EasyPark Alaska | Park It Forward Grant

Park It Forward Downtown Grant Program

Program Overview

Park It Forward: Downtown Anchorage Grant Program is a community-focused initiative that reinvests a portion of parking revenue generated from downtown meters directly back into the neighborhood. The program is designed to support local organizations and businesses in implementing projects that enhance downtown's vibrancy and economic health.

Program Goals

• Enhance the downtown experience
• Support arts, culture, and creative placemaking
• Strengthen the downtown small business ecosystem
• Activate underutilized public spaces

Funding Source

This program is funded by a dedicated percentage of EasyPark's on-street parking meter revenue collected within the Downtown Anchorage Parking District*. The amount available for grants is subject to annual board approval.

Park It Forward

Downtown Anchorage Grant Program

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, small business, or neighborhood/community organization
Operate within or propose a project located in the Downtown Anchorage Parking District
Demonstrate public benefit and clear alignment with one or more program goals
Provide a project implementation plan and itemized budget

Eligible Project Examples

Public art or mural installations
Downtown events or seasonal activations
Beautification efforts (landscaping, lighting, public seating)
Wayfinding and signage improvements
Pop-up retail or community programming

Ineligible Uses

Salaries or general administrative overhead
Religious or political activities
Projects outside the defined downtown parking area
Projects that do not provide a public benefit

Grant Award Tiers

Mini Grant: $1,000 – $5,000
Standard Grant: $5,001 – $25,000

Matching funds or in-kind support are encouraged but not required.

Reporting Requirements

Mid-project update report (if applicable)
Final project report including: project photos, a financial summary, and a short narrative on impact
All projects must be completed within 12 months of award

Evaluation Metrics

Increased public use or foot traffic
Visual or aesthetic enhancements
Number of people engaged or served
Business/community feedback
Sustainability of the project

*Parking District: 2nd Ave.–10th Ave., Eagle Street to M Street.

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Grant Application Submission

Application Process

Complete the online application form at Online Form
Submit during the open application cycle (announced on EasyPark social media and website)
Applications reviewed by a Grant Committee including ACDA, downtown stakeholders, and community representatives
Awards announced within 4 weeks of the application deadline

Grant Materials and Information

Reporting Requirements

Mid-project update report (if applicable)
Final project report including: project photos, a financial summary, and a short narrative on impact
All projects must be completed within 12 months of award

Evaluation Metrics

Increased public use or foot traffic
Visual or aesthetic enhancements
Number of people engaged or served
Business/community feedback
Sustainability of the project

*Parking District: 2nd Ave.–10th Ave., Eagle Street to M Street.

Grant Area Map

Grant Materials

Important Links

EasyPark's Origin Story...

The predecessor of ACDA, the Anchorage Parking Authority, was originally created as a separate public authority on February 28, 1984. That authority was created “to help create an environment in the Anchorage area such that parking and parking policies are positive influences for the community as a whole.” Within four years, the Anchorage Parking Authority operated three public garages (two of which were new), six surface lots, and the on-street spaces within the Central Business District. Total parking operated by the Anchorage Parking Authority was approximately 5,800 spaces. Revenues from parking operations were used to help pay debt service on the parking garages built in the 1980's.

In 2004, the Municipality began considering creation of a community development authority that could aid in developing public lands identified for their development potential and redevelopment of deteriorated or demised areas or properties, as well as affordable housing projects.

On January 18, 2005, the Assembly adopted an amendment to the Anchorage Parking Authority Ordinance that created the Anchorage Community Development Authority (ACDA) with two departments: Development Services & Parking Services.

On February 4, 2010, ACDA's Board of Directors adopted the name "EasyPark" to brand all parking facilities and programs of ACDA's parking division.