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The City of Gustavus

The City of Gustavus, with a population of about 655, has a mayor and city council, and represents its residents to the state. Gustavus is a subsistence community, and the local harvest remains important to most residents. In summer, our population is at its highest. In winter, about half the population stays in town.

Gustavus encompasses 29.2 square miles of land and 10 square miles of water. The area’s maritime climate is characterized by cool summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures average from 52 to 63 degrees, with winter temperatures averaging from 26 to 39 degrees.

The City of Gustavus was incorporated in 2004. Our major projects since then have been provision of basic services such as establishing a landfill/recycle center, building up our docks and harbors and maintaining our roads. A boat harbor/freight ramp project was completed in 2007.

Local residents choose Gustavus for the lifestyle, the availability of natural resources, the spectacular beauty of the area and for the subsistence activities available. Many residents are self employed in tourism and service/retail businesses, as well as fishing, power generation and aviation. Glacier Bay National Park employs over half of the residents of Gustavus. Others work for the state or for the Chatham School District.

Natural resources are managed by Glacier Bay National Park, the International Pacific Halibut Commission, the State Department of Fish and Game and the Tongass National Forest.

We have a city hall, medical clinic, fire department, library and city park. The state-funded Gustavus School, serving kindergarten through twelfth grade, serves about 50 students and enjoys the highest test scores in Chatham School District. Our school is enriched by community volunteers and the high value that Gustavus puts on education.

Emergency medical services (EMS), and fire response are provided by the dedicated volunteers of the Gustavus Volunteer Fire Department(GVFD). The Department works closely with Alaska State Troopers, Glacier Bay National Park and the US Coast Guard, during search and rescue operations in the Gustavus, Glacier Bay, and Icy Strait areas. The GVFD is also prepared to respond to regional disasters if called. (See FAQ: What happens if you call 911?)

Most homes have personal septic and water systems. Alaska Power & Telephone (AP&T), provides city-wide power through hydroelectric generation from Falls Creek. Alaska Communication Services (ACS) provides local phone service.

Cell phone coverage is good in some parts of town but is constrained by dense trees and low elevation. Internet access is available via a cell phone tower, satellite providers, or Fibre Alaska – a local internet service provider (ISP) that is building out a fiber optic network in Gustavus. The Gustavus Library provides a free wireless hot spot.

Freight to the community comes through Juneau by plane, barge, landing craft, private boats and by Alaska Marine Highway ferry service.