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Matanuska-Susitna Borough
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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

  • 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 can be submitted using the paper CLEANS Program Application or the digital application.

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.

CLEANS Application (Online)

Diversion Program Partnership

The CLEANS Program partners with the Alaska Department of Law to give individuals with low-level offenses an opportunity to complete community service through cleanup projects across the Borough. By successfully completing their assigned hours, participants may qualify for reduced or dismissed charges under the terms of their agreement. This partnership provides a positive alternative that helps participants move forward while making a meaningful contribution to their community.

Diversion workers play a vital role in improving neighborhoods by cleaning private properties, Borough lands, and other problem areas. Their work includes removing debris, hauling junk vehicles, demolishing unsafe structures, and supporting large-scale cleanup efforts. By providing valuable labor, they help the Borough accomplish more projects while keeping costs down. The result is a win for everyone: residents benefit from cleaner, safer communities, and participants gain work experience, structure, and an opportunity to make positive changes in their lives.

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Cleanup Events

The CLEANS program organizes large-scale neighborhood events, involving numerous private properties clustered within a single area. With the help of hundreds of dedicated volunteers, entire neighborhoods are revitalized in just a matter of days, as tons of trash and abandoned vehicles are removed through a unified, community-focused effort.

2025 Williwaw

  • 178 - Properties Cleaned

  • 39 - Vehicles Removed

  • 270 - Volunteers Participated

  • 2.6 - Tons of Hazmat Removed

  • 242 - Tons of Trash Removed

  • 61 - 40-Yard Dumpsters 

2026 Sutton

  • 92 - Properties Cleaned

  • 103 - Vehicles Removed

  • 6.14 - Tons of Hazmat Removed

  • 252 - Volunteers Participated

  • 293 - Tons Trash Removed

  • 58 - 40-Yard Dumpsters

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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.

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