During a recent government meeting, local business owner Amanda Tuttle voiced her concerns regarding staffing challenges in Girdwood, Alaska, highlighting the urgent need for changes in land use regulations. Tuttle, who owns Coast Pizza, reported that her establishment has been closed for an entire month due to staffing shortages, a situation she described as a \"simple fix\" through permitting adjustments.

Tuttle emphasized that the current zoning restrictions are limiting the potential for mixed-use development in the area, which she believes could alleviate some of the staffing issues faced by local businesses. She pointed out that the Girdwood community has been sidelined in its own land use planning, particularly in the GC 2 zoning district, which has seen minimal development despite having existing housing units.

The meeting also featured a motion by Commissioner Polis to approve a request from the Planning Zoning Commission to amend the Anchorage Municipal Code to allow for additional mixed-use development in Girdwood Valley. This motion was supported by other commissioners, who acknowledged the long-standing housing challenges in the area and the need for community-driven solutions.

Commissioner Krishna expressed gratitude to the Girdwood Board of Supervisors for their efforts in bringing the issue forward, noting that this was the first time such a process had been seen in planning and zoning discussions. The motion passed without public or agency objections, signaling a step forward in addressing the housing and staffing crises in Girdwood.

The meeting concluded with a preview of an upcoming special meeting scheduled for November 18, where further discussions on related ordinances will take place.