City of Seldovia

The City of Seldovia is a “First Class City” and provides essential services throughout city limits, including piped water and sewer, harbor/ dock/boat haul-out/storage, maintenance of roads and an RV park, and police. Many additional services are provided on a volunteer/grant/non-profit basis including Library, Fire/EMS, community hall, senior meals, trails, city beautification, and a health clinic. City income is from seasonal sales tax receipts, property tax and fees for services.  

Seldovia is located off of the highway system, which adds to its exceptionality.  Its community members cultivate a philosophy of intention surrounded by mountains and water.  Seldovia can be accessed by the Alaska State Ferry, water taxi, boat or air taxi.  

Because of its milder climate, sheltered waters, and the easy availability of marine and land resources, travelers have been drawn to the Seldovia area for centuries. Seldovia’s identity and the community today are shaped by this culturally rich historical past. 

Seldovia’s average annual temperatures typically range from 60° to 16° Fahrenheit, with record temperatures of 81° F in June and -24° F in December and January. Sea water temperatures are on average 48° F to 50° F in lower Cook Inlet. Seldovia Bay and Kachemak Bay are generally ice free due to tidal action breaking up shore ice. 

Seldovia’s waterfront is busy year-round, serving as a homeport to commercial fishing boats, pleasure watercraft, and is serviced regularly by the Alaska Marine Highway. The waterfront generates revenue with year-round jobs, and attracts regular marine traffic for fuel, layover, and non-time essential goods and services. 

A diversified water-based economy includes the active fishing fleet, a competitive small/mid-size boat servicing and storage industry, a deep-water dock and high potential for the newly expanding mariculture market opportunities. While Seldovia’s cost of living is still higher than average, basic services are available, and costs are offset by the high quality of life, local resources base, close knit relationships. 

The potential for enhanced niche income streams exists stemming from a vibrant local arts scene, custom light manufacturing and wood-craft, independent professionals working via the internet, and underemployed residents learning new skill sets. 

Tourism captures more independent travelers year-round with iconic, quality features and diverse year-round recreation attractions. Residents have the opportunity to achieve greater food self-sufficiency, and work together proactively to create more competitively priced and convenient energy and transportation options. 

Economic diversification occurs even as the Seldovia honors its historic legacy, retaining the character, charm, scale and pace that make it a wonderful place to live and visit. Local control and stewardship are maintained over vital land and water resources in the greater area, with strategic resources developed in ways that minimize adverse local impacts. Seldovia’s beauty and charm are magnified by new and upgraded housing and business, well-scaled to the natural setting, with new seasonal and recreational home models that keep local housing stocks more active year-round (e.g., timeshares, condos, townhome rentals). Private landowners follow clear guidelines seeking to add community value, and are welcomed for their investment. At the same time, public access to natural attractions is better defined, protected, and enhanced, which also enhances residents’ privacy.

The community also hosts a growing number of families who bring diverse skills and creative enterprises to town. We are pursuing fast and reliable local communication systems which enable us to telecommute and sustain independent livelihoods.  Youth are valued and mentored, and we are determined to attract and promote our family friendly atmosphere in order to fully utilize our school. Children remain a community priority and expanded mentoring sharpens the community’s competitive edge by adding new skill sets, modeling a positive work ethic, and contributing directly to community development projects.

Seasonal fishing, hunting, and excursions draw visitors, and local arts, crafts, attractions and activities make it easy to enjoy our central business district’s shops, cafes and restaurants.  Visitors and residents can easily watch kids fish and take in the view while relaxing at attractive waterfront access points, enjoying life in the slow lane.