Sitka to Vote on Cruise Passenger Limits This Spring
Sitka, Alaska—A special election slated for May 30 will give residents the opportunity to decide on a proposed ordinance to limit cruise tourism in the area. Following the certification of over 613 valid signatures by Municipal Clerk Sara Peterson, Sitka voters will weigh in on measures that would cap annual cruise passengers at 300,000 and daily arrivals at 4,500. Additionally, the ordinance would restrict port calls to six days a week and enforce stricter permit requirements for cruise ships.
Peterson confirmed that the city must hold the special election within 40 to 90 days of the petition’s certification. The election will be organized similarly to regular municipal elections, with voting taking place at Harrigan Centennial Hall, which serves as a hub for both cruise passengers and voters. The date was chosen to ensure accessibility while accommodating the venue’s summer demands.
This latest measure, spearheaded by the local advocacy group Small Town SOUL, comes amid growing concerns about congestion, safety, and environmental impact linked to skyrocketing cruise passenger numbers in recent years. Despite the community’s frustrations, the cruise industry has generated significant economic benefits, leading to the establishment of new businesses and an uptick in local tax revenue.
In reaction to the proposed limits, a pro-tourism coalition named Safeguard Sitka’s Future has emerged, promoting a “Decline to Sign” campaign and conducting informational sessions throughout the signature collection process. With the election now certified, all advocacy groups must register with the Alaska Public Offices Commission.
The Sitka Assembly will convene on Tuesday, March 18, to discuss the approval of the ballot ordinance, which requires two readings before the vote. As residents prepare for the election, the future of cruise tourism in Sitka hangs in the balance.
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Photo credit alaskapublic.org
