Fairbanks Launches Free Property Cleanup Program

City aims to beautify neighborhoods and help disadvantaged residents

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:48am

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An abstract, hazy scene of a residential neighborhood in Fairbanks, with blurred shapes and muted colors suggesting homes, trees, and other elements of the urban landscape.The city's new voluntary property cleanup program aims to beautify Fairbanks neighborhoods and support disadvantaged residents.Fairbanks Today

The City of Fairbanks, Alaska has launched a new Voluntary Property Cleanup Program that will provide free cleanup services to property owners within city limits. The program is intended to help seniors, people with disabilities, and others who may be unable to maintain their properties, with the goal of improving neighborhood aesthetics and environmental conditions.

Why it matters

The program is part of the city's broader efforts to address nuisance properties and increase neighborhood pride. By offering free cleanup assistance, the city hopes to avoid having to take involuntary enforcement action against unwilling property owners.

The details

The program will provide physical labor and waste disposal services to clean up properties that have at least enough trash to fill a 40-cubic-yard dumpster. City employees and volunteers will handle the cleanup work, while local waste companies will provide the necessary containers. The program is focused on single-family homes and duplexes, with priority given to seniors and people with disabilities.

  • The program launched on Monday, April 8, 2026.
  • Cleanup work is planned to take place between early May and the onset of fall 2026.

The players

Jarrod Zerbe

Code Compliance and Safety Specialist with the City of Fairbanks.

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What they’re saying

“It's become a larger issue, and the citizenry has made it clear that we want to start making some progress.”

— Jarrod Zerbe, Code Compliance and Safety Specialist

“When it comes to abatement, voluntary is always preferred versus involuntary. It's faster, usually cheaper... and effective, so I would love to get to the point where it's more and more and more for this program.”

— Jarrod Zerbe, Code Compliance and Safety Specialist

What’s next

The city is hoping to expand the program's budget and scope if the Fairbanks North Star Borough agrees to waive tipping fees at the local landfill, which could allow the city to clean up more properties.

The takeaway

This free property cleanup program demonstrates Fairbanks' commitment to improving neighborhood aesthetics and supporting disadvantaged residents who may struggle to maintain their properties. By offering voluntary assistance, the city aims to avoid more confrontational enforcement actions and build a sense of community pride.