Departments
Planning Department 
SEE ARTICLE: Subsistence Mapping Project Strengthens Traditional Knowledge for Future Generations
by Zack Stevenson
Comprehensive Planning
The Planning department is responsible for updating the borough’s comprehensive plan in coordination with communities, planning commission and the Mayor and Assembly. The department also supports and assists borough communities in updating village/community comprehensive plans including grants to village planning committees.
The Borough Planning commission acts as the platting authority and may adopt and publish rules and regulations regarding platting administration. The staff review requests for plats, subdivisions, and streets (except for the City of Kotzebue) according to title 8 of the borough code.
Permitting
The Planning department implements land use regulation according to title 9 of borough code (except for the City of Kotzebue). See Zoning Map. Permits include commercial transporters (hunting, camping, rafting, etc), resource development (mining, natural gas, etc), community infrastructure (utilities, schools, public buildings, roads, multi-family housing units, etc), temporary use airstrips, and archaeological exploration/assessment. Title 9 permit application.
Easements, Rights-of-Way and Historical Preservation
The Planning department and commission review requests for easements and rights-of-way involving borough property according to title 2.48 of the borough code.
The Planning Commission serves as the borough’s historical preservation commission, for identification, protection, preservation, perpetuation and use of historical resources, districts and sites within the borough boundaries. The commission also encourages public knowledge, understanding, appreciation and use of the borough unique past and present culture. See Community Maps.
Global Warming/Climate Change
The Planning department facilitates the exchange of information regarding climate change & erosion planning issues including participating with state and federal agencies in planning, community outreach and information sharing.
Land Coordination and Mapping
The department manages borough lands and works with federal and state agencies in their lands management and mapping. This includes input into resource management, inter-agency permitting and preparation/updating of plans and maps.
Coastal Management and Flood Prevention
The Planning department participates in the Alaska Coastal Zone Management Program to maintain a coastal zone management plan for the region and review proposed developments to protect coastal and wetland areas. The department also implements flood prevention code in title 9, in order for borough communities to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program and protect land and property from flooding and flood areas.
PLANNING STAFF:
Ukallaysaaq Tom Okleasik
Planning Director
(907)442-2500 Ex 109
tokleasik @ nwabor.org
Chad Nordlum
Planning Deputy Director
(907)442-2500 Ex 120
cnordlum @ nwabor.org
John Chase
Community Development and Flood Program Specialist
(907)442-2500 Ex 112
jchase @ nwabor.org
Darlene Hadley
Village Planner
(907)
494-5285
dhadley @ nwabor.org
Zach Stevenson
Subsistance Mapping Coordinator
(907)442-2500 Ex 110
zstevenson @ nwabor.org
Brandon Chapman
Social Anthropologist
(907)442-2500 Ex 165
bchapman @ nwabor.org
John Goodwin, Sr.
Traditional Knowledge Specialist
(907)442-2500 Ex 171
jgoodwin @ nwabor.org
Alvin Ashby
CIAP Subsistence Mapping Project Intern
aashby@nwabor.org