Public Meetings - Anchorage, Alaska

The Anchorage Assembly held its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2026. The meeting featured recognition resolutions, public hearings on the FY2027 budget, committee reports, and extensive debate on a surveillance technology ordinance. Key outcomes included approval of resolutions for the AFN convention, Typhoon Halong remembrance, and a seismic hazards working group, while the surveillance ordinance debate was postponed. Consent Calendar - Laid on the table and later approved as part of consent agenda: recommendation of award of contract to HDR Engineering for downtown transit center; resolution appropriating $150,000 donation from Anchorage Library Foundation for library furniture and equipment; resolution appropriating $100,000 donation from Friends of the Library for library books and materials. - Also approved without objection: numerous other items including routine contract awards, fund appropriations, and recognitions (e.g., honoring Alaska Territorial Guard and Indigenous Peoples Day). Public Comments & Testimony Appearance Requests: - Michaela Franklin (Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness): Advertised Project Homeless Connect on October 26 from 10–4 at the Egan Center, noting over 1,200 people served last year. Requested assistance spreading the word. - Tonya Korchenko: Described three recent incidents of cruelty against domestic rabbits (shooting, darts), criticized lack of enforcement, and asked for better reporting protocols, improved rabbit-specific veterinary care at animal control, and support for humane population control through education, spaying/neutering, and cooperation with rescuers. - Pastor Leon May (Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, MLK Foundation): Expressed concern over the censure of Assembly Member Martinez, argued it should be rescinded, and compared APOC handling of Martinez to that of Attorney General Treg Taylor, highlighting perceived inconsistency. Public Hearing on FY2027 Operating Budget (14A): - Radika Krishna (Downtown Partnership): Supported continuing APD downtown foot patrol, citing 1,800 contacts in first six weeks, 152 transported to care, and 40 connected to services. - Kathleen McCardell (Anchorage Chamber): Supported foot patrol funding as essential for business and community safety. - Sherry Gould (Santos): Employee safety concerns; noted foot patrol made a big difference. - John Bittner (AEDC): Supported public safety funding to maintain economic momentum. - Mari Mahana (District 5): Recommended budget cuts (travel, discretionary funds), a spending freeze, and exploration of new revenue sources (room tax increase, higher marijuana tax). - Jamie Lopez (Sankridge): Criticized police overtime costs and questioned certain travel expenses; requested explanation on how $500,000 for ATAX fund / hope team is used. Public Hearing on Ground Lease (14M): - Andrew Fierro (Chugiak Senior Citizens Inc. Board): Requested approval of lease extension to enable planning and financing for additional senior housing on adjacent parcel. - Skylar Quinn (Q2 Partners LLC): Expressed interest in developing affordable housing (30 units per phase) on the parcel, pending lease extension. Discussion Items Resolutions: - AR2026-297 (60th AFN Convention): Welcomed delegates and attendees; passed unanimously. - AR2026-298 (Typhoon Halong Anniversary): Recognized the disaster, urged state/federal action, and affirmed Anchorage’s role as a refuge; passed unanimously with mayor and assembly co‑sponsors. - AR2026-304 (Seismic Hazards Working Group): Establishes a working group to evaluate seismic and other natural hazards and recommend responsible development practices. Passed unanimously. Sponsors noted it is complementary to the MHO overlay process and responds to Geotechnical Advisory Commission recommendations. Ground Lease Extension – Chugiak-Eagle River Senior Center (AO 2026-133): - Approved unanimously after discussion of development milestones (first financing goal by December 2028), with emphasis on ensuring the adjacent parcel is developed for senior housing. Over 20 community councils and organizations expressed support. Water & Hydropower Agreements (AO 2026-135): - Reauthorizes AWWU, AHP, and the municipality to execute three agreements pertaining to public water supply and the Aklutina Hydroelectric Project Fish and Wildlife Program. Debate ensued about postponing, but the assembly ultimately passed the ordinance 12–0 after hearing that the agreements are substantially unchanged from those approved in December 2025, remain favorable, and delay could risk litigation. Municipal Attorney confirmed the voting rights issue is being litigated separately. Surveillance Technology Ordinance (AO 2026-108): - Extensive debate on multiple amendments to the S version. Amendment 2 (adding “judicial” before warrant for data sharing) passed unanimously. Amendment 4 (assembly suspension of technology) passed 8–4 after being amended to require “knowingly, materially, or consistently” instead of “and”. Amendment 5 (data retention limits) was being debated when the meeting reached its end; motion to postpone debate to November 4 passed 11–1. Tax Incentives for Mixed-Use Housing (AO 2026-93): - Public hearing was reopened and set for November 17, 2026, due to a substantive title change in the S1 version. Key Outcomes - AR2026-297 – Unanimously adopted. - AR2026-298 – Unanimously adopted. - AR2026-304 – Unanimously adopted. - AO 2026-118 (Rezone from Compact Mixed Residential to Town Center) – Unanimously adopted. - AO 2026-119 (Rezone from R-5 to B3) – Unanimously adopted. - AO 2026-133 (Fifth extension of ground lease for Chugiak-Eagle River Senior Center) – Unanimously adopted. - AO 2026-135 (Reauthorization of water/hydropower agreements) – Unanimously adopted. - AR2026-293 (Conditional protest of Circle K liquor license transfer) – Unanimously adopted; Clerk authorized to release protest upon fire department certification. - First public hearings on FY2027 operating budget, capital budget, capital improvement program, six-year fiscal program, enterprise/utility/ACDA budgets, and executive branch reorganization held; second hearings scheduled for November 4. - Public hearings on self-storage in B3 (14K) and shop house designs (14L) continued to December 1. - Debate on AO 2026-108 postponed to the regular meeting of November 4, 2026. Note: The meeting date is given as October 21, 2026 per instructions, though the transcript references “Tuesday, October 20th”.

The Anchorage Planning and Zoning Commission convened for a regular meeting, reviewing capital investment plans, holding public hearings on a shelter conditional use and a fence variance, and discussing recent code changes. The meeting was characterized by significant public testimony regarding the impacts of a homeless shelter on surrounding businesses and residents. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the September 14th and 21st meetings. - Commissioner Eber abstained from voting on the consent agenda. - Case 2026-0124 was pulled to the regular agenda for discussion. - The remaining consent agenda items were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Case 2026-0084 (Linda's Place Shelter): The majority of public testimony was in opposition to the conditional use approval for the 150-person shelter. - Lisa Stevens (Castle Mega Stores) detailed a deterioration in safety, citing fires, prostitution offers to customers, drug transactions, and a 17% decline in store traffic compared to a 2% company average. She argued the shelter has become a magnet for problems and that security commitments were not fulfilled. - Lyndell Myers (Truck Pro LLC) testified to a significant spike in crime, including smashed doors, threats with weapons, break-ins, and the daily cleanup of human waste, drug paraphernalia, and trash. He noted spending $15,000 on additional lighting and hiring private security. - Shirley Eichels (adjacent property owner) described being assaulted multiple times, lack of effective security patrols, and requested a six-foot fence. She stated the shelter operator admitted the current four-foot fence was insufficient. - Phil Johnson (Air Source Alaska) characterized the increase in transients as an "immediate 500%" and criticized the shelter model. He stated his business had to hire private security. - Cheryl Cox Williams (NAACP) opposed the congregate shelter model, advocating for smaller, individualized approaches. - Residents Ned Zupi Brami, Suzette Ibrahim, and Kathleen Eicholt testified to increased trash, safety fears for children, and harassment. - Case 2026-0093 (Fence Variance): No public testimony was offered. - Case 2026-0130 (Rezone): No public testimony was offered. Discussion Items - 2027-2032 Capital Improvement Program and Budget (Case 2026-0124): - Kenneth Foster (Long Range Planning) and Director Ona Brows (OMB) presented the annual review. The discussion centered on the gap between funding levels ($50 million annually) and the estimated $250 million needed for deferred maintenance. The commission discussed integrating capital planning with land use goals, "off-ramping" stalled projects, and clarifying reinvestment focus areas. Commissioner Ron questioned the relationship between large state projects like the Seward Highway and AMATS funding. Aaron Yolonganilen (AMATS) clarified the project would use state funds and not directly impact AMATS-funded local projects. - Conditional Use for Homeless Shelter (Case 2026-0084): - The operator, Sheldon Fisher (MASH Property Management), defended the shelter's operations, noting behavioral health integration, a "good neighbor policy," and perimeter patrols. He offered to construct an 8-foot fence to address neighbor concerns. - Commissioner McKee voiced strong opposition, stating the application failed to meet several approval criteria regarding economic vitality, environmental impact, neighborhood character, and noise/water quality. - Commissioner Eber opposed the motion, citing safety and traffic concerns and the site's unsuitability for a permanent shelter under a conditional use permit. - Commissioner Krishna suggested the commission needed legal clarity on what conditions it could enforce versus what falls under the health department's shelter licensing. - A motion to approve the permit was on the floor. Commissioner Ron moved to postpone the item to the December 14th meeting, with an amendment to reopen the public hearing. This motion passed. - Fence Height Variance (Case 2026-0093): - Discussion focused on the applicable height limits (42 inches under Girdwood commercial code vs. 4 feet under general Anchorage code) and whether the variance was from the correct standard. Staff clarified the correct code and the height differential (3.5 to 8 feet). The proposed fence aims to address traffic noise and safety concerns near High Tower Road. - Rezone (Case 2026-0130): - Staff presented a rezone for the South Central Foundation’s Native Health Campus to achieve zoning consistency (B3) and remove outdated special limitations. - Title 21 Update and Discussion: - Daniel McKenna Foster presented a report on recent zoning code changes. Highlights included a record 20 Title 21 code amendments in 2026, a significant increase in ADU permits (41 in 2025 matching the 2040 plan target), and 17 rezones (mostly abbreviated) in 2026. The department also discussed public notification strategies, noting that mailed notices typically yield a response rate of less than one percent, while the digital newsletter has 420 subscribers. The discussion touched on the upcoming MHOP (AO 2026-85) S-version amendments. Key Outcomes - Case 2026-0124 (CIP/CIB): The Commission voted to recommend approval of the 2027 proposed capital improvement budget and the 2027-2032 proposed capital improvement program to the Anchorage Assembly. - Case 2026-0084 (Shelter): The Commission voted to postpone the decision on the conditional use permit to the December 14, 2026 meeting. The public hearing will be reopened, and the shelter will continue operations under the existing emergency order in the interim. - Case 2026-0093 (Fence): The Commission unanimously approved a variance from the 42-inch standard to allow an 8-foot fence, subject to conditions 1 and 3 in the staff report with a reference to Girdwood regulations. - Case 2026-0130 (Rezone): The Commission unanimously recommended approval of the rezone to the Anchorage Assembly. - Title 21 Update: The discussion on recent code changes and the MHOP S-version was informational with no formal vote taken.

The Anchorage Assembly held a work session on October 16, 2026, from 11:05 am to approximately 4:15 pm to discuss the proposed FY 2027 budget. The meeting included an overview of the general government budget, the six-year fiscal plan, enterprise and utility budgets, and the capital budget. It was the first of two work sessions; the second is scheduled for October 23, 2026. General Government Budget Overview - OMB Director Owner Browse presented the proposed budget with total appropriations of $692.5 million, a property tax cap of $383 million, and the budget set at $34,000 under the cap. - The FY 2027 budget gap is $15 million, closed using one-time funds: $5.5 million from the MLNP sale fund principal and $3.3 million in accrued interest (last use of these funds). The projected FY 2028 gap is $15–30 million, reflecting uncertainties in labor step increases, health care costs, and state revenue. - Property taxes are proposed to increase by $11 per $100,000 of assessed value (approximately 1.2%), below the assumed 3% CPI. - Key adjustments: adding 7 heavy equipment operators for street maintenance (reducing contractual snow removal), transferring $1.9 million in Healthy Spaces positions from alcohol tax to general government via a new surcharge, and including an early literacy position in the library budget. - The six-year fiscal plan assumes 3% CPI, no new state revenue beyond $500,000 in community assistance, an Anchorage Hydropower dividend of $300,000 (baseline), and no new voter-approved O&M after FY 2027. Enterprise and Utility Budgets - Hydropower: Proposed one-time dividend of $1.9 million to general government (total appropriation $7.5 million). The baseline dividend remains $300,000 for future years. - Anchorage Water and Wastewater (AWWU): Flat operating budgets; one new FTE in customer service for a new customer information system. Capital includes significant investment in Girdwood water system (reservoir, well house, treatment). - Port of Alaska: Operating budget increase of $20 million, primarily for debt service on bonded debt. Capital includes $150,000 for Ship Creek boat launch dredging. The Port Modernization (PAMP) project is not listed as it was previously appropriated. - Merrill Field (Airports): Operating budget modestly increased. Capital includes taxiway rehab, sand storage wall repair, and planning for unleaded aviation fuel infrastructure (FAA grants anticipated). - Solid Waste Services (Disposal & Refuse): Disposal budget slightly decreased; refuse budget increased. Capital includes battery storage system relocation and central transfer station electrical improvements. A new environmental specialist position added for regulatory compliance. Capital Budget - Total proposed capital budget: $136 million, funded by $87.95 million in bonds, $21 million in state funding, $16.5 million in federal funds, and $10.6 million from other sources. - Categories: 45% roads and transportation, 23% facility improvements, 10% energy efficiency. - Library: $10 million placeholder for HVAC and energy efficiency upgrades at Loussac Library, following severe heating/cooling failures. - Parks and Recreation: $11 million bond request for projects including Kincaid Park circulation, Goose Lake Park improvements, coastal trail realignment (Point Woronzoff), and others. Discussion of Cuddy Park Chalet master plan and tension between voter-approved bond projects and new planning processes. - Fire Department: Bond request includes $380,000 for an additional ambulance and a $1.6 million annual operating levy for staffing (new service level question). Also $2.95 million for fire apparatus replacement and $1.5 million for design studies for stations 11, 12, and 16. Discussion of response times, four-person staffing, and the SAFER grant. - Traffic Engineering: $2.6 million in bonds for annual programs: signage maintenance, school zone safety, traffic calming. Funding has increased significantly; the qualified list of projects is available online. - Maintenance and Operations: $12.7 million in bonds for facility repairs, including energy efficiency upgrades and major infrastructure repairs. Emphasis on deferred maintenance backlog and need for control system upgrades. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the session was informational. - OMB director committed to providing written responses to unanswered questions. - Several assembly members indicated plans to introduce amendments to the budget and bond package, including for coastal trail state funding, Cuddy Park Chalet, and increased facility repair funding. - The next work session (October 23, 2026, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm) will cover remaining departments and operating budget details.

The Anchorage Public Naming Commission convened on October 15, 2026, to deliberate on four honorary naming proposals for facilities across the city. Operating in an advisory capacity to the Anchorage Assembly, the commission heard public testimony and voted on recommendations for a trail, a park, a utility headquarters, and the Assembly Chambers. Chair Hess provided key procedural clarity regarding the 36-month posthumous naming rule, emphasizing that the Assembly retains full authority over how a naming is enacted. Public Comments & Testimony - Northeast Connector Trail (Karen Bronga): The sister of the late Karen Bronga and her niece, Rachel Dooley, testified in support. They detailed Ms. Bronga's extensive community involvement in education, homelessness advocacy, and trail building. The proposed name was revised to "Karen Bronga Chugach Foothills Connector" to match existing signage. The Bashur Community Council voted 23-0 in support. - Eagle River Commons Park (Peppel's Field): Patty Wilson of the Chugiak Eagle River Historical Society testified in support, providing a history of the site and noting broad community backing. - AWWU Headquarters (Mark C. Primo): David Persinger (AWWU General Manager), Joseph Primo Robertson (son), Frank Rast, and Tim Potter testified. They celebrated Primo's mentorship, his role in consolidating the utility's operations, his international work with Water for People, and the strong organizational culture he built. - Assembly Chambers (Dick Trainor): Sandy Trainor (widow), Rick Trainor (son), Tim Potter, and State Senator Alvy Gray Jackson testified. They highlighted Trainor's non-partisan governance, extensive legislative accomplishments, and his decades of service as the longest-serving Assembly member in Anchorage history. Discussion Items - Clarification on the 36-Month Posthumous Rule: Chair Hess clarified that the commission's role is solely to advise the Assembly on whether a facility should be named for an individual. The Assembly can name by resolution (adhering to the 36-month waiting period) or by ordinance (which can waive the rule with a notwithstanding clause). This distinction was pivotal for deliberations on the Trainor and Bronga proposals. - Northeast Connector Trail (Karen Bronga): Commissioners expressed a shared struggle with the 36-month rule but were swayed by the overwhelming community support and the unique circumstance that Bronga was the project champion for the trail itself. The motion passed 5-0. - Eagle River Commons Park (Peppel's Field): Commissioners noted the significant factor of common usage, as the community already widely refers to the space as Peppel's Field. The motion passed 5-0. - AWWU Headquarters (Mark C. Primo): Commissioners praised Primo's ability to retain engineering talent in Alaska and build a nationally recognized standard for utility management. The motion passed 5-0. - Assembly Chambers (Dick Trainor): The most debated item. Vice Chair Harrison stated the case was not strong enough given the chambers' city-wide significance and expressed a desire for broader community council input. Commissioner Gupta validated concerns regarding the trend of people-named spaces. Chair Hess provided a detailed personal account of Trainor's public service. The motion passed on a 3-2 vote. Key Outcomes - Motion 1 (Karen Bronga Chugach Foothills Connector): Passed 5-0. Staff directed to prepare a memo and packet for the Assembly. - Motion 2 (Peppel's Field Park): Passed 5-0. Staff directed to prepare a memo and packet for the Assembly. - Motion 3 (Mark C. Primo AWWU Headquarters): Passed 5-0. Staff directed to prepare a memo and packet for the Assembly. - Motion 4 (Dick Trainor Assembly Chambers): Passed 3-2. Voting in favor: Chair Hess, Commissioner Gupta, Commissioner Gilbert. Voting against: Vice Chair Harrison, Commissioner Heller. Staff directed to prepare a memo and packet for the Assembly. - Future Discussion: Commissioner Harrison requested a future work session to encourage more non-person-based naming proposals and to reevaluate the posthumous rule timelines. Chair Hess noted a non-person naming proposal is scheduled for a public hearing in November 2026.

The Assembly Energy Enterprise and Utility Oversight Committee of the Whole met on October 15, 2026, to receive updates on the Port of Alaska modernization, the Merrill Field 20-year master plan, and committee purpose statement revisions. The meeting was called to order at 11:45 a.m. by Member Burley and adjourned at 12:48 p.m. No formal votes were taken. Public Comments & Testimony - Jamie Lopez, representing Sacre'd (formerly Coalition for Millie Homeless), commented on the Port of Alaska and Merrill Field presentations. He suggested exploring methane capture at Merrill Field for electricity generation, noting an active methane system there, and referenced an emergency order from 2025 about incremental levels. He also mentioned a presentation by Ms. Toth at the Midtown Community Council on alternative uses of landfills, such as pressure extraction or burning to generate electricity, to offset rising natural gas costs. Discussion Items - Port of Alaska Modernization Update: Terry Amitum (Port Director), Eric Adams (Jacobs Program Manager), and Bill Falsey (Municipal Manager) presented the status of the Terminal 1 project. Demolition is on plan; deep soil mixing nearly complete; trestle pile installation underway. However, pile driving is behind schedule due to larger-than-expected presence of Cook Inlet beluga whales and broader NMFS shutdown zones (9,000 meters for vibratory hammers). The contractor has installed 30 of 136 pilings needed for the 748-foot dock milestone (required by August 15). A request has been submitted to NMFS to reduce vibratory hammer shutdown zones from 9,000 to 1,300 meters, based on data showing no avoidance response. A second permit modification using hydroacoustic data will be submitted in November, with a decision expected spring 2027. Winter work will be limited to land-based activities; marine work will resume in March 2027. Member Brawley encouraged arranging legislator tours of the port. - Merrill Field 20-Year Master Plan Update: Airport Manager Earl Malpus and consultants from Wolpert Engineering (Greg Sanders and Hillary Fletcher) presented the draft inventory and aviation demand forecast. Merrill Field has 840+ based aircraft, 30+ businesses, and serves over 200 destinations with 150,000 annual operations. The forecast proposes low/medium/high scenarios based on income growth, fuel sales, and historic operations. The critical design aircraft is the Beechcraft Super King Air 200 (B2). Community engagement includes a project website (merrillfieldmasterplan.com), surveys, focus groups, and an open house that evening (5-7 p.m.). The master plan is on schedule to be completed by the end of 2027. The committee inquired about user mix (90% privately owned, 10% commercial), fuel cost increases (Jet A up 20-30 cents per gallon), and potential outreach to broader business community (Chamber, AEDC). Next steps: finalize forecast, submit to FAA, begin facility requirements and alternatives, return to committee in late spring 2027. - Committee Purpose Statement Update: The committee discussed revising the purpose statement to reflect the new committee structure, removing ACBA, Public Works, MNO, PME (shifted to infrastructure committee), and adding energy discussion. Member Brawley noted that while the municipality no longer has an electrical utility, adding energy discussion was important. The revised statement will be circulated for final approval. - Solid Waste Services Update: Kelly Tills (Director) briefly reported that the department is in the process of bringing on a construction manager at risk, designer, and operator manager at risk, following a presentation three weeks prior. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or resolutions were adopted. The committee received information and provided feedback. - The Port of Alaska will continue pursuing NMFS permit modifications to reduce shutdown zones and will organize legislator tours. - Merrill Field master plan team will finalize the forecast, submit to FAA, and proceed with facility requirements and alternatives, with a return to committee in late spring 2027. - The committee purpose statement will be revised and redistributed for final approval.

This work session served as a confirmation hearing for Mr. Lauren Crawford, appointed by the executive to the position of municipal treasurer. The meeting included introductions, a statement from the appointee, and questions from assembly members. No vote was taken; the confirmation is scheduled for the Assembly's consent agenda on October 20, 2026. Confirmation Hearing for Mr. Lauren Crawford - Introduction and Background: Ben Bowman introduced Mr. Crawford, noting his tenure as Deputy Municipal Treasurer since 2024 and prior experience with the municipality (AWO, 2015–2018), the state as a petroleum economist, and private sector roles. He has served as Acting Treasurer since July 2026. - Appointee's Statement: Crawford described the treasury's purpose as safeguarding the integrity of municipal revenues, with three core functions: accurately estimating revenue, collecting funds, and remitting them for proper accounting. He emphasized fair, equitable, timely, and efficient treatment of taxpayers. - Questions from Assembly Members: - The Chair asked about operational efficiency opportunities, citing the cash-only marijuana tax requiring armored truck transport. Crawford explained that a virtual vault option was not cost-effective and noted upcoming plans: an e-billing software for property tax (expected November 2026) and longer-term software upgrades to replace Excel and Access. - The Chair also asked about the proportion of property taxpayers paying through mortgages vs. directly; Crawford did not have the figure but offered to present it at the next Budget & Finance Committee meeting. - Assembly Member Bowen asked about proudest accomplishments. Crawford cited work on Summary of Economic Effects (SE) analyses, implementation of the rental vehicle tax, and e-billing completed on a shoestring budget. - Regarding future improvements, Crawford mentioned plans to modernize software for three additional taxes, create a continuing education course on real estate property tax processes, upgrade the payment portal website for easier navigation, and implement cross-training for the treasury team. Key Outcomes - No vote was taken during this work session. The confirmation of Mr. Lauren Crawford as municipal treasurer (AM 666 2026) will be placed on the Assembly's consent agenda for the October 20, 2026 meeting. The swearing-in may occur offline. - Meeting adjourned approximately 20 minutes before the next scheduled committee meeting.

The Assembly Budget and Finance Committee of the Whole met on October 15, 2026, during its noticed 10:00–11:00 a.m. time slot, convening at approximately 10:05 a.m. No agenda or minutes were provided, so this summary is based solely on the raw transcript. The meeting was shortened to accommodate a confirmation/work session at 11:05 a.m. and was briefly paused for a building-wide earthquake drill. The committee received standing reports and a presentation on the budget amendment process. Standing Reports - Budget Advisory Commission (BAC): Chair Mills reported a successful BAC meeting and a District 1 budget town hall with Member Scout and Vice Chair Volland. BAC is drafting a budget resolution for adoption at its November regular meeting and plans to attend and help coordinate the Fiscal Future Summit on Friday, October 30. - MOA Trust Fund: Investment Director Kevin Lu reported mixed September performance after the Federal Open Market Committee raised rates by 0.25% on September 16 to a 3.75–4% range. The trust's market value was $507 million as of September 30, with a monthly return down 1.5% and a positive year-to-date return of 6.5%. A dividend spending policy study is underway, with findings expected by year-end. - Revenue Report: Acting Treasurer Lauren Crawford said revenue is tracking forecasts. Personal property tax billing is about $34 million; bills were about $32 million, plus $3.7 million in prior-year adjustments, putting revenue above the budget target. The alcohol tax was 51.8% of expected year-to-date revenue, about 2% above expectations, though reported two months behind. Marijuana tax revenue is elevated by a $400,000 prior-year expense recovery, not new revenue. - 2026 Budget-to-Actuals: OMB Director Brouse reported that with 74.5% of the fiscal year elapsed, the municipality had spent 72% of its budget through September 30. Labor postings were 75% and non-labor 68%, with non-labor lagging partly because financial transactions such as TANS expense, convention center, and reserves had not yet posted. Some departmental variances, such as PME's high non-labor spend, were tied to an encumbrance issue being cleared; the chief administrative officer runs high due to venue contracts and risk management. - Overtime: OMB noted police, fire, and transit overtime would be examined in tomorrow's budget work session. Member Volland flagged police overtime and the downtown foot patrols as important to downtown businesses and asked whether they would continue. OMB explained the patrols were funded by one-time TIPS money, paid overtime because of a sworn-officer shortage, and that no TIPS appropriation exists in 2027; options include new revenue or a special levy/service-area model. - Travel and Tax Fund Reports: Travel is underspent by about 13%, with 16% spent. Alcohol tax appropriations were 99% spent, mostly on homelessness providers and health department grants; no concerns were raised. Marijuana tax spending is on track and may leave fund balance at year's end. - FEMA/ARPA: OEM is working with the state to close out FEMA earthquake recovery; some projects remain open, but the goal is to close all related emergencies through the 2027 budget process so they no longer require standing reports. Discussion Items - Budget Amendment Process: Assembly budget analyst Molly Rocher introduced the Assembly Budget Amendment Guide and templates. Key points: draft amendments are due to her by November 4; details must be finalized by November 11 so items can be prepared for the clerk. She noted a typo in the guide listing the assembly meeting as November 18; she believed it is November 17, and the due date is unchanged. Five templates are available, including the general operating/government template that also covers alcohol and marijuana tax amendments. An online form will be emailed to members. The guide prompts members to describe service or operational impacts, responsible staff, resource needs, goals, funding sources, net-neutrality, and whether funding is one-time or recurring; one-time funding is removed in the continuation budget unless added back. Best practices include early communication with the analyst and departments, CCing the analyst, obtaining estimates and quotes, and considering IGCs for large operational changes. - Chair's Additional Guidance: The chair encouraged early amendments, especially in a tight budget where most must be net zero; members can bring partially developed ideas to the November 6 work session. Placeholders such as 'unused tax capacity' have been used before. Members were urged to use available staff resources rather than drafting in isolation. Public Comments & Testimony - Jamie Lopez, who described himself as formerly homeless, commented critically on the budget. He joked that cutting a wardrobe budget item would not solve budget problems. He pointed out that People Mover accident insurance claims go to the general fund rather than returning to People Mover. He argued the municipality is using the wrong tools for problems such as homelessness, leading to overtime and lack of success. He questioned a $500,000 outreach/resource navigation center, asking whether it only leases space for people to talk and calling it 'a lot of money.' He noted winter shelter spending was 98% of budget as of September and appeared on track to exceed it, and he asked what it meant that the congregate shelter annual contract had been removed from the budget to zero and whether alternative funding was expected. Key Outcomes - No formal motions or votes were taken. - Budget amendment deadline set: draft amendments due November 4; final details due November 11. - Budget amendment work session scheduled for November 6; the full budget work session is scheduled for October 16, with the chair citing 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Immediately after this meeting, a confirmation/work session begins at 11:05 a.m. - BAC plans to adopt its budget resolution at its November regular meeting. - MOA Trust's dividend spending policy study is expected by year-end. - OMB will present deeper overtime analysis for police, fire, and transit at the October 16 budget work session.

The Anchorage Assembly held a work session on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to approximately 3:10 p.m. to discuss AO 2026 108, an ordinance regarding restrictions on surveillance technology, and its various versions (S and S1) and proposed amendments. The meeting was called to preview amendments before the scheduled debate on October 20, 2026. No formal votes were taken. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were considered. Public Comments & Testimony - The public hearing on AO 2026 108 has been closed. No public testimony was taken during this work session, though a few members of the public were present. Discussion Items - Overview by Sponsors: Member Voland introduced four amendments (numbers 6, 7, 9, and an unnamed one) that he, Member Scout, and Member McCormick plan to bring forward to align the mayor's S version with the S1 version. These amendments would: (1) require warrants for sharing information with other entities, (2) add language on DMV integration, (3) impose a codified data retention limit, and (4) remove the "knowingly and willingly" qualifier for technology suspension. - Charter Amendment Proposal: Member McCormick presented a charter amendment (McCormick amendment 1) that would add restrictions on surveillance technology to the municipal charter, including requiring warrants for tracking individuals over time, prohibiting the city from joining outside surveillance networks or purchasing bulk data, and banning biometric surveillance (facial recognition, gait tracking, lip reading, voice) except for close-proximity biometrics like fingerprints. The amendment excludes retention periods and does not affect license plate readers used for hot lists. - Discussion on Biometric Surveillance and Redaction: Member Silvers questioned whether the proposals would affect APD's ability to redact body camera and dash cam footage to protect privacy. Municipal Attorney Gardner and Member Voland offered differing interpretations of the language. McCormick clarified that the intent is to limit tracking across data sets, not prohibit redaction for transparency. - Additional Amendments: Chair Brawley presented four amendments (2–5) focused on: (2) narrowing allowed uses of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) to a specific list, (3) requiring assembly approval for vendor demonstrations and contracts, (4) specifying "judicial warrant" instead of just "warrant," and (5) prohibiting the use of signals surveillance technology (e.g., cell phone tracking) by the municipality and barring acceptance of evidence derived from it. - Legal Clarifications: Attorney Gardner noted potential unintended consequences, such as the broad definition of "surveillance technology" possibly prohibiting routine redaction, and implementation challenges for the signal surveillance ban without a "knowing" requirement. She also confirmed that a subpoena would qualify under "court order." - Process Questions: Members Handelin and Silvers asked about the procedural path for the charter amendment, including whether approval would require a supermajority and reopening the public hearing. It was clarified that if the amendment passes, the public hearing must be reopened and the item postponed for proper notice. - Member Positions: Supporters argued the amendments are proactive to protect privacy and guard against future technological abuse. Skeptics, including Member Silvers, raised concerns about balancing privacy with effective law enforcement investigations and the potential to hinder public access to video evidence. Key Outcomes - No votes or final decisions were made. The work session served as a forum to preview and clarify amendments. - The ordinance and all proposed amendments are scheduled for debate on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The order of the day may be adjusted to accommodate budget hearings. - Assembly leadership will determine the meeting order to allow sufficient time for discussion of AO 2026 108. - Members were encouraged to have offline conversations and to refine amendments before the next meeting.

The Anchorage Military & Veterans Affairs Commission met on October 13, 2026, with a quorum present. Nolan Clouda, policy director in the mayor's office, staffed the meeting in place of Laurel, who is on leave. The commission approved prior minutes and the agenda by unanimous consent, discussed the 11th Air Force Memorial and official record-keeping, and decided not to host a separate Veterans Day ceremony. Note: The supplied meeting date is October 13, 2026, but the transcript references a next meeting on October 5 and several September events, creating a date discrepancy. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the prior meeting were approved by unanimous consent. - The agenda was approved by unanimous consent, with additions for new business. Committee Reports: 11th Air Force Memorial - The commission now has a funding code, allowing donations to be deposited with the Municipality of Anchorage. - A check from American Legion Post 29 issued over a year ago is now invalid and needs to be reissued; Jason Porter was not present, and a follow-up is pending. - Earl Malpas, Merrill Field director, reported that community volunteers have helped maintain the memorial, but it has no current lease or permit and the airport has no budget line item for it. He offered to help develop a prioritized task list and obtain cost estimates for repairs. - Members discussed creating brochures for the memorial and placing them at the Log Cabin visitor center. - Sign placement status was discussed; Kristen Langley, municipal traffic safety manager, was identified as the contact. Some signs have been seen near Lake Otis, DeBarr, and the Glenn Highway, and a status check was requested. Old Business - The commission discussed AMC 1.25.1015(B) and whether written minutes or video recordings are the official record. Members noted videos have not been posted consistently and that written minutes are always available. - A motion to designate the written minutes as the official recognition of commission meetings was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. - Name tags and commission pins remain under review; Laurel had been checking whether the municipality can provide them at no cost, and members agreed pins are still desired. New Business - Veterans Day: Members discussed whether to hold a ceremony at the 11th Air Force Memorial. Several members preferred not to compete with the established ceremony on base, which usually draws around 150 people and is warmer. The commission agreed not to sponsor a separate event, though individual members may support Earl Malpas if the airport holds something. - The Alaska Veterans Museum will be open free on Veterans Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Upcoming events mentioned included: JBER's Oktoberfest on September 25 at the Warrior Zone; a USS Ted Stevens christening on October 3 in Whittier; a Craig Robinson comedy night on September 17; DFW 1685's Oktoberfest on October 9; the Alaska Veterans Museum annual meeting and auction on October 10, with tickets at $55 for singles and $100 for couples; and the Last Frontier Honor Flight homecoming on October 10. Key Outcomes - Unanimous votes approving the minutes and the agenda. - Unanimous vote designating written minutes as the official record for the Military and Veterans Affairs Commission. - Decision not to hold a commission-organized Veterans Day event at the 11th Air Force Memorial. - Follow-ups directed: reissue the American Legion Post 29 check, confirm memorial sign installation status, continue pursuing name tags and pins, and develop a priority/cost list for memorial repairs.