Public Meetings - Anchorage, Alaska

The Anchorage Planning and Zoning Commission met on July 6, 2026, to consider several rezoning requests and a proposed ordinance amendment. The meeting included approvals of consent agenda items, public hearings on three cases (with two postponed), and a discussion of upcoming long-range planning projects. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the June 1, 2026 and June 8, 2026 meetings were approved unanimously. - Commissioner Krishna disclosed she was absent for the June 8 meeting and would abstain from voting on resolutions heard that day. - Commissioner Gardner disclosed he was absent for the June 1 meeting and would abstain from voting on ResO 2026-026. - The consent agenda was approved without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - Case 2026-0069 and 2026-0078 were postponed and not heard. - Two public hearings were held: on rezoning cases 2026-0049 and 2026-007. No public testimony was offered for either case. - A public hearing on case 2026-0073 (ordinance on perimeter landscaping) also drew no public testimony. Discussion Items - Case 2026-0049 (Rezone I2 to PR – Don Young Port of Alaska): Staff presented a proposal to rezone 7.9 acres from I2 Heavy Industrial to PR Parks and Recreation. The rezone is subject to the recording of a replat that resolves right-of-way issues identified by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF). The planning department determined all three abbreviated rezoning criteria were met. The petitioner (Mike Forsinski, PTS) stated that a 30-foot right-of-way along East Bluff Road would be dedicated and a note added to the plat preserving a floating right-of-way for future Kinick Arm Bridge access. The department confirmed DOT&PF’s objections would be resolved prior to finalization of the rezone. - Case 2026-007 (Rezone R5 to R2D – Abbott Loop Area): Staff presented a proposal to rezone approximately 0.27 acres from R5 (low density residential) to R2D (two-family residential), consistent with the Anchorage 2040 land use plan. The planning department found all three criteria met, with no public or agency opposition. The petitioner (Tony Hoffman of the Bouteille Company) had no additional comments. - Case 2026-0073 (Ordinance on Site Perimeter Landscaping): Luke Bertram from Long Range Planning presented an ordinance to exempt three- and four-family lots from site perimeter landscaping requirements (L2 buffers) while still requiring one tree per lot and ground cover under Title 21.07.080E4. The exemption is intended to streamline development of three- and four-plexes, consistent with prior policy direction to treat them like single-family homes. Commissioners discussed the practical effect of the exemption and the deletion of confusing language regarding “part of a subdivision.” - Title 21 Discussion: Daniel Kenfoster from Long Range Planning provided an update on upcoming work: a wetlands case (phase 1.5) expected next week, B3 cases next week, unit lot renoticing next month, and a parks and recreation use amendment in September. A full work plan will be presented to the commission in August. Key Outcomes - Case 2026-0049: Motion to recommend approval of the rezone from I2 to PR, subject to recording of a suitable replat, passed (no vote tally provided, but all present voted in favor). - Case 2026-007: Motion to recommend approval of the rezone from R5 to R2D passed (no vote tally provided). - Case 2026-0073: Motion to recommend approval of the ordinance amending Chapter 21.07 regarding perimeter landscaping passed (no vote tally provided). - Meeting adjourned without further action.

The Assembly Budget and Finance Committee of the Whole met on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The meeting covered revenue and budget updates, a legislative update, an overview of a proposed ordinance (AO 2026-70) modifying MOA Trust Board residency requirements, and a preview of fund deficit positions. No formal votes were taken, but several items were scheduled for upcoming assembly meetings. Reports and Updates - Budget Advisory Commission (BAC) Chair Report: Chair Mills reported that the BAC held a monthly meeting with a new social media outreach subcommittee. The BAC also held a special meeting on Monday, May 18, to adopt an open letter to the Senate Finance Committee on House Bill 261. - MOA Trust Fund Update: Investment Director Kevin Liu reported that as of April 30, 2026, the trust fund returned 5.5% for the month and 4% year-to-date. Total asset value was $503 million. The preliminary 2026 dividend estimate remains at least $17 million. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for May 29, 2026. Philippe Bryce was welcomed as a newly appointed trustee. - Revenue Summary Highlights: Deputy Treasurer Lauren Crawford presented the revenue report. Property tax is currently negative due to prior-year adjustment exemptions. Room tax (12%) is collected, with 43% going to general government. Excise taxes (tobacco, motor fuel) are incurred when retailers take inventory, while alcohol and marijuana taxes are sales taxes. The MOA Trust Fund dividend is based on a 20-quarter trailing average multiplied by 4%, yielding $17.1 million. Auto registration tax is higher this year (biannual cycle). PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) is received from exempt entities. Garnishment revenues are budgeted at $3.8 million based on a $1,000 dividend, but the actual dividend is $1,200, so revenues may be higher. Some items (e.g., SEMT, ambulance fees) show low realization due to accounting timing. Building safety fees are ahead of budget, expected to continue due to strong development. Motor fuel tax is not projected to underperform despite price volatility. Cash pool earnings estimates are not yet available; beginning-of-year general fund balances are typically negative, so earnings may initially be negative. - Budget to Actuals Report: Presented by the CAO/Budget Director. As of the report, the municipality is 32.6% through the fiscal year. Total budget spent and encumbered is 34%. Labor is at 30.8% posted, non-labor at 32.6%. Maintenance & Operations (MO) shows overtime of $1.4 million against a $1.5 million budget due to record snowfall in Q1; a reappropriation of unspent prior-year funds is expected in the next month. Finance department overtime is $150,000 year-to-date against a $62,000 budget, largely due to property appraisal and assessment work. Police and fire departments have traditional high overtime accruals. Travel budgets: fire department travel is often reimbursed by the state for wildland fire support; police department made a $165,000 budget adjustment to cover training. Alcohol and marijuana tax funds are largely encumbered or spent; revised budget for 2026 is $14.1 million (down from approved $15.8 million after Q1 revisions). The alcohol tax fund appears on track. - Legislative Update: Nolan Clouda from the Mayor’s Office reported that the state operating/capital budget passed includes $15 million for the Port of Alaska, with an additional $10 million conditional on oil prices (waterfall provision). The community assistance program received a substantial increase to $30 million for disbursements and $50 million fund capitalization, which likely means Anchorage will receive more than the historical $4–6 million. A cap on the required local contribution for school funding was enacted at 4% annual increase (down from an 8% spike that had caused an $11 million shortfall), providing stability. HB 13 (optional property tax exemptions) also passed, offering new housing-related tools for the municipality. A more complete recap will be sent to members. Discussion Items - AO 2026-70 (MOA Trust Board Residency and CFO Designee): Deputy City Attorney Lance Wilver presented the ordinance. It proposes two changes: 1) replacing the requirement that all MOA Trust Board members reside in Anchorage with a requirement that a majority of external members reside in Anchorage; 2) allowing an alternative designee if the CFO and Treasurer are unavailable for board meetings. The impetus was the planned out-of-state relocation of recently confirmed trustee Philippe Bryce. Chair Brawley expressed hesitation and signaled a potential amendment requiring additional public notice or a public hearing for non-resident members. This could affect the timeline, possibly postponing passage to June 9. The ordinance is scheduled for the May 26 assembly meeting. - Municipal Fund Deficits Preview: Deputy City Attorney Wilver and budget staff provided a preview of fund deficits to be discussed in detail at a future meeting (likely June) once the FY24 ACFR is issued. Four funds are in deficit: workers’ compensation/general liability ($16.6 million, 89% general government share), IT internal service fund ($14.7 million, 64% general government share), building safety service area (BSSA) ($11 million, reduced from a peak of $14.5 million), and a special revenue fund tied to the downtown improvement district. The BSSA has historically run deficits due to a 2010 fee structure that does not adjust; recent building activity has improved revenues, with 2024 showing a $2.5 million surplus. The FY26 budget did not include a BSSA levy. A plan to retire general government liabilities to the deficit funds is expected after the ACFR is finalized (anticipated June). Key Outcomes - The committee received reports and updates; no formal votes were taken. - AO 2026-70 will be on the May 26 assembly agenda; Chair Brawley intends to propose an amendment to add public notice/hearing requirements; the ordinance may be postponed if a title change is needed. - A more thorough presentation on muni fund positions (workers’ comp, IT, BSSA) is expected in June, aligned with the release of the FY24 ACFR. - The next Budget and Finance Committee meeting will likely cover those fund deficits and may revisit the BSSA in detail.

The Assembly Housing and Homeless Committee met on May 20, 2026, to receive a detailed briefing on the 2026 Point in Time Count from the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness and the Q1 2026 Homelessness Health Metrics Dashboard from the Mayor's Office and the Fire Department. Mayor LaFrance opened the session highlighting a 28% reduction in the unsheltered population and emphasizing the need to continue multi-pronged efforts. Public Comments & Testimony - Jamie Lopez: Stated the current approach to homelessness is "inhumane" and constitutes "military tactics applied to civilians." He testified about the recent death of an unhoused woman, Randy Agne, which he attributed to the stress of continuous displacement, and urged the committee to establish stable, serviced campsites. - Unhoused Individual (Ricky/Justice): Expressed frustration with the system, testifying that he graduated from the Acres Recovery substance use treatment program but was discharged to the streets without a promised place to live. He criticized the long voucher waitlist process and stated the system has not given him a genuine chance to secure housing. Discussion Items Mayor's Opening Remarks Mayor LaFrance reported a 72% retention rate for people housed from homelessness two years prior and announced a 28% reduction in the unsheltered homeless population compared to 2025. She highlighted the establishment of year-round shelter and the Hope Team's 171 referrals in Q1. She noted the problem remains unsolved and requires continued investment. 2026 Point in Time Count Update Jessica Parks (ACEH) presented the HUD-mandated count results from January 26, 2026. - Unsheltered homelessness decreased by 111 people (291 in 2026 vs 402 in 2025). - Single adult shelters were at 100% capacity. Overall program utilization across the housing continuum was 95%. - Of those unsheltered (N=160 responses), 85 cited lack of available beds for not using shelter; safety and privacy were other top reasons. - Girdwood's count jumped from 0 to 30, attributed to improved coordination but highlighting a severe lack of affordable housing. - Assembly members questioned the disparity in waitlists for veterans (short, with dedicated SSVF/VASH resources) vs. non-veterans (up to 48 months for housing choice vouchers). Homelessness Health Metrics Dashboard Q1 2026 Thea Agnew Bemben and Dr. Pierce presented the quarterly dashboard. - Public Health: Opioid incidents average 152-207 per month (approximately 5 per day). The health department distributed 442 Narcan kits. - Crisis Response: Safety Center admissions surged from 579 in Jan 2025 to 1,323 in Jan 2026. A small cohort of 54 high-utilizer individuals accounted for over 1,000 visits. - Treatment: The CORE team's buprenorphine program has treated 6 individuals (3 unhoused), with 5 of them remaining engaged in treatment. - Shelter System: The municipality deployed 300 year-round beds, scaling to 450 during winter surge. Shelters reported 85 duplicated turnaways in a single May weekend. 66% of clients at East 56 engaged with case management. 56% of shelter clients have a disabling condition. - Housing Retention: The dashboard reported a 73% retention rate for the 2025 cohort (a slight variance from the Mayor's 72% cited earlier, noted in the data) and a 71% rate for the Q1 2026 cohort. - Funding and Gaps: Staff estimated an additional $2.45 million is needed to adequately meet shelter demand. The Good Neighbor Fund raised almost $180,000 from 300 donors. The total strategy budget is approximately $30 million ($9.2M from the general fund, $15.1M from the alcohol tax, and $5.6M in state and federal leveraging). Assembly Deliberation Assembly members discussed metrics definitions, equity of resources across populations, the challenges of hospital discharges, and 311 response times (APD Chief noted planned technology upgrades). Assembly Brawley stressed the need for transparent public communication on the trade-offs of current spending levels given the finite municipal budget. Key Outcomes - The committee accepted the 2026 Point in Time Count and Q1 2026 Health Metrics Dashboard reports. - Staff announced that legislation accepting $70,000 in additional state CVBG/CV funds for use at the non-congregate shelter (The Alex) will be before the full Assembly at its May 26, 2026 meeting (AO 347-2026). - Remaining agenda items were deferred to the next committee meeting due to time constraints.

The Anchorage Zoning Board of Examiners and Appeals met on May 20, 2026, as a short board (five members present, one excused) requiring unanimous votes for approval. The board considered three variance cases, approved two, denied one, and conducted an annual election of officers. Consent Calendar - Minutes from February 12, 2026 were approved unanimously. - One consent agenda item (involving board member Craig Bennett) was removed due to lack of quorum; the remaining items (A, C, D) were approved without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - Case 2026‑0037 (Kukowski): One written public comment from Chris Spencer expressed support, stating the variance does not negatively impact the neighborhood. - Case 2025‑0127 (Shackelford): No public comments received. - Case 2026‑0045 (Hathcoat): A letter from the adjacent property owner (KST LLC) indicated no opposition. Discussion Items - Case 2026‑0037 – Patrick Kukowski (variance to legalize workshop encroaching 2 ft into rear setback): Applicant explained an original survey in 2003 indicated compliance, but a 2025 presale survey revealed a 2 ft encroachment due to historical measurement discrepancy. Staff found standard A not met and B partially met; all others met. Board voted to grant the variance 5‑0, arguing that the physical circumstances (original survey rebar) and lack of neighborhood impact satisfied the standards. - Case 2025‑0127 – Teresa Shackelford (variance to legalize garage and eave encroaching 19.7 ft and 2.5 ft into front setback): The garage was built before purchase; applicant thought previous owner had obtained variance. Structure is essential for storing medical equipment for a disabled child. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions. Board granted variance 5‑0, finding the hardship not self‑imposed since applicant did not build the garage. - Case 2026‑0045 – Yuri Soladade/Darrell Burnt Hathcoat (variance to allow deck to encroach 5 ft into front setback): The deck is elevated (60 inches high) to manage snow accumulation. Applicant cited utility easements, subsurface obstructions, and irregular lot shape as constraints. Staff found standards A, B, and C not met. Board denied the variance 4‑1, with some members considering the placement a conscious decision during construction. - Annual Election of Officers: The board elected Brian Bennett as parliamentarian, retained Ellen McKay as chair, and elected Jonathan Lang as vice chair. - Board Member Comments: Members discussed concerns about shortened staff reports and the need to include nonconforming determinations in future packets. Staff noted a directive to reduce presentations to under one minute, which drew concerns about adequate findings for appeals. Key Outcomes - Case 2026‑0037: Variance granted (5‑0) subject to conditions on pages 4‑5 of staff report. - Case 2025‑0127: Variance granted (5‑0) subject to conditions. - Case 2026‑0045: Variance denied (4‑1). - Officers: Chair McKay, Parliamentarian Bennett, Vice Chair Lang retained/elected. - Next Steps: Staff will consider including nonconforming determinations in future packets; board members may email planning director regarding staff report length.

On Friday, May 15, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, the Anchorage Assembly held a work session to review AO 2026-69, an ordinance proposing the second round of updates to the Municipal Child Care Licensing Code (Title 16.55). The session was a briefing from the Health Department on proposed changes intended to align municipal regulations with state standards, reduce duplication, and modernize requirements while maintaining child safety. A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for the Assembly’s May 26, 2026 regular meeting. Presentation Overview - Health Department staff (Don Skeet and Director Rash) presented the proposed changes, noting that the municipality is the only entity in Alaska that governs child care licensing (from Peters Creek south to the Knik River Bridge). As of the meeting, there were 92 licensed child care homes and 98 centers, providing approximately 8,069 licensed child care spaces. - The second round of changes follows Round One (approved July 15, 2025), which removed licensing fees for renewals, eliminated the municipal liability insurance requirement, increased initial home capacity from six to eight children, aligned caregiver-to-child ratios with state standards, and updated facility requirements. - Feedback from 32 survey respondents (out of 190 surveys sent) indicated ongoing high demand for infant care, continued staffing shortages, and appreciation for increased flexibility from Round One, but also persistent confusion over duplicative code language. Discussion Items - Alignment, Modernization, Flexibility, and Clarity: The proposed changes are organized around four pillars: reducing duplication between municipal and state regulations, updating outdated terminology and provisions, increasing operational flexibility for providers, and making regulations easier to understand and apply. - Administrative and Staffing Changes: Proposed updates include removing outdated definitions, aligning definitions with state regulations, eliminating the requirement that an administrator must live in the licensed facility, increasing flexibility for hiring adolescent caregivers (ages 16–17) in after-school programs, and modernizing training requirements to allow online options. - Health and Program-Related Changes: Proposals include removing annual physical examination requirements (which exceed state requirements), eliminating duplicative nutrition requirements already covered by state or USDA standards, and removing the never-implemented section on sick child centers. - Questions from Assembly Members: - Member Gurker clarified that the definition cleanup for “associate administrator” aligns with a state change (now requiring one per facility instead of a ratio). - Member Parks asked about the proportion of adolescent caregivers and how insurance liability applies to them (noted that insurance is no longer required, so it is between the facility and its insurer). - Member Baldwin Day suggested future surveys ask respondents to identify whether they operate homes or centers to better disaggregate feedback. - Chair Brawley inquired whether the Health Department anticipates any substitute versions or amendments; staff responded that they do not plan to bring further changes and that the remaining code elements (variance process, administrative hearings) are already aligned. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken; this was a briefing work session. The ordinance (AO 2026-69) will proceed to a public hearing at the May 26, 2026 regular Assembly meeting. - Assembly members were encouraged to contact Health Department staff if they are considering amendments to understand implications. - The Health Department noted that unlike Round One (which had a $30,000 economic impact from fee removal), this round has no economic impact.

The Municipality of Anchorage Zoning Board of Examiners and Appeals held a regular meeting on May 15, 2026, with all nine members present. Key actions included approval of the consent agenda, a vote to grant a dimensional variance for a deck encroachment, and the introduction of three new board members. Consent Calendar - The minutes from April 16, 2026, were approved unanimously. - Resolutions 2026-002, 2026-005, 2026-006, and 2026-007 were approved as a consent agenda with no items removed. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public testified during the meeting. The planning department reported receiving three public comments in support of the variance case (Case 2026-0032), with no opposition. The Taku/Campbell and Sandlake Community Councils did not provide comments. Discussion Items - Case 2026-0032 – Variance Request (James Fowler and Cynthia Taco): The applicant requested a dimensional variance to allow a deck to remain two feet into the required five-foot side setback in the R2A district. The deck was originally built by a previous owner; the current owner rebuilt it in the same footprint in 2019 and added a hot tub in 2020. The encroachment was discovered when closing a permit for a carport. Staff found that standards A, B, D, E, F, G, and H were substantially met, but standard C (hardship not self-imposed) was partially met because the current owner replaced the deck voluntarily. The property is a corner lot with only 13 feet between the house and property line at the side, and the deck serves as the functional rear yard. The applicant argued that the original dilapidated deck would have needed replacement and that the neighbors had no objections. Board members discussed the unique geometry of corner lots and the practical need for the deck. A motion to grant the variance subject to conditions on pages 4–5 of the staff report was made and seconded. Key Outcomes - Variance Granted: On a 9-0 vote (no abstentions), the board approved Case 2026-0032, allowing the deck to encroach two feet into the side setback. The approval is subject to conditions listed in the staff report. The board found that the partial satisfaction of standard C was outweighed by other standards met and the lack of community opposition. - Code Change Discussion: Board member Jonathan Lang raised a question about a proposed code change to allow unroofed decks under 30 inches into side setbacks (currently only allowed in front/rear). Staff agreed to follow up on the status of that change, noting it would reduce unnecessary variance requests. - New Member Introductions: Three new board members (John Watka, Mark Mazley, and Chris Shute) introduced themselves, expressing commitment to the board. The chair noted that this was the first time since September 2021 that the board had a full membership.

The Anchorage Public Naming Commission met on May 15, 2026, at 5:40 p.m. ADT. Initially lacking a quorum, the commission later achieved a quorum and approved the agenda as amended, approved minutes from previous meetings, and addressed three naming proposals. Commissioners re-elected the chair and vice chair and discussed outreach to fill vacant seats. Consent Calendar - Approved agenda as amended (added indigenous pathways policy update under unfinished business) - Approved minutes from November, December, and March 2026 meetings unanimously Discussion Items - Downtown Library Naming: Elizabeth Nikolai, assistant director of the Anchorage Public Library, presented a proposal to name the new downtown library (opening early 2027) as "Anchorage Original Town Site Downtown Library." The library is funded by a state grant and a bequest from Janet Getz, which will cover 12 years of operations. Getz's condition required the library to be within the original townsite boundaries. The commission scheduled a public hearing for June 10, 2026, and directed staff to notify the Downtown Community Council. - Centennial Park Renaming: Darrell Hess disclosed he suggested the proposal from Hart Incorporated (a local nonprofit) to rename Centennial Park to "Mong Veterans Memorial Park." The park currently hosts a Hmong market, and a memorial is funded but not yet built. Commissioners discussed whether to rename the entire park or a portion, and agreed to consult the Parks and Recreation Department. Outreach will be made to the Northeast Community Council and market vendors. No public hearing was scheduled; the commission will revisit after the library hearing. - Eagle River Town Square Park Renaming: Patty Wilson, from the Chugiak-Eagle River Historical Society, proposed renaming Eagle River Town Square Park to "Pipplesfield Park" to honor homesteaders Walt and Belvin Pipple. The society noted the area was historically known as Pipples Field. The commission will request an advisory opinion from the Eagle River Parks Board of Supervisors and schedule a public hearing likely in fall 2026. Letters of support from community organizations are encouraged. - Indigenous Pathways Policy Update: Commissioner Jen reported continued outreach to the Native Village of Aklutna to fill a designated seat. No candidate has been identified, but interest exists. Vacant seats include seats three (Aklutna recommendation), five (DEI experience), and six (at-large). A social media graphic will be created to encourage applications. - Election of Chair and Vice Chair: Daryl Hess was re-elected chair. Jenny Harrison was re-elected vice chair, noting her new out-of-town work schedule but willingness to continue. Key Outcomes - Public Hearing Set: A public hearing for the downtown library naming was scheduled for June 10, 2026, at the commission's regular meeting. - Referrals to Other Bodies: The commission will seek an advisory opinion from the Eagle River Parks Board for the Pipplesfield Park proposal and will consult the Parks and Recreation Department regarding the Centennial Park naming scope. - Outreach Actions: Notifications will be sent to the Northeast Community Council and Hmong market vendors about the Centennial Park proposal. A simplified process document will be created for community councils. - Commission Seats: Members will continue outreach to fill vacant seats, particularly the Aklutna-recommended seat. Applications are open for all seats. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 p.m. ADT.

On Thursday, May 14, 2026, the Anchorage Assembly held a work session on AO 2026-62, which proposes to amend municipal code to establish a new Public Safety Commission. The meeting started late due to a prior meeting running long and was noticed until 3:30 PM but extended to 3:40 PM. The session was focused on providing information and answering questions; no debate or public testimony was taken, as the public hearing is scheduled for May 26, 2026. The sponsors presented the ordinance's background, structure, and intent, followed by a question-and-answer period with assembly members. Discussion Items Presentation on AO 2026-62 - Assembly member Presverdia, a sponsor, explained that the commission was reimagined after the previous Public Safety Commission sunset. A six-month task force process engaged municipal departments, the public, and surveys to design a community-led advisory body that builds trust between public safety agencies and the public. - The proposed commission has 14 seats: 9 voting community members and 5 ex-officio non-voting representatives from the Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Health, Department of Law, and Office of Emergency Management. - Its powers and duties are advisory: policy review, community engagement, annual report to the Assembly and mayor, holding public hearings, and requesting briefings or public records. It cannot interfere with active investigations, make disciplinary decisions, access personal records, or address individual HR issues. Actions must be taken by the full body. - Training includes ethics, governance, AFD/APD ride-alongs, and subject-matter topics provided by the Department of Law. Staffing would be a rotating model from APD, AFD, and OEM, using existing staff (no fiscal note). - The commission is intended to be independent and community-led. Terms are three years, staggered, with a limit of three consecutive full terms. Questions and Clarifications - Assembly member Silvers asked about the rotating staffing model, time commitment, and department capacity. Sponsors acknowledged the model is still evolving and that they have not finalized commitment from departments but believe existing staff can support the commission. They noted the prior commission had a similar rotating model. - Assembly member Silvers also asked about the commission's ability to conduct public hearings. Sponsors explained it could include public conversations, listening sessions, and forums on specific topics, with the commission meeting at least quarterly. - Assembly member Gerger asked for a preview of the upcoming S version. Sponsors said it will include minor structural and language changes, partly to align with feedback from Police Chief Case, and will likely continue the public hearing after May 26 to allow further development. - Assembly member Gerger also questioned the term "lived experience" in the composition language. Sponsors clarified it is intentionally broad to include any community member who has had interactions with public safety, not limited to specific types of experience. The commission is not meant to be a technical advisory board of public safety professionals. - Assembly member Johnson noted that the composition allows up to three former police or fire officers, but there is no floor; it could be zero. He also asked if the commission's advisory role extends to contracted services like Chugiak Volunteer Fire and Woodyer Police. Sponsors said the purview is broad geographically and by subject. - Assembly member Handeland asked about ensuring representation across the three listed categories (lived experience, subject matter experts, behavioral/mental health professionals) since the language uses "should" not "shall." Sponsors expressed openness to amendments that specify minimum representation. - Assembly member Park asked about the substance and duration of training. Sponsors stated that the training topics are already available from municipal departments and do not require new development. - Assembly member Silvers suggested considering a lottery system for applicants to ensure broad representation. Sponsors were open to the idea. - Assembly member Handeland asked about the process for requesting an independent review of specific incidents. Sponsors explained that the commission could request such a review, but approval would come from the mayor or Assembly; the exact process is still to be developed. - Assembly member Scout asked about ensuring representation of populations with higher police interactions. Sponsors said the "lived experience" language is intended to capture that, but amendments to strengthen this intent are welcome. - Assembly member Gerger raised the possibility of confirmation hearings for nominees. Sponsors noted that current practice allows individual member interaction, but a formal confirmation hearing could be added to code. They also noted that some boards have a 10-day public notice period for appointments. - Assembly member Park asked about the ability to call emergency meetings. Legal counsel clarified that boards can call special meetings with 24-hour published notice, but there is no provision for emergency meetings under current code. - Assembly member Handeland pointed out a potential ambiguity in the composition language: "not more than three members may have been previously employed by the police department, fire department, office of emergency operations, or department of law in any jurisdiction." The phrase "in any jurisdiction" might only apply to the Department of Law, potentially allowing more than three former police officers from other jurisdictions. Sponsors acknowledged the language may need clarification. - Assembly member Gerger asked for a definition of "subject matter experts." Sponsors said it is broad and includes fields of study, but noted that "lived experience" is a separate category. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken; this was an informational work session. - The public hearing for AO 2026-62 is scheduled for the Assembly's regular meeting on May 26, 2026. - Sponsors intend to continue that public hearing to a future meeting to allow for the development of an S version, which will incorporate feedback from the administration and potentially from assembly members. - Assembly members are encouraged to submit amendments and ideas for consideration outside the public meeting. - The work session adjourned at approximately 3:40 PM.

The Anchorage Assembly Rules Committee met on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 1:00 PM to approximately 2:40 PM (originally scheduled to end at 2:20 PM but extended for a public comment). The meeting included service awards, reports from the mayor's office, clerk, legislative services, and ombudsman, followed by a discussion on constituent email management and a comprehensive review of committee assignments and liaison positions. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was primarily informational and deliberative. Public Comments & Testimony - David Donicovsky (Anchorage resident) spoke about his experience being homeless for two and a half years with his wife, who has seizures. He expressed frustration with being moved around and threatened with arrest, and requested help in obtaining housing without being separated from his wife. The chair acknowledged his comments and said the assembly would follow up offline. Discussion Items - Service Awards: Five-year service pins were presented to Krista Walsh (absent) and Brandi Heasley (present), who works as a paralegal for the Assembly Council. - Mayor's Office Report (Suzanne Fleet Green): - The mayor was participating in a Bloomberg Mayor's Youth Climate Awards launch event. - A large barge for pile driving arrived at the Port of Alaska; first shipment of pilings received. - Groundbreaking for the Ship Creek Trail to Coastal Trail connector project (federally funded). - Legislative session updates: $25 million for Port of Alaska (first $15 million solid, $10 million contingent on oil prices above $80/barrel); pension bill passed both houses and is on the governor's desk. - The mayor's office continues to work on housing and education funding. - Assembly Chair Report (Anna Brawley): - Reminders about office moves, Memorial Day holiday deadlines, and the upcoming joint meeting with the school board on June 5 (requires quorum of at least seven members physically present). - Encouraged members to attend community events. - Clerk's Report (Jamie): - Short-term rental registration: 734 registered, approximately 65 applications per day. Processing is heavier than anticipated (about 1 hour per 20 applications; estimated 125 hours for 2,500 registrations). Address validation issues with GIS. - Risk-limiting audit completed on May 7; report to be presented at the May 26 meeting. - Title 28 update in progress; new municipal code platform goes live May 26. - Clerk will attend the International Institute of Municipal Clerks conference next week. - Legislative Services Report (Claire): - 13 applications received for the youth representative position; review underway. - Pre-approved ADU project: two designs created by UAA engineering capstone (300 sq ft loft and 2-bedroom), to be released this fall. Site preparation costs remain high ($100k-$150k). - Civics workshops for 140 students in April; summer break planned. - Civic Anchor website launched with resources including current plans, volunteer opportunities, deep dives, and youth civic action. - Legislative Services staff changes: Allie will be on parental leave June–August; Noah will cover full-time. - Ombudsman Report (Daryl Hess): - Over 500 entries in case management system so far in 2025; 7-8 open investigations. - Hosted a difficult conversations workshop for municipal employees; positive feedback. - Room 105 will become an ombudsman training room; planning future workshops. - Deep dives on housing/homelessness and employee First Amendment rights. - October: start of three-year strategic plan for the office. - Unfinished Business – Constituent Email Form: - Jasmine presented a mock-up of a Form Stack-based form to direct constituent emails to district members. The form would send to all members but highlight the district. Features include optional contact info, district selection, and Google Translate. - Members discussed potential changes: adding district map image, photo upload option, link to public appearance request, and renaming fields. - Debate on whether to retire the current "assembly@muni.org" email address. Some members (Aaron, Allie) favored removing the mass email option to encourage use of the new form. - No decision made; further edits to be submitted by next week. - New Business – Committees and Liaisons: - Chair Anna Brawley proposed a two-step process: first fill vacant leadership positions so committees can meet, then over summer review schedules, frequency, and possible restructuring. - Proposed changes: Donald Handelon to replace Jared Gerger as AMATS alternate; Daniel Voland temporarily chairs Quality Municipal Services, Ethics and Elections (committee may be restructured). - Members discussed ideas: stacking committee meetings on fewer days, reducing meeting lengths, combining committees (e.g., moving infrastructure to transportation), and creating a dedicated housing committee. - Cameron expressed interest in focusing on affordable/transitional housing within the Housing and Homelessness committee. - Aaron supported stacking meetings and suggested moving AMATS to the permit center. - George Martinez noted that CEDC often handles housing permitting while Housing and Homelessness deals with homelessness; he also offered to discuss the NACO liaison role. - Liaison positions: Anna recommended Zach Johnson as second AML liaison; Aaron Baldwin Day for National League of Cities; George Martinez to continue as NACO liaison. - Other liaison roles (Federation of Community Councils, ACDA, Chamber, etc.) discussed as opportunities for member involvement. - No final assignments made; discussion to continue at future meetings. Key Outcomes - Service awards presented; no other formal votes or decisions taken. - Next Steps: - Members to send additional feedback on the constituent email form to Jasmine by next week. - Committee structure and liaison assignments to be finalized over the summer, with a target of August/September for a final schedule. - The AMATS policy committee will consider moving its meeting location to the permit center. - The chair will follow up with David Donicovsky offline regarding his housing situation. - The next Rules Committee meeting is scheduled for June 11, 2026 (note: CEDC may be rescheduled to that date).