VISION STATEMENT:
The MSB Community Development Department will be a highly responsive resource for Borough citizens, Assembly, Administration and other Borough departments while providing solid stewardship of public land and resources as well as high quality recreational opportunities and library services for all Borough residents.

MISSION STATEMENT:
The Land and Resources Management Division will provide a nexus for economic development while responsibly managing the Borough’s land, resources and assets. The Recreation and Library Services Division creates Community through People, Parks, Trails, Facilities, Programs and Opportunities.

Under Land and Resource Sales, Borough-owned properties are conveyed from the State of Alaska as Municipal Entitlement Lands, through tax special assessment foreclosure, purchase, exchange, or donation. Those properties are then used to generate revenue through sales, leases, and permits. Tax- and LID-foreclosed properties are sold and put back on the tax roll. In addition to offering land for sale, Land Management permits a variety of uses on borough-owned land, such as: sites for tourism activities, float plane tie-downs, industrial and commercial staging areas, campsites, and access to remote cabins.

Under Resource Management, we recommend the highest and best use for borough-owned land and manage land that has been retained for continued borough ownership to provide sites for public facilities. These include: the reservation and dedication, in conjunction with the Division of Recreational Services, as well the management and maintenance of recreational trails and public use lands such as parks, greenbelts, and public facilities.

The marketing and selling of material (sand, gravel and peat), timber, and other renewable resources are also provided. In addition, large economic development projects such as the ski area at Hatcher Pass and port development at Port MacKenzie are managed and developed.

The 2021-2025 Five-year Timber Harvest Schedule for commercial timber harvest can be accessed by clicking the link: MSB Five-Year Timber Harvest Schedule

Recreation and Library Services provides indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities, programs, services, and facilities to enrich the lives of the Mat-Su residents and visitors. Recreation opportunities include the Wasilla and Palmer Pools, the Brett Memorial Ice Arena, the Matanuska River Park and Campground, the Jim Creek Campground, the Talkeetna Campground, and hundreds of miles of trails for all users. The Borough operates public libraries that are located in the communities of Big Lake, Sutton, Talkeetna, Trapper Creek, and Willow. Additionally, the cities of Palmer and Wasilla each have their own public library. Library Services continues to enrich and help with the education of Mat-Su residents and visitors. The Community Enrichment Program offers classes and activities for all age groups in various communities. These programs are aimed toward the recreation and educational needs of each community. Contact the Mat-Su School District for Community Enrichment programming in Talkeetna and Trapper Creek, and WACO for Community Enrichment programs in Willow.