In response to growing food insecurity, Anchorage officials introduced a tax break to encourage local gardening and farming efforts across the city. Assembly Member George Martinez proposed AO 2025-62, an ordinance that offers property tax exemptions to residents growing and selling food locally.
Martinez said Anchorage imports 95% of its food and experiences some of the worst food insecurity in the United States. He explained that residents deserve a way to feed their families without depending entirely on imports. Growing up in a food desert inspired his dedication to food justice.
The proposed urban agriculture tax break would apply to properties engaged in defined “farming activity,” including raising crops, livestock, or aquatic products. Property owners would qualify for up to a 50% tax exemption if they sell at least $2,500 worth of produce annually and file IRS documentation.
Residents in designated food deserts would receive an additional 10% exemption, raising the potential reduction to 60% of property taxes. Martinez collaborated with local groups like Anchor Gardens and Yarducopia to shape the policy. These organizations already support hundreds of gardens across Anchorage, many on private land offered voluntarily.
Martinez said these groups have been key partners in shaping a grassroots solution to hunger. Lindsey Hajduk, who leads community engagement at NeighborWorks Alaska, supports the initiative. Hajduk likened the effort to World War-era victory gardens, calling them a modern solution to urban challenges.
