Transformation

Today, Palmer is in the midst of a significant metamorphosis.  The town has experienced a population surge as thousands of people are moving to the Palmer area to enjoy the safe and pleasant quality of life.  In less than 20 years, the heart of the Matanuska Valley has transformed from a peaceful rural area to a rural bedroom community, and most recently, to an increasingly self-sufficient, commercial employment center. The population growth in Palmer and the surrounding area has been significant and the City's population has increased an average of 3.3% since 2000, with 6,323 residents currently residing in the 5.2 square mile city.

Since 2010, over $100,000,000 in new construction has occurred in the City.  A substantial investment from public and private sectors continues to fuel growth.  The city completed a major expansion of its water and sewer utilities to the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center seven miles to the south at the juncture of the Glenn and Parks Highway. This substantial investment in the city's infrastructure helps set the foundation for future growth and expansion.

Palmer is the home of several public and private schools, an active Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Merchants group, the Alaska State Fair, a Visitors Center,  the Alaska Job Corps Center, and State Superior and District courts(link is external).  City facilities include an airport, library, golf course, ice arena and numerous parks and ball fields.  

These changes come with a unified vision both to retain the historic character of Palmer and to emerge as a new kind of community; to hold to the best of its historic character while embracing the need to grow responsibly and change to keep the quality of small-town life.

Come discover Palmer!