This governor’s mansion could soon be available to rent

JUNEAU (KTUU/Gray News) - Lawmakers in Alaska are reviewing a bill that could turn the governor’s mansion in Juneau into a short-term rental property to generate revenue.

House Bill 139, sponsored by Rep. Will Stapp, R-Fairbanks, proposes just that.

“During this time of fiscal uncertainty, it is imperative amongst us to find innovative ideas that aim to maximize how we use our state facilities, especially state-owned and operated residences in a way to reduce overall expenses,” Stapp’s sponsor statement said.

If passed, the mansion would be open for renters year-round, outside any regular or special session.

The cost to rent and the rental duration, however, has yet to be shared.

Bernard Aoto, a staff member for Stapp’s office, said the Office of the Governor would be in charge of determining the cost of rent and the duration.

The mansion operates on a budget of $805,000 yearly, according to Stapp’s sponsor statement.

Alaskans on Monday had mixed reactions regarding the bill.

“That’s not something I personally would be interested in,” Anchorage resident Joey Gigliotti said. “It’s an opportunity for some, that it would expose them to government, you know, how they live. And that’s going on in Juneau. They would be able to tour Juneau.”

Others think the idea is strange and have further questions about the rental proceeds.

“I don’t really understand the money-generating aspect of it. Where is the money going? Is this going to help the kids in the schools?” Gary Mashburn, an Anchorage resident, said.

Currently, the state relies on its Unrestricted General Funds (UGF) in its operating budget, according to Stapp’s sponsor statement, to fund the roughly $805,000 it costs to operate the mansion year-round.

The revenue generated from the short-term rental(s), Stapp’s sponsor statement said, would be used to reduce the state’s reliance on the UGF.

“I’m in favor of it being rented out if the governor is not consistently living in that mansion. With the idea that it seems like it would bring the state a little more revenue,” Anchorage resident Brad Teo said. “Every little bit seems like it would help to me.”

Mashburn said he can’t imagine renting out the mansion would generate much revenue.

“A couple hundred dollars a night? Here and there. Nothing, pennies,” he said.

When asked, most people said the cost of renting would determine their interest in staying at the mansion.

“I know it’s like 12,000 square feet. That’s a lot of room, just me alone, I don’t know,” Edward Moore said. “But I probably would have a lot of parties if I did.”

KTUU reached out to Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s office Monday for a response. However, a spokesperson at the time said he did not have time for an interview.