About Northwest Arctic Borough
Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska, is a vast and sparsely populated region covering approximately 40,762 square miles in northwestern Alaska, making it larger than the state of Indiana. The borough seat is Kotzebue, a coastal community situated on the Baldwin Peninsula along the Chukchi Sea. As of recent estimates, the borough has a population of approximately 7,700 residents, with the majority being Alaska Native Iñupiat people.
The borough was incorporated in 1986 and includes eleven communities: Kotzebue, Kiana, Noorvik, Selawik, Ambler, Buckland, Deering, Kivalina, Kobuk, Noatak, and Shungnak. Northwest Arctic Borough is characterized by Arctic tundra, the Noatak River valley, the Kobuk River valley, and portions of the Brooks Range. Major landmarks include Kobuk Valley National Park, known for its Great Kobuk Sand Dunes and caribou migration routes, Cape Krusenstern National Monument, and Noatak National Preserve.
The Kotzebue area Borough operates a Recording District office within the Borough Clerk's Office, located at 163 Lagoon Street in Kotzebue, Alaska 99752. The borough operates under a second-class borough structure with limited governmental powers. Northwest Arctic Borough has been inhabited by Iñupiat people for thousands of years, with subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering remaining central to the culture and economy.
The Red Dog Mine, one of the world's largest zinc producers, is located within the borough and significantly impacts Northwest Arctic Countyal economy. All communities are off the road system and accessible only by air or, in some cases, by boat during summer months.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Northwest Arctic Borough does not have a traditional sheriff's office as seen in other regions. Instead, law enforcement duties are primarily handled by the Alaska State Troopers, who patrol the unincorporated areas and manage law enforcement activities throughout the borough. The Alaska State Troopers are responsible for processing arrests, maintaining criminal records, and making sure of public safety. They also collaborate with local village public safety officers (VPSOs) to address community-specific issues and provide law enforcement services in remote areas.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Northwest Arctic Borough is primarily provided by the Alaska State Troopers, who cover the entire borough, including remote areas. In addition to the state troopers, the Kotzebue Police Department serves the city of Kotzebue, handling local law enforcement duties within city limits. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full coverage and response capabilities throughout the borough.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in the Northwest Arctic Borough is primarily provided by the Alaska State Troopers, as the borough does not maintain a traditional sheriff's office. The Alaska State Troopers operate a post in Kotzebue, which serves as Northwest Arctic Countyal hub for law enforcement activities. The Kotzebue Alaska State Trooper Post can be reached at 907-442-3222 and is located on 3rd Avenue in Kotzebue.
- Requests for arrest records should be directed to the Alaska State Troopers or the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos may be available through formal public records requests submitted to the Alaska Department of Public Safety.
Several communities within the borough have Village Public Safety Officers (VPSOs), who are state-employed law enforcement officers stationed in rural communities to provide police services, emergency medical response, and fire protection. VPSOs operate in villages including Kiana, Noorvik, Selawik, and other communities as staffing allows. The VPSO program is administered through the Alaska Department of Public Safety.
Inmates from Northwest Arctic Borough are typically held at regional detention facilities, as Kotzebue does not maintain a long-term jail facility. Short-term holding cells may be used pending transfer. For inmate information, citizens should contact the Alaska State Troopers Kotzebue post or the Department of Corrections regional facility.
The Alaska Department of Corrections maintains an online offender locator at http://www.correct.state.ak.us/corrections/. Arrest records in Alaska are subject to public disclosure under Alaska Stat. § 40.25.110-40.25.140, the Alaska Public Records Act.
Tribal law enforcement also is important to Northwest Arctic Borough. The NANA Regional Corporation area includes tribal governments that may employ tribal police or public safety officers with jurisdiction on tribal lands. Many communities have established law enforcement commissions that work in coordination with state troopers and VPSOs to address local public safety concerns, particularly issues related to alcohol enforcement and domestic violence prevention.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Northwest Arctic Borough includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Alaska State Troopers and the Kotzebue Police Department, depending on Northwest Arctic Borough of the offense. To run a background check in Alaska, individuals can contact the Alaska Bureau of Investigation, which provides full background checks for residents.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Northwest Arctic Borough are maintained by the Alaska State Troopers, who are responsible for law enforcement in Northwest Arctic Borough. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Alaska State Troopers directly. These records typically include information such as the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and arresting agency. The Alaska Public Records Act governs access to these records, for public access and public access to government documents, including arrest records.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Northwest Arctic Borough does not operate its own jail facility. Instead, individuals arrested in the borough are typically held at the Kotzebue Regional Jail, which is managed by the City of Kotzebue. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestee. Inmate lookup can be conducted through direct contact with the Kotzebue Regional Jail. Visitation rules are established by the facility, and visitors are advised to check with the jail for specific guidelines.
- The bond and bail process in Alaska allows for the posting of bail to secure release, and information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained by contacting the jail directly.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Northwest Arctic Borough are taken and retained by the Alaska State Troopers during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the individual's arrest record and can be accessed through the Alaska State Troopers upon request. Currently, there is no specific online portal for searching mugshots in the borough, and interested parties must contact the troopers directly. Alaska does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances.
Courts & Case Records
The Northwest Arctic Borough is served by the Second Judicial District of the Alaska Court System. The Kotzebue Superior Court and District Court are located at 154 Lagoon Street, P.O. Box 317, Kotzebue, Alaska 99752, and can be reached at 907-442-3208. The Superior Court has original jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases involving amounts over $100,000, domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, and appeals from the District Court.
- Northwest Arctic Borough Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases up to $100,000, small claims up to $10,000, and minor offense violations.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are established by Alaska Court Rule 12(i), with charges typically $10 for the first two pages and $2 per page thereafter.
- The Alaska Court System also provides public access terminals at the Kotzebue courthouse for in-person research.
The Kotzebue courthouse also handles cases arising from the eleven communities within the Kotzebue area Borough. Court sessions may be conducted via videoconference for proceedings in remote villages. Alaska's court system provides online case access through CourtView, available at https://records.courts.alaska.gov/eaccess/home.page, which allows the public to search criminal, civil, domestic relations, probate, and other case types by name, case number, or other criteria.
Some case information may be restricted by statute or court rule, particularly juvenile cases and certain protective order proceedings. Court records are generally public under Alaska Court Rule 37.5 and Alaska Stat. § 40.25.110.
Probate cases, including wills and estate administration, are filed in the Superior Court. Traffic violations and minor offenses may be handled through the District Court or, in some cases, through the state's online citation payment system.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for the Northwest Arctic Borough are maintained by Northwest Arctic Borough Borough Clerk's Office, which is the Recording District office. The office is located at 163 Lagoon Street, P.O. Box 1110, Kotzebue, Alaska 99752, and can be contacted at 907-442-2500. The office records deeds, mortgages, liens, financing statements (UCC), military discharges, powers of attorney, plat maps, and other documents affecting real property. Alaska operates under a grantor/grantee indexing system for land records.
- Recording fees are set by Alaska Statute and vary based on document type and page count.
- Private fee-simple property ownership is limited primarily to communities.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person, by mail, or by phone from the Borough Clerk's Recording Office, with fees typically $5 for certification plus copying charges.
Northwest Arctic Borough Borough does not currently offer full online property record searches through its website, though some property information may be available by contacting the borough clerk directly. The borough's recording district has been digitizing historical records, but full online access remains limited compared to urban Alaska boroughs. For property assessment and taxation information, Northwest Arctic Borough Assessor's Office maintains property tax records and valuations.
The Assessor can be reached at the same address at 163 Lagoon Street, Kotzebue, or by calling 907-442-2500. Property tax records include assessed valuations, exemptions, and payment history. Much of the land within Northwest Arctic Borough Borough is owned by the federal government, the State of Alaska, NANA Regional Corporation (formed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act), and village corporations.
The Bureau of Land Management maintains records for federal land transactions and surveys, accessible through the BLM Alaska Public Room and online at https://glorecords.blm.gov/.
Vital Records
Vital records for the Northwest Arctic Borough, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees, are primarily managed by the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, which is part of the Alaska Department of Health. The state office is located at 5441 Commercial Boulevard, Juneau, Alaska 99801, and operates a website at http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/VitalStats/. Birth certificates cost $30 for the first copy and $25 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates follow the same fee structure.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
- Marriage licenses cost $60 and require both parties to appear in person with valid photo identification.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek at https://www.alaska.gov/vitalchek/, though this service includes additional processing fees.
- Same-day service may be available for walk-in requests at the Juneau office, but residents of the Kotzebue area Borough typically must request records by mail or online due to the remote location.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or legal interest to obtain certified copies. Marriage licenses in Alaska are issued by Marriage Commissioners appointed by the courts. In Kotzebue and Northwest Arctic Borough Borough, couples should contact the Alaska Court System at the Kotzebue courthouse (907-442-3208) to arrange for a marriage license and ceremony.
There is no waiting period or blood test required in Alaska. Divorce records are maintained as court records through the Superior Court in Kotzebue and can be obtained through the court clerk's office. Alaska vital records law is codified at Alaska Stat.
§ 18.50.010 et seq. Birth records are confidential for 100 years, and death records are confidential for 50 years, with access limited to eligible persons including immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a tangible interest.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in the Northwest Arctic Borough operates through multiple levels of government. Northwest Arctic Borough Clerk's Office at 163 Lagoon Street, Kotzebue, Alaska 99752 (907-442-2500) handles certain local business matters and may maintain records of businesses operating within the borough.
- Business entities must file formation documents with the state and pay applicable fees, which vary by entity type.
- The Alaska Business License is required for most business activities in the state and costs $50 for two years, renewable through the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
- Businesses operating within city limits must register with the City of Kotzebue and obtain appropriate local business licenses.
The Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing is the primary state agency for business entity registration, offering a searchable database at https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/cbp/main/search/entities that includes corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other business structures registered in Alaska. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, nurses, engineers, and cosmetologists are also issued by this division. Northwest Arctic Borough Borough does not impose a general sales tax, though individual municipalities within the borough may impose local sales taxes.
Kotzebue, for example, imposes a 6% sales tax on most goods and services sold within city limits. Building permits and land use permits are handled by Northwest Arctic Borough Borough Planning Department, located at the borough offices in Kotzebue (907-442-2500). The NANA Regional Corporation plays a significant economic development role in Northwest Arctic Borough, and businesses seeking to operate on NANA lands or within the NANA region may need to coordinate with NANA regarding land use, employment preferences, and contracting opportunities.
Northwest Arctic Borough Borough Economic Development Corporation can provide information about business opportunities and local economic conditions. Fictitious name registrations (DBAs) should be filed with the Alaska Division of Corporations.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration for the Northwest Arctic Borough is conducted by the Alaska Division of Elections, as Alaska does not have borough-level election offices. The Division of Elections operates a Regional Elections Office that serves Northwest Arctic Borough Borough, with the nearest office typically in Nome or Fairbanks. Voters can contact the Alaska Division of Elections at 907-465-4611 or visit http://www.elections.alaska.gov for information specific to the Kotzebue area Borough.
- Alaska offers same-day voter registration during the early voting period and on Election Day, allowing eligible residents to register and vote simultaneously.
- Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot by mail, online, or by fax through the Division of Elections.
Voter registration in Alaska can be completed online at https://voterregistration.alaska.gov, by mail, or in person at designated locations including the Division of Motor Vehicles and some state agencies. The voter registration deadline is 30 days before an election. Polling places in the Kotzebue area Borough are established in each community, typically at schools, community halls, or tribal buildings.
Voters can find their specific polling location by using the Division of Elections polling place lookup tool at http://www.elections.alaska.gov or by calling Northwest Arctic Countyal elections office. Election records that are public include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), precinct-level election results, candidate filings, and campaign finance disclosure reports filed through the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC). Voter histories showing whether an individual voted (but not how they voted) are also public records.
The November 2024 general election saw turnout in Alaska's rural regions including Northwest Arctic Borough Borough that typically ranges from 45-65% of registered voters, though exact borough-level figures vary by election cycle. The next major election is the November 3, 2026 midterm election, which will include races for Alaska's U.S. House seat, one U.S.
Senate seat (if scheduled), Alaska Governor, Alaska State Legislature seats representing Northwest Arctic region, and various state ballot measures. Absentee voting and voting by mail are well-established in Alaska. Applications must be received by the Saturday before Election Day for general elections.
Absentee ballots may be returned by mail, fax, or secure electronic transmission for certain voters. Alaska's ranked choice voting system, implemented in 2020, applies to most state and federal races. Elections in Alaska are subject to strong transparency laws under Alaska Stat.
§ 15.13 (campaign finance) and § 15.07 (election procedures), which require public disclosure of campaign contributions, expenditures, and detailed election administration records.
Economy & Demographics
The economy of the Northwest Arctic Borough is driven by a unique combination of natural resource extraction, subsistence activities, government services, and increasingly, tourism. The Red Dog Mine, operated by Teck Alaska Incorporated under an agreement with NANA Regional Corporation, is the dominant industrial employer and economic engine for Northwest Arctic Borough. Red Dog is one of the world's largest producers of zinc concentrate and also produces lead and silver.
- Median household income in the borough is estimated at approximately $73,000, higher than many rural Alaska regions due to mining employment, though this figure masks significant income variation.
- Commercial fishing, particularly for salmon and whitefish, provides seasonal employment.
- Economic challenges include high costs of living, dependence on imported goods, limited infrastructure, and geographic isolation from markets.
The mine employs approximately 400-600 workers and generates significant revenue for NANA shareholders and Northwest Arctic Borough Borough through property taxes and payments. Subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering remain economically and culturally vital, providing food security and connection to traditional Iñupiat lifeways. Caribou, marine mammals, salmon, whitefish, berries, and other country foods comprise a substantial portion of household nutrition.
Government employment is the second-largest economic sector, including Northwest Arctic Borough seat area Borough government, Northwest Arctic Borough seat area Borough School District, tribal governments, health services through Maniilaq Association (Northwest Arctic Countyal tribal health consortium), and federal agencies. Maniilaq Association is one of the largest employers in Kotzebue, operating a regional hospital, clinics in village communities, and social service programs. Tourism is growing, with visitors attracted to national parks, sport fishing, cultural tourism, and Arctic experiences.
Transportation and logistics companies serve Northwest Arctic Borough through air cargo and passenger services, with Alaska Airlines providing scheduled jet service to Kotzebue and smaller air taxi operators connecting villages. The construction sector experiences periodic growth tied to infrastructure projects, school construction, and housing development.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (CourtView) | Property: Limited: Online Access | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Requests | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering Available | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 6.5/10 No:rthwest Arctic Borough provides access to most records, though remote location and limited digital infrastructure require phone or mail requests for some local records.