The Anchorage Assembly rejected a resolution Tuesday night that sought to increase parking capacity at the planned Basher Trailhead parking lot from 45 spaces to 60 spaces.

The resolution failed on a vote of 5 to 6 after more than an hour of debate over how many parking spaces the Chugach State Park Access Service Area project should include. The assembly first approved an amendment removing language that would have restricted future funding if the parking lot did not meet assembly goals.

Assembly members who supported the resolution argued the 45-space design falls short of demonstrated demand and voter expectations when the CASA bond passed. Assembly Member Brawley estimated the difference between 45 and 60 spaces would mean roughly 120 additional car trips per day. Assembly Member Vohland said the reduction from an initial study recommendation of 80 to 100 spaces represented a failure to meet community access needs.

Assembly Member Constant, who opposed the resolution, said parking demand at Chugach State Park access points is high. "Every single access point to the Chugach State Park is drowning in cars," Constant said. "That is why the neighbors are upset and feeling uncomfortable with the idea of more parking spaces."

Assembly members who opposed the resolution said it overstepped the assembly's role after a public process led to the current design. Assembly Member Martinez said the administration conducted a 30-day public survey that informed the shift from a 35 percent design with more spaces to the current 65 percent design with 45 spaces. He said constituents participated in the process and the design changed in response to their feedback.

"The process has led us to the 65 percent design that is different than the 35 percent design, and I did not think that was possible," Martinez said. "Except that the feedback worked and it mattered to a process."

Assembly Member Johnson said the resolution represented an attempt by the assembly to override the results of a public process. He said he had concerns about language stating the assembly would not approve contracts unless the final design demonstrated sufficient parking capacity.

"Philosophically, I take an issue with that," Johnson said. "For one, by sitting here tonight that we will not approve a contract unless it meets the goals of this body specifically, we are effectively trying to tie the hands of members of the body who will not even be here yet."

Administration officials said the design process balanced safety concerns, snow storage requirements, and neighborhood input. Chief of Staff Suzanne Fleet Green said the project includes planning for a potential future expansion of 15 to 30 additional spaces if the initial lot reaches capacity. Project manager Ken Colhase said expanding from 45 to 60 spaces now would cost between $200,000 and $300,000.

Assembly Member Vohland moved to remove the section of the resolution that would have restricted future funding. That amendment passed 9 to 2. The main resolution then failed 5 to 6.

The Basher Trailhead project is funded through the CASA bond, which voters approved in April 2026. The bond included funding for multiple trail access improvements in the Chugach State Park area. The 65 percent design plans were released for public review on March 30, about a week before the bond election.

The current design includes 45 parking spaces, road improvements along Basher Road, and trail enhancements. Administration officials said there are five parking areas along Basher Road providing access to public lands in the area.