Three candidates for two seats on the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly identified housing affordability as the most pressing issue facing Kodiak during a candidate forum Tuesday night.

Dave Johnson said 166 short-term rentals on the road system are contributing to a housing shortage that has forced teachers and first responders to withdraw contracts after being unable to find places to live. He proposed the borough use its zoning authority to restrict vacation rentals.

"I'm running because I'm tired of watching teachers and first responders withdraw contracts to move here because they cannot find affordable housing," Johnson said.

Johnson, who works for the city as harbormaster, said entry-level home prices are rising despite a decreasing population and the lowest Coast Guard presence in Kodiak in more than 20 years.

He warned against allowing tourism to become the dominant economic engine, citing his experience growing up in Seward.

"Growing up in Seward, I watched the community allow tourism to become the dominant economic engine of the city," Johnson said. "It brings with it inflated home prices, low-paying and seasonal jobs. This is not the future we should wish for our community."

Johnson said the borough needs to address the impact of short-term rentals through zoning changes. He argued that simply opening up land for sale would not solve the problem if properties are purchased for vacation rentals rather than long-term housing.

Sandra Kotelnikoff Lester, another candidate, said the borough should review land use policies and codes to create opportunities for long-term housing development. She said she did not believe selling borough land was a good solution.

Scott Smiley, who is running for his third term on the assembly, said the housing crisis is part of a national problem driven by corporate speculation. He cited a McKinley Research Foundation report commissioned by Kodiak Housing Authority that identified land availability and construction costs as key barriers.

Smiley said releasing borough land would require expensive infrastructure including roads, water, and sewer, services the borough does not provide. He questioned whether contractors could build and sell houses at prices working families can afford given current construction costs.

The forum was sponsored by the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce and KMXT and broadcast live from the Borough Assembly chambers. A fourth candidate, James Turner, could not attend but submitted a written statement.

The municipal election is October 1. Early voting opens September 16.