Sitka Residents Prepare to Vote on Cruise Ship Limits in Upcoming Special Election

Sitka residents are set to vote on a proposed ordinance limiting cruise ship traffic in a special election this spring. The campaign, led by local advocacy group Small Town SOUL, has successfully gathered sufficient signatures to prompt the vote. If the ordinance is passed, it would cap cruise ship arrivals at 300,000 passengers per year, set daily limits at 4,500 passengers, and restrict port calls to six days per week. Additionally, the ordinance would require permits for cruise ships and authorize the city to impose fines for any violations of these rules.

Municipal Clerk Sara Peterson confirmed that the petition was certified on a Thursday afternoon, meeting the charter requirement for a special election to be called within 40 to 90 days. The target date for the election is tentatively scheduled for May 30, pending final approval from the Sitka Assembly. Peterson has planned the election logistics with voter accessibility in mind, as both precincts will vote at Harrigan Centennial Hall, a central location often used for other municipal elections.

This initiative marks the fourth attempt by Small Town SOUL to limit cruise tourism, as previous efforts failed to meet legal review standards. Over the last three years, Sitka has experienced significant increases in cruise passenger numbers, leading to community concerns about congestion, safety, and environmental impacts, as well as an economic boom characterized by new business growth and increased sales tax revenues.

In opposition to the proposed limits, a pro-tourism group named Safeguard Sitka’s Future has emerged, running a "Decline to Sign" campaign. This group organized information sessions during the signature collection, advocating against the ordinance. With the election now moving forward, any advocacy groups, including Safeguard Sitka’s Future, are required to register with the Alaska Public Offices Commission.

The Sitka Assembly will convene for a special meeting on March 18 to review and approve the ballot ordinance, a process that necessitates two readings.

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