“Park It Forward” Launches: EasyPark Turns Parking Change Into Community Change
September 18, 2025
ACDA unveils new downtown grant program to fund art, events, and placemaking—powered by parking meters
ANCHORAGE, AK – September 18, 2025 — The Anchorage Community Development Authority (ACDA), through its EasyPark division, is excited to announce the launch of the Park It Forward: Downtown Anchorage Grant Program—a bold new initiative that reinvests parking meter revenue into local projects that spark energy, creativity, and life in downtown Anchorage.
“This is more than a grant—it’s a promise that every quarter dropped into a meter supports our community,” said Mike Robbins, Executive Director of ACDA. “Park It Forward strengthens the heart of our city by putting public dollars back into public spaces.”
Through this new program, EasyPark will award grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 to local nonprofits, small businesses, and community groups for projects like murals, events, beautification, and public activations. The goal: fuel community-led ideas that make downtown more vibrant and engaging.
“The Park It Forward initiative is a fantastic example of what can happen when we think creatively about our municipal resources and take proactive steps to invest in our future,” said Mayor Suzanne LaFrance. “It’s a clear win for our community as we work together to revitalize downtown and build a more dynamic and thriving Anchorage for all.”
$6.1 Million and Counting
Since 2002, ACDA and EasyPark have invested over $6.1 million directly back into the community—supporting beautification, infrastructure upgrades, public art, and partnerships that keep Anchorage’s downtown thriving. Park It Forward builds on that legacy by empowering locals to bring their ideas to life.
Built on Community Voice
The program is directly shaped by findings from ACDA’s Downtown Community Survey, where 747 respondents called for:
Applications are now open at www.easyparkalaska.com/ from September 18 – October 9, 2025. Awards will be announced within 4 weeks of the cycle closing.
For more information or assistance with your application, contact Melinda Gant at mgant@acda.net.
ANCHORAGE, AK – September 18, 2025 — The Anchorage Community Development Authority (ACDA), through its EasyPark division, is excited to announce the launch of the Park It Forward: Downtown Anchorage Grant Program—a bold new initiative that reinvests parking meter revenue into local projects that spark energy, creativity, and life in downtown Anchorage.
“This is more than a grant—it’s a promise that every quarter dropped into a meter supports our community,” said Mike Robbins, Executive Director of ACDA. “Park It Forward strengthens the heart of our city by putting public dollars back into public spaces.”
Through this new program, EasyPark will award grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 to local nonprofits, small businesses, and community groups for projects like murals, events, beautification, and public activations. The goal: fuel community-led ideas that make downtown more vibrant and engaging.
“The Park It Forward initiative is a fantastic example of what can happen when we think creatively about our municipal resources and take proactive steps to invest in our future,” said Mayor Suzanne LaFrance. “It’s a clear win for our community as we work together to revitalize downtown and build a more dynamic and thriving Anchorage for all.”
$6.1 Million and Counting
Since 2002, ACDA and EasyPark have invested over $6.1 million directly back into the community—supporting beautification, infrastructure upgrades, public art, and partnerships that keep Anchorage’s downtown thriving. Park It Forward builds on that legacy by empowering locals to bring their ideas to life.
Built on Community Voice
The program is directly shaped by findings from ACDA’s Downtown Community Survey, where 747 respondents called for:
- More public art and murals
- Vibrant public spaces and creative events
- A stronger, people-first downtown identity
Applications are now open at www.easyparkalaska.com/ from September 18 – October 9, 2025. Awards will be announced within 4 weeks of the cycle closing.
For more information or assistance with your application, contact Melinda Gant at mgant@acda.net.
Contact:
Melinda Gant, External Affairs Director
mgant@acda.net, (907) 297-4415
