Mr. Mcdowall,  Anchorage population 1996 to 2006 grew by 12%.  From 2006 to 2013 (~300K) growth was 7%. For the past decade the school population has remained essentially the same.  Contrary to your assertion, that is not a “MUCH” larger population. In contrast any reasonable resident will agree that the incident of beggars, inebriates and druggies infesting Anchorage has grown at a much higher rate. The notion that degradation of rural subsistence lifestyles is the reason is nonsense. Fundamentally we are plagued with people migrating to Anchorage who lack the education, skills, social graces and incentive required for employment. That’s because of poor decisions made by them and their families. Not because of what this society has done to them. Unless there are consequences for begging, public drunkenness and drugs nothing will change. Perhaps you find it difficult, but I am more than willing to tell inebriates they are not allowed to sleep or camp in public places.