Public Meetings - Anchorage, Alaska

The Anchorage Assembly convened on August 8, 2025, at 21:28 (UTC) for a regular business meeting. The agenda included consent calendar items, major contracts for shelter services, tax exemptions, and resolutions on homelessness and mental health. After a dinner break, the assembly handled public hearings and audience participation. Key votes included approval of a contract for a new 100-bed shelter at 1911 East 5th Avenue and rejection of a resolution to maintain 200-bed capacity at the East 56th Avenue shelter. Consent Calendar - 10B1 – Resolution AR 2025-217: Approved deteriorated real property tax exemption for Fire Island Bakery (parcel 004-146-570). The exemption forgives approximately $4,000/year in municipal revenue for 10 years, supporting a $1.7 million renovation. Passed 11-0 after discussion on public benefits and transferability. - 10B3 – Resolution AR 2025-2022: Failed 4-7. The resolution would have expressed support for maintaining 200-bed capacity at the East 56th Avenue shelter. An amendment to reduce the target to 150 beds failed 5-6. Debate focused on budget constraints, building conditions, and the administration's plan to reduce to 100 beds with surge capacity. - 10D3 – Contract Award to MASH Property Management: Approved 8-3 for congregate shelter services at 1911 East 5th Avenue (100 beds, $10,800/day). The contract runs from August 30, 2025 through end of year, with two one-year extension options. The administration cited the need for year-round shelter and limitations of the East 56th site. - 10D6 – AM 566-2025: Approved 10-0 for an intergovernmental agreement with ADOT&PF for Dale Street and Folker Street reconstruction. Discussion included potential inclusion of pedestrian crossings at Tudor Road. - 10D7 – Contract Award to Henning Inc.: Approved 10-1 for congregate shelter services at East 56th Avenue (100 beds). The contract reduces occupancy at the facility to allow for necessary renovations. - 10D21 – AM 586-2025: Approved 10-0 for amendment to audit services contract with BDO USA. Funding will come from the executive branch. Public Comments & Testimony - Don Morse (Mountain View): Criticized $11 million+ shelter spending, advocating for tiny home installations instead of mass shelters. Argued that large vendors fail to provide adequate case management. - Kai Holland (House District 9 Representative): Discussed energy supply concerns, commended Anchorage Fire Department's wildfire mitigation efforts, and highlighted tourism economic development initiatives. - Jeremiah Crawford (South Anchorage): Opposed the proposed 100-bed shelter on East 5th Avenue, citing safety concerns for nearby businesses and pedestrians. Advocated for smaller, scattered-site models. - Jamie Lopez C. Sandridge (formerly homeless): Criticized the land acknowledgement and the recently passed anti-camping ordinance (AO 2025-74 S2). Claimed that homeless population statistics are undercounted and that policy decisions ignore the true number of unsheltered individuals. Discussion Items - 11A – Resolution AR 2025-192: Approved 8-1. This resolution strongly encourages the administration and Health Department to develop a dedicated strategy for engaging unsheltered individuals with untreated mental illness. The S version, moved by Member Silvers, removed a call for facility proposals and instead directed discussion at regular Public Safety Committee meetings. The administration expressed support. - 14A – AO 2025-84 (Tax incentives for housing): Public hearing was continued to August 12, 2025 at the request of the administration and to allow for amendments. Key Outcomes - Fire Island Bakery Tax Exemption: Approved (11-0). - Shelter Capacity Resolution (East 56th): Failed (4-7). - MASH Contract (East 5th Ave Shelter): Approved (8-3). - Dale Street/Folker Street Reconstruction IGA: Approved (10-0). - Henning Contract (East 56th Shelter): Approved (10-1). - Audit Services Amendment: Approved (10-0). - Mental Health Strategy Resolution: Approved (8-1). - Tax Foreclosure Sales (14B, 14D, 14E, 14F, 14G): All approved unanimously. - Alcohol License for High Tide Coffee (15A): Approved (9-0). - Meeting adjourned after audience participation and member comments.

The Community and Economic Development Committee (CEDC) of the Anchorage Assembly met on August 8, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the Permanent Center. Chair George Martinez presided, with members Scott Myers, Brawley, and Constant present. The meeting featured departmental reports, a presentation on a property tax incentive ordinance for vacant and abandoned homes, and discussions on aligning local marijuana regulations with state law. Department Reports Building Services (Rick Sulet): - Permit valuation year-to-date is nearly $450 million, a 30% increase over the $349 million at the same point last year. - The department is changing its feedback survey methodology by adding QR codes to placards and permit counters to boost public response. - A request for an additional permit checker is included in the 2026 budget to address turnover. Development Services (Daniel King): - A policy is being developed to allow stick-built and modular construction in mobile home parks (now called “relocatable dwelling unit communities”) to align with zoning updates. These structures must remain on non-permanent foundations to maintain mobility. - Pre-approved plans for ADUs are in progress, with two designers providing preliminary concepts. The plans will be usable for tiny homes as well. Code Abatement (Scott Campbell): - Continued increase in vacant and abandoned buildings (VNAs), with two new responses yesterday. - Several large apartment complexes have significant fire-rated assembly damage (e.g., ceiling tiles, drywall), requiring dual enforcement with the fire marshal. - Thanked the assembly for supporting new code language to provide additional enforcement tools. Public Works (Kent Goldways): - The administration continues working with DOT on full management authority for Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and I and L Streets. DOT and Federal Highways are interested in meeting. - Street sweeping is in its second round. Key projects include: design of the new Golden Wine facility, early design of the downtown library, installation of an underground storage tank at transit, and paving of Eagle Little Lake, Zodiac Manor, Boundary Drive, and Stanchridge. - PME projects: Northwood Snowdome second phase (to be awarded), Dowling Street between Elmore and Lake Otis resurfacing, 42nd Avenue, and Ford Park resurfacing from Northern Lights to Hill Prince with bike facilities. - Traffic engineering is focused on striping. Real Estate (Tiffany Briggs): - The Archives RFP due date extended to September 30; additional question period ends today. - Management authority for the ASD Muldoon school sites has been officially transferred back to the municipality. ACDA (Chad Stovall): - Housing accelerator program: working with Ada and Last Grove Capital on a fund for construction financing with subsidized interest rates. - Working with Mr. Soule’s staff on the Anchorage Neighborhood Redevelopment Initiative; board authorized acquisition of several properties. - Planning a cooperative housing webinar with the National Cooperative Foundation and UAA. - Micro-units RFP closed; final negotiations underway, announcement expected next week. Still targeting October groundbreaking. - Third and Ingraham RV resort RFP in drafting, to be released in a few weeks. - Chugach Electric has approached about placing renewable energy assets on ACDA properties. - Expanding development team by adding a third person. Planning (staff): - A rezone petition for the Alaska Railroad parcel under the A Ski Bridge will come to the assembly on August 26. - Two new director’s guidance memos: one on non-conformities for residential construction (allowing delayed correction of non-health/safety issues), and one correcting an error that limited ADUs to specific residential uses – now all residential uses are eligible. - Upcoming ordinances: Mobile/relocatable dwelling units (August/September), non-conformities AO, transport development overlay (TISDO) continues with a working group, fee update next week, large-scale parks rezone, and elimination of legacy zones (pre-2014 Title 21). - Temporary uses and ADU omnibus are further out. Presentation: AO 2025-84 – Property Tax Incentives for Vacant and Abandoned Homes Nolan Cloud (Mayor’s Office) presented the ordinance, which would: - Create a new chapter (12.80) offering a 10-year property tax exemption on buildings (not land) for rehabilitating residential VNA properties built before 1995 with no major renovation in 15 years. - Applicant must spend at least 15% of the assessed value of the structure (or $3,000 per unit for multifamily) on rehabilitation. - Certificate of occupancy required within five years of provisional approval. - Assessor would approve; annual reports to the assembly. - Also amends the multifamily incentive (12.60) to remove a costly fee waiver provision and a 45-day permit shot clock, and changes the affordability bonus from AMI-based to fair market rent-based. Discussion: Members asked about the tax base impact (minimal unless uptake is massive), potential abuse (e.g., snowbirds claiming vacancy), and prohibition on short-term rentals. Member Brawley outlined four potential amendments: (1) clarifying that a partially demolished structure still qualifies; (2) allowing additional units (e.g., duplex on R1) to qualify; (3) considering properties removed from the registry within 12 months; (4) clarifying that the exemption applies only to the structure. Discussion: Relocation of Marijuana Licenses Attorney Jana Welting requested a code update to match state law allowing transfer of a marijuana license to a new location. State law changed to allow licensees to move rather than be tied to a landlord. Local approval, community council notice, and SLUP modification would still be required. Benefits include avoiding relabeling inventory, retaining tax payment history (exemption from retail bond), and lower costs compared to a new license. Discussion clarified that the proposal does not involve caps or a secondary market. No vote was taken. Discussion: Draft AO on On-Site Marijuana Consumption Assembly counsel Mr. Gates presented a draft ordinance that aligns local code with state regulations on on-site consumption, incorporating state law by reference with modifications. The ordinance would allow two types of endorsements: edibles-only and any method (including smoking), with specific requirements for ventilation, freestanding structures, and outdoor consumption compatibility. The ordinance interacts with the indoor smoking ban by creating an exception for licensed consumption areas. The draft is expected to be on the August 12 assembly addendum. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. The committee received reports and presentations. - AO 2025-84 (property tax incentives) is scheduled for public hearing and action at the next assembly meeting on August 12. - The draft ordinance on on-site marijuana consumption is expected to be added to the August 12 assembly agenda. - The relocation of marijuana licenses will likely be drafted into a future ordinance. - The committee noted the need to follow up on code enforcement issues related to beekeeping, as flagged by a resident from Airport Heights.

The committee received updates from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the Anchorage Health Department, and the Anchorage Police Department on ongoing programs, facility improvements, and new technology contracts. No formal votes were taken, but several upcoming actions were outlined, including a behavioral health RFP, a food code ordinance, and a proposed Axon contract for police technology. Public Comments & Testimony - Jamie Lopez (East Anchorage): Commented on a recent task force meeting, noting attendance drop-off. Expressed concern about data retention policies for police technology, potential contractor backdoor access, and the risk of mission creep into pre-crime uses of AI. Suggested adding an outreach/risk mitigation component between public safety and fire, particularly regarding Chester Creek abatement. Discussion Items Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Update - Alert and warning updates: OEM reported a busy July, including high wildfire danger (early July) and two significant earthquakes (July 16: 7.3 near Sand Point; July 29: 8.8 on Kamchatka Peninsula) that triggered tsunami warnings. Anchorage was not in danger, but some residents received wireless alerts due to cell tower overlaps. OEM used its RAVE text/email system (37,104 opt-in users) to communicate. Encouraged residents to text "Anchorage" to 67283 to register. - Stakeholder review: OEM is conducting a phased review of the Municipal Emergency Management Program through October 2025. July focused on the comprehensive emergency operations plan; August will cover all-hazard mitigation, prevention, risk analysis, training, and public education. - Emergency Management Awareness Month: August 2025 is the inaugural Emergency Management Awareness Month, sponsored by the International Association of Emergency Management. OEM noted that emergency management is becoming more response-oriented (previously 95% prep/5% response) and that disaster frequency in Alaska has increased from once every 90 days to more than once a month. - Question from Chair: The chair asked about overlapping alerts causing public confusion. OEM responded that they consider overwarning not a failure, but are working with the National Tsunami Warning Center on a fix. The chair expressed concern about public trust in the system. Anchorage Health Department Update - Golden Lion Facility (1000 E 36th Ave): - History: Sale of ML&P to Chugach Electric in 2020 required $15M toward the Alaska Center for Treatment. The facility currently houses transitional housing (84 units) operated by Henning Inc. under a month-to-month lease (rent $800/month, deposit $250). Zero vacancies, 6-month waitlist. Henning provides 24-hour security, no-smoking, pet-free, alcohol/substance-free environment. - Current updates: ADA exterior improvements began August 5, expected completion August 22. Construction documents submitted. MO is finalizing ITB for second-floor renovation (treatment rooms, offices, restrooms), first/second floor public restroom ADA upgrades, third-floor staff rooms, new HVAC, fire alarm system. Award recommendation expected at September 10 or October 7 Assembly meeting. - Behavioral health RFP: AHD will issue RFP in next few weeks for a community behavioral health provider to develop outpatient substance use disorder treatment and recovery supports at the facility and other locations (low-barrier shelters, Safety Center, mobile teams). RFP timeline: 4-6 weeks out, award recommendation by end of 2025. The plan meets settlement document requirements. - Discussion: Members clarified that the 84 units are transitional housing, not residential treatment. Outpatient treatment services will be layered on, and residents can access them. There is no plan to convert units to inpatient treatment. The chair noted the successful housing model currently costs no taxpayer money. Member Brawley expressed support for the plan. - Food Code Changes (AMC 16.60): - Purpose: Align with state statute (HB 251, effective September 2024) exempting certain homemade foods from permitting/inspection. Repeals municipal cottage food license for non-potentially hazardous homemade foods sold directly to consumers at approved venues (farmers markets, fairs, roadside stands, homes). Requires labeling (producer name, address, phone, business license, ingredients, allergen/inspection advisory). Signage required. Enforcement becomes complaint-based for homemade foods. - Mobile food unit updates: Clarifies equipment must be stored securely within the unit, replaces fixed 200-ft toilet access with "conveniently located" standard, prohibits chemically treated towelettes for hand washing (aligns with FDA), reinforces hand-washing stations with warm water. Requires visible business name and permit number. - Member Silvers asked about seasonal food permits (e.g., Alaska Baseball League snack shacks running longer than 3 days). Health Department agreed to look into it. Member Brawley expressed excitement about the ordinance. - Timeline: Ordinance expected to be introduced at end of August, requiring two meetings. Anchorage Police Department Technology Update (Chief Case) - Current technology contracts: APD has existing Axon contracts for dash cameras (3 years remaining), body-worn cameras (3 years), interview room cameras (3 years), and video analysis software (2 licenses, expired). Tasers have been purchased a la carte (no contract) for $50,000-$100,000 annually, but the current X2 model is discontinued and parts are no longer available. New academy class has no tasers. - Proposed new Axon contract (5-year): Resets all contracts; includes tasers (Taser 10 model), unlimited video analysis licenses, free data migration ($200,000 value), two body-worn camera refreshes (cell-enabled, with instant language interpretation for 250+ languages), one dash camera refresh, one taser refresh, two virtual reality training systems (for de-escalation and taser training, saving $250,000 grant), FUCSIS real-time crime center software, three free roof-mounted drones (with hive capability), drone detection technology, and free license plate readers. - Taser 10: Effective range 1–45 feet (vs. X2's 20–22% effectiveness). Velocity improvement for better clothing penetration. New cartridge being tested for thick clothing (Alaska-specific). - Real-time crime center (FUCSIS): Integrates video feeds from business/ring cameras, dash-cam, body-cam, dispatch. Provides real-time information to officers. Studies cited: Hartford, CT (442% more cases solved); Miami (long-term success). APD will not use predictive policing tools. Will have human monitors who verify data. - Drones: Roof-mounted, launch in 30 seconds, can respond to 911 calls with cell location. Used recently at Ben Boeke incident with thermal imaging; prevented potential use of deadly force. - License plate readers: Use primarily for immediate crime response (not long-term data collection). Retention period short; policy and code will govern use. - Costs: Current annual costs $514,000 (tasers, licenses, data migration). New contract costs $800,000 for upgrades. Chief stated APD will not request budget increase; contract will come to Assembly for approval. - Questions: Member Brawley asked about data security and sharing agreements. Chief responded that data is owned by MOA, stored on FedRamp-certified systems, and not shared without specific case permission. Member Baldwin Day raised privacy concerns ("Minority Report"). Chief emphasized policy and code safeguards, warrant requirements for drone use over private property, and commitment to transparency through public demos and social media. Key Outcomes - No formal votes taken during the meeting. - Next steps: - OEM: Continue emergency plan updates through October 2025; promote Emergency Management Awareness Month. - Health Department: Finalize and issue RFP for behavioral health provider within weeks; bring food code ordinance to Assembly for first reading by end of August (second reading in September). - Police Department: Prepare Axon contract for Assembly consideration; continue community education on drone and license plate reader policies.

This informal community workshop was held on August 6, 2025, from approximately 5:30 to 7:00 PM, to gather public input for the task force working to redefine a future public safety commission. Facilitator Denali and co-facilitator Isabella led the session, which included small-group discussions and a card-based activity to identify community needs for safety and well-being in Anchorage. The building closed at 7:00 PM, but pizza was provided afterward. Public Comments & Testimony - Participants emphasized the need for trust and transparency between the community and government/police. One speaker noted that both sides feel “burned” and that rebuilding trust requires recognizing past harms. - A table’s card “Infrastructure choices neighbors” was explained as good lighting, sidewalks, and knowing neighbors to feel safe. - The card “Accountability, police, government” was expanded to mean consistent expectations for all groups, with one participant stressing that rules should apply equally and accreditation could help standardize accountability. - The card “Qualified staff and manpower” was clarified to mean understaffing in law enforcement and fire departments, with a fire department representative stating they are currently 74 to 130 firefighters short of minimum staffing. The emphasis was on having enough qualified personnel. - The card “Expansion of non-LEO response teams” (non-law enforcement) prompted discussion of crisis response teams (e.g., mobile crisis teams with clinicians and firefighters) and homeless outreach without police presence. A participant shared that some individuals avoid police due to past trauma, so non-LEO teams can improve access to services. - One mother of a man killed by police shared her traumatic experience with lack of aftercare: “I got met in a parking lot, given a brochure and told have a good day.” She advocated for aftercare for families of victims, which was added as a new card. - A speaker called for shared power in any future commission, warning that advisory bodies without real authority are often ignored and lead to public disengagement. - The card “Meaningful voice in how the community gets policed” was discussed, with a participant noting that the old Public Safety Advisory Commission lacked meaningful impact because nobody cared when it ended. Another speaker added that “meaningful” must also be defined from the perspective of public safety leaders to avoid overreach. - The card “Try new ways to engage and connect” highlighted the challenge of reaching people not in the room and the need for creative outreach. Discussion Items - Workshop Activity: Tables brainstormed community needs and narrowed them to three top priorities per table. Cards were posted on the wall, and attendees clarified and debated the meanings of terms like “trust,” “accountability,” and “meaningful.” - Clarification of Terms: Participants grappled with operational definitions. One speaker noted, “English is a very tenuous language that we give meaning to words,” stressing the need for shared definitions before designing a commission. - Role of Future Commission: Several comments touched on what the commission should and should not do. The facilitator reminded the group that the meeting was not deciding the commission’s role but rather collecting broad input to inform the task force’s process. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken; this was a listening session. - The task force will produce a recap report of the discussion. - Additional work sessions are planned, possibly with different formats (speakers, panels). - An online feedback form on the task force website has already received over 50 responses and remains open for further input. - The next steps will be determined based on this and other input, with the goal of designing a robust process for the future public safety commission.

(Note: The meeting transcript refers to “August 4th,” but the metadata provided directs using August 5, 2025. This summary uses the instructed date.) The Anchorage Planning and Zoning Commission held a regular meeting on August 5, 2025, at 4:31 PM. Commissioners present: Gardiner, Krishna, Polis, Ron, Spinelli, Strike, Winchester. Commissioner Eber was absent. The meeting covered approval of a consent agenda, a comprehensive plan amendment (Case 2025-0085), and a corresponding rezone (Case 2025-0086), both of which were approved. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was moved by Commissioner Polis, seconded by Commissioner Winchester, and passed without opposition. Commissioners Gardiner and Strike abstained from a portion related to Resolution 2025-018 (from the July 14 meeting) due to prior absence. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public testified on the combined cases. Discussion Items Combination of Cases 2025-0085 and 2025-0086 - Commissioner Strike moved to combine the public hearings; seconded by Commissioner Ron. The motion passed unanimously. Time limits for public testimony were doubled (groups 10 minutes, individuals 6 minutes). Case 2025-0085 – Comprehensive Plan Amendment - Request: Amendment of the Anchorage 2040 Land Use Plan for approximately 0.3 acres from “Compact Mixed Residential Medium” to “Main Street Corridor.” The site is located west of 32nd Avenue, west of Dorbrandt Street, north of 33rd Avenue, east of Spenard Road. - Staff Presentation: The current parcel is 55 ft wide and 238 ft deep, non‑compliant with Title 21 (width less than one‑third of depth). The parcel is under same ownership as two adjacent parcels to the west, which have a Main Street Corridor designation. The amendment would allow subdivision and rezoning to B3 for efficient development, consistent with the Spenard Corridor Plan (Goal 18 – strategic economic development). Five approval criteria were met. The State DOT&PF offered an advisory comment on an ongoing Spenard Road project. - Petitioner Representative: Kate Sauve (S4) confirmed that previous buildings had been demolished and the site is now vacant. - Community Council: The Spenard Community Council abstained from a resolution on the project. - Commissioner Ron asked about existing structures; staff and petitioner confirmed the site is vacant. - Commissioner Winchester asked about the Spenard Community Council vote; they abstained at their June 4, 2025 meeting. Case 2025-0086 – Rezone - Request: Rezone 0.3 acres from R2M (Mixed Residential) to B3 (General Business District), contingent on approval of the comprehensive plan amendment. - Staff Presentation: The rezone meets all nine criteria. It enables the subdivision of the non‑compliant parcel with adjacent lots under same ownership. An L2 buffer would be required along the east property line (adjacent to residential R2M). No public or agency opposition was received; the Spenard Community Council had initial concerns but did not submit formal comments. Key Outcomes - Motion on Case 2025-0085: Commissioner Polis moved to approve the comprehensive plan amendment, seconded by Commissioner Strike. The motion passed (voice vote; no opposition noted). - Motion on Case 2025-0086: Commissioner Polis moved to approve the rezone, seconded by Commissioner Krishna. The motion passed (voice vote; no opposition noted). - Both approvals are recommendations to the Anchorage Assembly. The approval of the rezone includes a condition to effectuate platting case S12845. - No further business; meeting adjourned by motion of Commissioner Strike, seconded by Commissioner Winchester.

This work session was convened to discuss two proposed shelter contracts (AR 567 and AR 562A) for operation of 100-bed low-barrier shelters at East 56th Avenue (Henning Inc.) and East Fifth Avenue (MASH), and a related $1.3 million funding swap from the Anchorage Affordable Housing and Land Trust (AHLT) for case management. The administration presented data on homelessness, the winter shelter plan, and efforts to increase housing. Assembly members raised concerns about the timing, location equity, funding transparency, and the balance between shelter and housing investments. Discussion Items - Data Overview: The Anchorage Coalition on Homelessness dashboard showed approximately 3,000 people experiencing homelessness, with emergency shelter beds at full capacity and about 600 unsheltered. The 2025 Point-in-Time count showed a 2% overall change from 2024, with unsheltered numbers rising by 56 people. Of 2,818 beds/units inventoried, 92% were occupied on the night of the count. - Contract Details: The two contracts (East 56th Ave at $83.69/person/day and East Fifth Ave at $108/person/day) would run from August 30 to December 31, 2025, with year-round licensing allowing up to 150 people and surge capacity for cold weather. Both operators would provide food, transportation, case management, and data reporting via HMIS. The East 56th facility, currently housing 200 people, costs an additional $85.94/person/day for rent and utilities, including $15,000/month rent that could be saved if the municipality owned the building. - Funding Swap: $1.3 million originally appropriated in 2022 for AHLT to rehabilitate deteriorated properties had not been spent. The administration proposed reappropriating it for case management to secure housing exits from shelter, with AHLT committing to hold 2-5 units per month. Assembly members expressed concern that this diverted funds from permanent housing solutions. - Concerns about Location and Dispersal: Several members, including Mr. Volland and Chair Constant, noted that the East Fifth Avenue site is in Fairview/downtown, where many homeless services are already concentrated. They requested a map showing distribution of services relative to the 2018 Assembly Resolution 2018-167 supporting dispersed placement. The administration responded that the number of beds in District 1 would be a net reduction from the previous winter (which had 140 beds in non-congregate shelters and 45 warming spaces). - Process and Timing: Mr. Volland indicated he would move to postpone the items, citing lack of time to review and consult community councils. The administration urged approval tomorrow (July 29) to allow a smooth transition from the current Catholic Social Services contract expiring August 31, and to give MASH time for renovations. A postponement could delay opening of the East Fifth site, potentially reducing bed capacity in September. - Long-term Strategy: The administration highlighted plans for micro-units (12-30 recovery residences), a crisis stabilization center from Southcentral Foundation expected in 2026, and an ordinance to rehabilitate vacant properties. They noted that current system has 991 beds/units (91% shelter), and the proposed plan would increase to 1,068 with 58% shelter by December 2025. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the work session was informational in preparation for the regular assembly meeting the next day (July 29, 2025). - The administration agreed to provide a map showing distribution of homeless services across districts, including future developments. - A motion to extend the work session by 15 minutes was made and passed informally; the session concluded at approximately 3:45 PM. - Assembly members signaled interest in postponing the contracts to allow further review, though the administration emphasized the urgency of approval to avoid a loss of 100 beds. - The administration committed to providing quarterly performance reports and a public dashboard for homelessness investments.

The Anchorage Assembly held a work session on July 25, 2025, from 2:10 p.m. to approximately 3:15 p.m. to discuss the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts (ACPA), also known as the PAC. The meeting featured a presentation by Cody Costello, President and COO of ACPA, who provided an overview of the facility's economic impact, infrastructure challenges, and a proposed increase in the municipal management fee from $1.58 million to $4 million. Assembly members asked questions regarding industry standards, equipment needs, philanthropic opportunities, and federal funding. No votes were taken; the session served as an informational briefing ahead of upcoming budget and management agreement discussions. Discussion Items - Presentation by ACPA: Cody Costello delivered a detailed presentation covering: - The PAC's role as a cultural and economic hub, hosting eight resident companies and drawing over $20 million in annual local economic impact. - Statistics: Broadway tours attracted audiences from 91 Alaska cities; Hamilton drew 15–20% first-time PAC visitors. - Infrastructure failures: outdated HVAC, rigging, lighting, freight elevator with water infiltration, fire alarm system, and ADA non-compliance due to original construction pre-ADA. - Proposed management fee increase from $1.58 million to $4 million to address structural underfunding, with a long-term operating budget target of $8.5–$9.5 million (adjusted from national averages for Alaska's market). - Capital needs: preliminary estimates of tens of millions for deferred maintenance; detailed assessment to be presented August 4, 2025. - Pause of Broadway Alaska for 2025–2026 season to recalibrate and advocate for sustainable support. - Assembly Q&A: - Member Baldwin Day asked about the national average budget line on a chart; Costello clarified the difference between the solid green line (national average) and the dotted line (target budget after adjustments). - Costello stated that philanthropic support, particularly from foundations and corporations, has been contingent on demonstrating owner co-investment. - ACPA has not historically pursued National Endowment for the Arts funding to avoid competing with resident companies but sees potential to do so in the future. - Attendance data: Broadway program drew audiences from over 91 cities across Alaska; Hamilton had 15–20% new attendees. Key Outcomes - Next Steps: - August 4, 2025: Presentation of initial capital assessment to ACPA board and municipality. - Mid-August: Share findings with resident companies. - August 28, 2025: ACPA board to approve updated management agreement and fee, with a matching budget to submit to municipality by September 1. - September 20, 2025: Fundraiser (Trend Alaska) at PAC to support ADA assessment, community assessment, and development staff hiring. - December 2025: Recommendation for multi-year capital campaign structure. - No formal votes or decisions were made during the work session. The assembly acknowledged the need for a multi-year plan and committed to continued collaboration.

The Anchorage Assembly held a work session on July 25, 2025, from approximately 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM to receive an overview of the city budget process and to begin preliminary discussion of fiscal year 2026 (FY26) budget priorities. The session featured presentations from Budget Analyst Matthew Bruna and Office of Management and Budget Director Ona Brouse, followed by open discussion among assembly members. Discussion Items - Budget Basics Presentation (Matthew Bruna): Bruna reviewed key budget terminology, including appropriations (authority to spend) and categories (commitment items such as labor and non-labor). He explained the hierarchy of departments, appropriations, cost centers, projects, and categories. He noted that the assembly can appropriate broadly to a department or narrowly to a single expenditure (e.g., project codes). Bruna also covered the charter's provisions on supplemental appropriations, the lapse of appropriations at year-end, and the requirement for public hearings when adjustments exceed $500,000 (increase or decrease). He provided examples of the annual appropriation ordinance and a resolution for additional appropriation (AR 2024-XXX for the Federation of Community Councils grant). - Historical and Contextual Overview (Ona Brouse): Brouse distributed a glossary of budget terms and highlighted key items, including the SAFER grant (federal funding for firefighters expiring in 2026, requiring $3 million backfill), the tax cap calculation (which includes real property, auto, tobacco, marijuana sales, motor vehicle rental, fuel excise taxes, PILT, and MUSA/MISA), and a 25-year lookback on bond approvals (e.g., $900 million for roads/transit, $125 million for public safety). She presented historical data on legislative grants, showing a sharp decline after 2012 (e.g., from $250 million in 2012 to near zero), which has directly impacted infrastructure funding. Brouse also reviewed 30-year budget trends, including the use of fund balance, and emphasized the importance of understanding the city's fiscal history. - Discussion of FY26 Budget Priorities: The chair introduced a prior resolution (AR 2023-304) as a model for setting high-level priorities. Assembly members shared their individual priorities: - Member Kirker: Property tax relief through targeted cuts. - Member Voland: Catalyzing affordable housing, possibly using alcohol tax revenues. - Member McCormick: Mental health and psychiatric care. - Member Baldwin Day: Diversifying revenue streams to reduce burden on property owners. - Member Martinez: Revenue diversification, understanding historical liabilities, and youth investments. - Member Rivera: Public safety, specifically maintaining staffing at AFD given the SAFER grant expiration. - Member Voland (again): Funding the integrated mobile crisis team and moving portions of alcohol tax to general government. - Member Brawley: Adequately staffing development services to support housing and planning. - Member Martinez (additional): Behavioral health response and youth development, including transportation access. - The chair noted that the assembly will likely consider a formal resolution outlining FY26 priorities, similar to the 2023 model, with a target of late August. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. The work session was informational and served as a forum for assembly members to express preliminary budget priorities. - The assembly will receive further budget education at the Budget and Finance Committee and will be briefed on the budget calendar in August. - The losing of the SAFER grant (expiring in 2026) was identified as a significant challenge requiring $3 million in backfill to maintain firefighter positions. - The assembly plans to draft a resolution outlining FY26 budget priorities, building on the prior AR 2023-304 framework.