Private Property Protection Act Soundly Defeated in Alaska

Another Measure 37 look-alike, Proposition 1 in Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Mat-Su), Alaska entitled the Private Property Protection Act, was soundly defeated by residents on October 3, 2007.  With 10,846 ballots cast, about 70% of voters voted no.  This is good news for planners and community activities in other states who continue to battle similar measures. Perhaps one of the reasons for the measure’s defeat was the educational campaign organized by a coalition of groups including many conservation and environmental organizations as well as the home builder’s association.  In expressing concern over the measure, the Mat Su Home Builders Association said, ““The Private Property Protection Act in its present written form has many ambiguities making it difficult to interpret. Many areas of the ordinance lack definition, including but not limited to the standard for fair market value for which it is promising just compensation.”  See, http://www.matsutaxpayers.org/join.html  

Mat-Su Taxpayers Against Proposition 1 mounted a campaign demonstrating how the proposal would hurt property owners by both preventing positive planning and by the financial costs to taxpayers in lawsuits resulting from the measure.  The text of Proposition 1, along with articles, opinions and information about the measure can be found on the organization’s web site at: http://www.matsutaxpayers.org/.  The Proposition was sponsored by the Mat-Su Taxpayers Association in what they said was an effort to halt the enactment of “extreme” land use regulations by making the Borough pay for any reduction in property valuation resulting from these actions.  The Association’s website also contains the text of the proposition and other information in support of the measure.  See, http://www.taxcap.org/.