preserve a sense and knowledge of Fairbanks history. Preserve our heritage that makes Fairbanks, Fairbanks. Non-Profits that exist for the benefit of the whole community. Organizations that preserve the family. Interagency cooperation and interaction in providing services and resolving problems. Grass roots, small business local, not large corporate (only out of state interests). A place where human contact is not replaced by technological connections - people first, not necessarily growth in numbers or economic development for its own sake - such as farmers market over big stores. Value of every voice in economic, no matter how big. Separation of City and FNSB. The military community. A strong bond/relationship between Fairbanks and Fort Wainwright. Our native association (FNA, Doyon, TCC, Denakkaanaaga) services. Neighborhood character of Fairbanks, such as neighborhood schools, neat little historic houses downtown, Republic of Ester. Preserve neighborhoods. Uniqueness of community based on foundation and neighborhoods. The involvement and support of the community for local non-profit organizations who provide essential services. Preserve our diversity - wide variety of youth live here, strong arts community. Diverse people (cultures). Freedom to choose and use. The spirit of the individual. Easy accessibility. Service oriented programs. Traditional food gathering (fish, hunt, gather berries, etc.). Preservation of social service agencies. The sense of adventure courage to develop and try new things. Acceptance of others. Independent nature of people. Openness to others. Historic yet progressive: example, UAF - Arctic Research Program Mining. Willing to push limits for new ideas accepting everyone from UAF professors to trap liners. Feeling of free spirits welcome - Frontier attitude still alive and thriving. Friendliness. Accessibility of decision makers and ease of participating in public process. The fact that the public process allows all people to participate, even quirky characters. We have always felt this was a safe place to live, work, raise children. We need to do whatever necessary to keep it that way. Keep the public services - library social meeting area areas of recreation. Small town quality of life. Diverse, intact, safe neighborhoods. Feel of community - how people reach out to help others in need. Preserve and enhance the diversity of the community. Schools, parks, library, transit services. Preserve and enhance the mixing of neighborhoods in schools. Tolerance for differences (ethnic, language, religion, political beliefs, economic and class). Caring community - a place where people know their neighbors and reach out to help each other. Keep the ability to break across social strata. Diversity. Maintaining our older citizen programs and benefits. Senior programs. Focus on others - community services. Preserve the spirit of taking care of our elder's of all ethical background. Community atmosphere and activity of caring participating individuals. A community of acceptance and inclusion rather than exclusion. Companionship (warm community, friendship). Low population, lack of congestion. Diversity - no sense of "class" - beat up cars, trucks, casual dress. Like the small town atmosphere. Sense of community. Smallness, limited traffic, recognize people, sense of community. Warm community feeling (family-ish). Small friendly community. Sense of community - generous, willing to help, recognize people. Peace of mind - connectedness, quietness. Preserve the concern/care of Borough and United Way to generate ideas from the community to preserve, improve and create. Size/attitudes. Friendly small town relations between people. Community service (volunteerism). Opportunities for growth and involvement. Rural atmosphere. Sense of community. Sense of place. Small town flavor. Family oriented. Keep the Frontier Flavor of Fairbanks to prevent our turning into another Anchorage. Not too large of a population - keep it relatively small. Preserve strong local communities (Salcha/Two Rivers/Ester) within the greater Borough. Friendliness to new comers, willingness to help those in need, general informality. Easy going attitude. Friendly small town atmosphere. Small town feel - limit building of more shopping malls, chain stores. Small town atmosphere includes neighborhood systems such as service areas, neighborhood schools, community forums. Good connectedness locally and with outside. University community. Young FNSB rough around the edges. Zoning for multiple use especially for dog teams, horses, agriculture, etc. Make sure Fairbanks continues to zone in a variety of ways example especially to allow people with dog teams to live within community distance of Fairbanks. Back to Top Transportation Transportation (Hub): air, road, rail, telecommunication. Role as hub of Alaska Interior. Preserve the statewide transportation network (rivers, small/big planes, roads, buses). Keeping and improving transportation. Low Traffic density. Multiple use of "roadways" such as roads, trails, bike/running path. Free bus rides in the winter. Public transportation (such as buses). Back to Top Click to access additional Community Visioning Sessions: Create | Improve   Copyright © 00-Present. United Way of the Tanana Valley Community Impact | Member Agencies | Volunteer! | Donate | About      All Rights Reserved.   PO Box 74396 Fairbanks, Alaska 99707 Phone: 907-452-7211   The United Way Hand Symbol is a Registered Trademark of United Way of America. Design by WebWeavers Technology Group, LLC Photo of Fairbanks, AK. by & sponsored in part by © Patrick J. Endres/AlaskaPhotoGraphics.com