The predecessor of ACDA, the Anchorage Parking Authority, was originally created as the first separate public authority on February 28, 1984. That authority was established "to create an environment in the Anchorage area such that parking and parking policies are in a position to influence the community as a whole."
In 2004, the Municipality of Anchorage considered creating a development authority that could aid in developing public lands. On January 18, 2005, the assembly passed an amendment to the original APA ordinance which renamed the authority to Anchorage Community Development Authority with two departments: Development Services & Parking Services.