Topic

CLEANS Program

Program Overview

The Community, Land, Enforcement, Abatement, and Neighborhood Support (CLEANS) Program is a Borough-wide effort to improve health, safety, and neighborhood conditions across the Mat-Su. It supports cleanup of private properties with code violations, Borough-owned lands, vacant lots, and community areas that have become hazardous or unsightly. Work may include debris removal, junk vehicle towing, removal of unsafe structures, and coordinated neighborhood cleanup projects.

Cleanup efforts may involve Borough staff, approved contractors, volunteers, and individuals completing court-ordered diversion service. All private property cleanups require a signed Cleanup Agreement and Release before work begins.

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Eligibility

Projects may qualify when they meet program criteria such as:

• Located within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and outside city limits

• Active code compliance case or violation of Borough code

• Commitment to the prevention of repeat violations

• Owner or representative willing to sign required releases

• Demonstrated hardship that prevents timely cleanup

Public lands, community trouble spots, and neighborhood-scale cleanups may also be considered when they improve safety and quality of life.

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Application Process

Applications must be submitted using the paper CLEANS Program Application.

After review, the Borough evaluates the property or project for eligibility. Approved applicants receive the Cleanup Agreement and Release to sign before any work is scheduled.

Some projects may be combined with volunteer events, diversion labor crews, or coordinated neighborhood cleanup efforts.

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Program Statistics

• 1,500 community service hour goal

• 20 diversion participants completed service

• 539 diversion hours logged as of March 2026

• 16 private properties cleaned

• 7 Borough properties cleaned

• 15 code cases closed

• Over 100 tons of debris and junk removed

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Diversion Program Partnership

The CLEANS Program includes a key partnership with the State of Alaska Department of Law that allows individuals with low level offenses to complete community service hours on cleanup projects throughout the Borough. When participants successfully complete their assigned hours, their charges may be reduced or dismissed based on the terms of their agreement. This approach gives participants a constructive alternative while contributing to the community in a visible and meaningful way.

Diversion workers play a major role in the hands-on labor needed to clean up private properties, Borough lands, and problem areas that affect entire neighborhoods. Their work includes hauling debris, removing junk vehicles, dismantling unsafe structures, and supporting large-scale cleanup efforts. With their help, the CLEANS Program can take on more projects, reduce costs, and make real progress in places that require steady labor and consistent effort. Their involvement is a practical and effective way to stretch limited resources while delivering clear improvements residents can see.

This partnership is widely viewed as a win for both the community and the participants. Residents benefit from cleaner, safer neighborhoods, while participants gain structure, work experience, and a meaningful chance to move forward. The positive outcomes encourage strong community backing, demonstrating that cleanup work not only restores properties and public spaces but also supports individuals working to make positive changes in their lives.

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Neighborhood Cleanup Spotlight

Williwaw Subdivision Cleanup

September 2025

The CLEANS Program completed a major cleanup in the Williwaw Subdivision, removing accumulated debris, junk vehicles, and unsafe materials. Staff, volunteers, and diversion participants worked together to restore the area and improve safety for residents.

Video :

Before:

After:

Special thanks to: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, F.I.S.H., Alaska Waste, and others

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Borough remove all debris?
Not always. Cleanup focuses on code issues and safety concerns, and some items may not be removed based on conditions or resources.

How do I keep certain items from being removed?
Place them inside a building before the cleanup begins.

Does cleanup guarantee full code compliance?
No. Some issues may still require additional work by the property owner.

Can I be charged later?
Yes, if the property returns to noncompliance or if cleanup is stopped due to owner interference.