I am honored to be running for the Mayor of Homer.  It is an exciting time for 99603, both inside and outside of the city limits.  As we look to the future together, I am eager to continue working for the good of our community.

My family has lived in Homer for five generations.  It is imperative that Homer continues to sustain the next generations.  To be an effective leader, it is important to look at all sides of an issue, making sure that decisions do not have negative consequences for our future.

In the upcoming election for the state and federal candidates, I believe that we have to look at the factual track record of each candidate, and vote what’s best for Homer, not along a party line or one issue.

What does Homer need?  The following are the issues we are facing.

1. We have Spit erosion that will take millions of dollars in federal and state funds to address. We need a strong state and federal delegation. Critical.
   
   
2. We have an aging harbor that needs float replacements that cost millions of dollars. Systems 4 and 1 have floats that are old and lopsided. They are functional, but are being held together by the Port staff to keep them usable.  Right now, System 4 has federal money, allocated within the last year, for over $11 million thanks to our current federal delegation (Begich, Sullivan and Murkowski).  We still need System 1 addressed.
   
   
3. The U.S. Coast Guard has been funded heavily in infrastructure and new ships. Homer has not qualified for any of the ships at this point, even though we are a “Coast Guard City.” Our current harbor is too small for any of the ships. The Harbor Expansion, if approved, would change that scenario. Our federal delegation is very aware and working for Homer to have the infrastructure that our city needs. Critical.
   
   
4. The Harbor Expansion is in its final stages of getting approved by the Corp of Engineers. We should know by early April if we passed that hurdle. If that happens, we will be able to move forward with the design for the uplands, and also able to get commitments from other entities that may want or need to be part of the new harbor and its uplands. This harbor will solve just the current backlog, and with the coming of federal and state projects, our infrastructure will need to be addressed. As we have successfully moved through the process of studies, we may see some of the process pushed through more quickly depending on the needs surrounding the growing infrastructure around the state. The need for growing infrastructure is a good problem to have and will bring a vibrant economic situation for Homer, where we are not just relying on tourism, the hospital, fishing, etc.
   
   
5. The HART fund tax will be on the ballot. This funds our road maintenance and new roads, with a fraction of the money going to trail/sidewalks. Please vote YES to renew this tax. In dollars and cents, it is 75 cents on $100. If it doesn’t pass, then the money will have to come out of the general fund, and services, road maintenance, etc. will be greatly reduced. We have to live within our means. Getting grants takes time. Critical.
   
   
6. We also have aging infrastructure with the Public Works and Fire Hall buildings not being large enough to handle the current-day apparatuses. The airport terminal needs some preservation upgrades. We will also have to address the aging sewer systems and culverts as they age out. These will need to be addressed in the near future besides the financing issues.
   
   
7. The tax funding (.03%) on the police station has been met. You will be seeing that tax drop off at the end of the year.
   
   

I am proud of the work we have been doing on the council to better our community on many levels. We need to continue moving forward to complete projects that will ensure lasting stability on all levels of life.  The council has been working diligently to make sure the City of Homer is financially responsible, doing what is within our means to do. While we see some huge challenges ahead, I feel confident that we will continue to make the best decisions for Homer.  As our community works together, we can find paths of common ground that will bring strength and resilience through the issues of life that we face together.

Although I am running unopposed, I would appreciate your vote. I look forward to continuing to work for the good of Homer!

Shelly Erickson is running unopposed for Homer mayor in the 2026 city election. She currently serves on the Homer City Council.