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NOTN-The results are in, residents in Juneau have been helping shape the capital city’s long-term future at “Juneau Futures” workshops and with a community survey.
“Juneau’s had Comprehensive Plans on the books for decades, since the 1900s, so it’s basically a big picture guide that helps us decide where and how to develop, usually, over the next 20 to 30 years.” Said Senior Planner Minta Montalbo, “I think it’s important to keep in mind that the Comprehensive Plan reflects community priorities, and it connects our values and goals with CBJ decision makers, with policies and actions. It’s like a reference point for decisions on how to best use our land and where to focus our resources.”
The effort is part of the “Our Juneau, Our Future” comprehensive plan update, which gathered input through 14 in-person workshops and an online survey aimed at guiding development in Juneau over the next 20 years.
The workshops asked residents 3 major questions, Where should Juneau grow? What does Juneau need to do to prepare for the future? And how should Juneau grow?
According to findings released by CBJ, participants outlined several approaches for where that growth should happen. Many supported investing in central areas like downtown Juneau and Lemon Creek.
Quotes in italics will be pulled directly from CBJ’s results.
Downtown Juneau and Lemon Creek were popular development areas with many participants expressing interest in building activity in and around central Juneau.
Others prioritized established neighborhoods such as the Mendenhall Valley, emphasizing investment near current residents.
Investments should focus on infill and areas with existing infrastructure.
Additional support emerged for developing multiple hubs, including Auke Bay, seen by some as an alternative community center, others pointed to North Douglas as a next step for expansion due to its available land.
North Douglas is the next logical step for development in the next 20 years, and then we can focus on West Douglas.
Across all responses, one issue stood out: housing.
Participants consistently identified it as the community’s top priority, even noting that “everything connects to housing.”
Housing was the most important issue for many participants. While approaches differed, it is clear that Juneau needs more housing solutions.
Respondents also stressed the importance of protecting neighborhoods from natural hazards like flooding and avalanches, and called for diversifying Juneau’s economy beyond tourism.
“Folks are focused mainly on flooding and protecting the homes in the valley, but we’re also hearing renewed discussion about landslide dangers and avalanches, so we’re going to want to be looking at that in the new comp plan.” Montalbo said, “Not surprisingly, housing for all definitely remains a huge priority, and when we’re talking about housing, housing options that suit a variety of needs. And then I think the third biggest category is economic diversification. Again, not a new topic, but we’re hearing a lot of concern about trying to strengthen year round industries, and find a balanced approach to tourism. We want to recognize the economic contribution, but people are also asking that we care for Juneau’s unique small town characteristics at the same time.”
Once participants had decided how Juneau should grow, they were asked to see how their scenario would hold up against future conditions, such as potential increase or decrease in tourism, funding, and natural hazards.
Participants said they expect tourism to increase, while state and federal funding may decline and natural hazards may become more severe.
In workshop scenarios, residents adjusted their priorities accordingly, shifting resources toward housing, hazard mitigation, and economic resilience when faced with those challenges, notably when faced with a decrease in federal funds, participants primarily divested from Remote Area Infrastructure and Waterfront Development, viewing them as non-essential “luxuries” without federal support.
According to the findings particpants felt, “no matter the strategy, growth should consider existing investment, current residents, housing needs, and hazard risk.”
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In another post, Mikayla explained that her chronic illness is Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).
“I’ll be sharing more soon about my journey with mold illness, moving out of my house,” she listed.
“And,” Mikayla continued, “the postpartum guilt I struggled with while going through such a massive health flare filming that wasn’t included in the show.”
She also wrote about how CIRS “has ruined just everything in my body. Nerves, skin, hair, brain, gut, liver, hormones, etc.”
Mikayla cited how she has turned down numerous opportunities because of this health battle — especially her skin.
On her Instagram Story, Mikayla Matthews delved into her health battle and how many opportunities she’s declined. (Image Credit: Instagram)
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome is a wide-ranging immune response.
Essentially, prolonged exposure — usually to mold or to another fungus, such as one would get in a building with extensive water damage — causes your immune system to flare up.
This sounds somewhat similar to what Tori Spelling and her family endured in early 2023.
You may remember that the Spellings fled their rental home due to a serious mold problem, and subsequently underwent health scans to assess the long-term damage.
One of the most dangerous effects can be inflammation of the brain. But, ultimately, CIRS can impact many organs, and the effects can linger long after the exposure ends.
Former teenage mother Mikayla Matthews speaks on the trailer for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. (Image Credit: Hulu)
‘Life doesn’t have to stop’
“I want you guys that are in similar situations to feel seen,” Mikayla told her fans and followers.
“And,” she continued, she wants them to “know that life doesn’t have to stop when s–tty things are happening to you.”
She’s right!
We wish her, and anyone battling similar symptoms (whether they are aware of the illness or not), the very best.
And Mikayla sharing her story is a great reminder that there’s much more to SLOMW than the explosive, upsetting drama.
Curious what this former president likes to sip on during his downtime? Hint: It’s a refreshing drink that got its start in the U.K. and goes down super easy.
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Now, Mortensen has filed a restraining order against Taylor, alleging that she was physically abusive toward him on two separate incidents last month.
Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen on ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.’ (Hulu/YouTube)
According to court documents, Dakota filed the protective order petition in Utah on March 19.
TMZ reports that the two incidents Mortensen refers to in his petition took place on February 23 and 24.
The first fight allegedly broke out while Dakota was visiting Taylor and their 2-year-old son at her home.
Dakota claims that Taylor choked him, shoved him into a window, and struck him at least once.
He adds that Taylor’s “emotionally volatile” actions woke up their son and that she was threatening to harm herself.
Taylor Frankie Paul attends Hulu’s Get Real House at Casa Lago on April 22, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
Mortensen says he called 911 for help, but that Taylor “pressured and manipulated” him into falsely telling the dispatcher that their son was sick and ending the call.
He claims that Taylor’s “aggressive behavior” continued from there, so he took the child home for his safety.
Elsewhere in his filing, he claims that the aggression continued the following night when Taylor threw his phone at a wall and tried to physically prevent him from leaving her house.
Mortensen says he’s seeking legal protection for both himself and the former couple’s young son.
The filing comes as authorities continue to investigate allegations made by both parties about previous domestic violence incidents.
Police have confirmed that the case remains open and that claims have been made “in both directions.”
Taylor Paul attends the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Mortensen’s decision to pursue a restraining order signals escalating concern about safety — particularly when it comes to their child.
Both sides have pushed back against the narrative surrounding the situation. Mortensen’s representatives say his priority is protecting his child and maintaining stability.
