Dave Bronson sucked. For each year of his term, he failed to adequately plow Anchorage streets. It was a hot button issue this election cycle. Snowplowing—or the lack thereof—dominated conversations as Anchorage residents dealt with impassable streets and dangerous conditions. Nobody who knows Anchorage is confident new Mayor Suzanne LaFrance will be able to do a thing about it. Nonetheless, she pledged to turn things around.Now, it seems we’ve got something: a new Municipality of Anchorage website designed to monitor snowplowing progress. This tool allows residents to see which roads have been plowed and track ongoing efforts across the city.
It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s more than what Bronson accomplished. During his tenure, snowplowing issues piled up (pun intended), leaving streets dangerously neglected after major storms. This new website may not solve every snow removal issue, but at least it’s a step toward improving transparency and accountability.
The Bigger Picture on Snowplowing
Snowplowing in Anchorage isn’t just about clear roads—it’s about public safety, accessibility, and maintaining a functioning city during our long winters. When snowplowing efforts fall short, the ripple effects are immediate and severe. Drivers face higher risks of accidents, businesses struggle with delayed deliveries, and emergency responders have a harder time navigating icy, snow-packed streets.
Under Bronson, these issues became painfully obvious, with plowing delays frustrating residents across the city. LaFrance’s administration is clearly trying to rebuild trust by offering residents a way to track snow removal progress. But will that be enough to address the underlying problems?
A Step Forward, But More Work Ahead
While this website is a useful tool, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Snowplowing isn’t solved by technology alone—it requires funding, staffing, and efficient management. In recent years, Anchorage has struggled with all three. Budget cuts have limited resources for plowing, labor shortages have slowed down operations, and poor planning has left residents wondering if the city even has a strategy.
If this website is a signal of bigger improvements to come, then it’s a step in the right direction. However, it will take more than a tracking tool to fix the systemic issues plaguing Anchorage’s snowplowing efforts.
Looking Ahead
Anchorage residents need more than progress updates—they need results. Improved staffing, better equipment, and clear timelines are critical to ensuring that snow removal keeps pace with the demands of winter. Let’s hope this website is just the beginning of meaningful change.
Our Verdict:
Meh (but a start)
The snowplowing status website is a helpful tool, but it’s not a game-changer. Transparency is nice, but what Anchorage truly needs is a long-term solution to its snow removal challenges. And, you know, the rest of the problems plaguing this city.