Affordability efforts are aimed at all of Juneau’s residents

Juneau’s City Hall on Friday, March 13, 2026. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Independent)

By Peggy Ann McConnochie

I was surprised to read recent social posts claiming that the effort to remove sales tax on food and lower the cap on property taxes came from a group of “old, wealthy, white men” meeting behind closed doors in Juneau. That characterization isn’t just inaccurate — it distracts from the real conversation our community should be having.

I know this firsthand because I helped start one of these weekly meetings back in the mid-1990s — and I’m not a man.

What began as a small group of local business owners sharing information has grown over the years into a broader, more diverse gathering of people who care deeply about Juneau. Our group includes men and women, people from different backgrounds, and individuals at various stages of their careers. Some were born here; others chose to make Juneau their home. We represent contractors, professionals, retailers, retirees, and working residents. What unites us isn’t identity — it’s a shared commitment to this community.

And we don’t always agree. That’s actually one of our strengths. Different perspectives lead to better, more balanced ideas.

Two of those ideas — removing sales tax on food and lowering the cap on property taxes — came from thoughtful discussions about affordability. These are practical steps aimed at easing the cost of living for everyone in Juneau. Food is a basic necessity, and reducing taxes on it directly helps families. Likewise, property taxes don’t just affect homeowners — they influence rent and the overall cost of living across our community.

Since 2020, rising property values have driven up monthly expenses for everyone. Looking for ways to reduce that burden isn’t about politics — it’s about making Juneau more livable for families, workers, and future generations.

Some have argued that these changes will create a revenue shortfall for the city. But that raises a more important question: is the issue truly a lack of revenue, or is it how that revenue is being spent?

Local government has a responsibility to prioritize essential services — public safety, infrastructure, and basic community needs. Yet we’ve seen significant attention and resources directed toward projects that many residents question, such as the Telephone Hill development, a new city hall, and other large initiatives that have sparked public concern or opposition. At the same time, people worry about the condition of roads, utilities, and core services.

This isn’t about dismissing every project the city undertakes. It’s about setting priorities and making sure the basics are covered before expanding into more ambitious or uncertain efforts.

Ultimately, this conversation shouldn’t be about labels or assumptions about who is involved. It should be about outcomes. What policies actually make life more affordable? What decisions strengthen our community in the long run?

As Tamuz Itai put it: “What if we stopped asking who’s right — and started asking what works?”

That seems like a good place for all of us to start.

• Peggy Ann McConnochie is a real estate broker, a former member of the Juneau Planning Commission, and a resident since 1980.