Incumbent Borough Assembly Member Brittani Robbins believes that Wrangell’s path to prosperity runs through infrastructure investment and a renewed push to attract industry.

“I want to see Wrangell thrive, not just survive,” Robbins said.

She has lived in the community since 1989 and describes it as “incredibly special,” adding that recent signs of growth have been encouraging after years of holding steady.

“We’ve been surviving for a very long time, and we’re really starting to see it turn around and start to thrive again, and that’s been a very exciting venture for me.”

Robbins said her priorities are shaped by ongoing discussions about the 6-Mile property and downtown waterfront, as well as strong support for education. She also is running for a seat on the school board.

She is in a three-way race for a one-year term on the assembly with David Wilson and incumbent Phillip Mach. The election is Oct. 7.

Robbins works as the civic engagement coordinator for the Alaska Community Action on Toxics, a statewide nonprofit.

She said the assembly has not made final decisions on future uses at the 6-Mile site or potential changes to barge operations and is working with freight lines to evaluate options.

“That is the site that we are currently working with Alaska Marine Lines to discuss the potential of whether or not that should be the decision we make. … Whatever decision I make will be based on what’s best for the community as a whole, not a certain group within the community.”

Robbins said the timing is right to make choices that can unlock broader economic opportunity. “Now is the time to move forward. Now is the time to change,” she said, noting that clarity on the 6-Mile property and downtown waterfront development could help guide private investment and long-term planning.

Education, she added, is central to Wrangell’s ability to attract and retain families. She wants the assembly to engage actively with the school district, share ideas and support solutions that help students and staff. “Education is a big part of why people move anywhere that they move,” she said.

On economic strategy, Robbins pointed to the Marine Service Center, the waterfront and tourism as pillars that generate jobs and revenue. She supports maintaining local control over how the waterfront grows, while creating more opportunities that “put heads in beds” and extend the visitor season. She said Wrangell needs to be open to new industries that fit the community.

“Unfortunately, we can’t 100% stay the same. … The world is evolving around us, and we have to evolve a little bit with it. A priority would be getting more of the public on board with introducing new industry to the community and what that could bring to us.”

Housing, she said, is the most pressing challenge. Without additional homes, she said, it will be difficult to recruit workers, expand services and grow the tax base.

“People can’t move here if they don’t have somewhere to live,” she said. “We don’t have a ton of money coming in, but we can’t have a ton of money coming in if we don’t have people to bring that money. And we can’t have people spending that money if they can’t move here.”

Addressing potential questions about serving both on the assembly and school board, Robbins said she has done it before without any conflicts. “Since I have no financial investment in the school district, there is no conflict,” she said.