Public Meetings - Anchorage, Alaska

The Anchorage Salary and Emoluments Commission met on September 3, 2026, to discuss and vote on a resolution adjusting the mayor's compensation. The meeting was called to order at approximately 20:06:53 UTC. Roll call established a quorum with Members Rieger and Northworthy present, Vice Chair Redmond present, and Chair Hayes and Member Justin excused. The commission approved the agenda and the minutes of the July 30, 2026 meeting without objection. Consent Calendar - Approval of the agenda as presented. - Approval of the minutes of the July 30, 2026 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Mayor's Compensation Resolution: The main item was a resolution to set the mayor's salary and benefits for the term following the April 6, 2027 election. The proposed salary was initially $183,192.6 (based on CPI-U data from 2020-2025). Member Karen recommended rounding the figure to $183,192.00 for payroll system compatibility. Member Steve pointed out several edits: remove the third and fourth whereas clauses (as the resolution changes the salary), update the election date to April 6, 2027, and clarify the tax language in Section 6(B) to read "subject to any applicable federal, state, or local taxes." The commission discussed CPI figures (2020: 1.2%, 2021: 4.7%, 2022: 6.5%, 2023: 4.1%, 2024: 2.9%, 2025: 2.7%) and compared them to recent bargaining unit increases (police, fire, IBEW, etc.). They noted the mayor's current salary of $145,392 and that the new figure remains significantly below other local government executives (school superintendent: $250,000; UAA Chancellor: $314,648). After a brief recess to review a clean draft, the commission voted unanimously to approve the resolution as amended. Key Outcomes - Approval of Resolution 20-6 (as amended): The commission voted unanimously (3-0) to approve the resolution changing the mayor's salary to $183,192.00 effective after the April 6, 2027 election. The resolution also consolidates all mayoral compensation (salary, benefits, allowances) into a single document and nullifies all past resolutions specific to the mayor. Staff confirmed the resolution does not affect compensation for other elected officials. The meeting adjourned with no further business.

The Anchorage Plating Board convened on September 3, 2026 (note: the transcript references September 2, 2026, but the provided timestamp indicates September 3, 2026) to consider two public hearing items: a plat note removal and a subdivision with right-of-way vacation. Both items were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting and the abbreviated plat action summary (dated 8/10/2026) without objection. - The consent agenda was approved as presented with no items pulled for discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Case S12905 (Plat Note Removal): No in-person public testimony was offered. A caller, Brian, who identified as formerly representing Kempton Hills Homeowners Association, declined to testify when given the opportunity. - Case S12908 (Port of Alaska Subdivision): No public testimony was received. Discussion Items - Case S12905 – Removal of Plat Note 5 (Drake Subdivision, Lots 1A & 1B): - Staff recommended approval, noting that the plat note restricting access to a single shared driveway was originally added based on an incorrect traffic analysis. MOA Traffic now requires a minimum 50-foot separation from the Lake Otis Parkway intersection. Removing the note allows Lot 1A to have a separate driveway, while Lot 1B retains legal access through the existing easement. The staff found all three criteria in AMC 21.03.200 G.9 were met. The board approved the removal subject to conditions on page three of the staff report. - Case S12908 – Subdivision of Tract H into Tracts H1 and H2 (Port of Alaska) & Vacation of a Portion of Terminal Road: - Staff recommended approval of the preliminary plat and the right-of-way vacation. The 603.2-acre site (discrepancies in acreage noted: 603.2, 606.95, and 609.1 acres; petitioner clarified the preliminary plat figure of 606.95 acres is correct) will create two tracts. Tract H1 will host a new electrical substation for the port. The vacation of an 80-foot portion of Terminal Road is paired with dedication of a realigned right-of-way. All six criteria for vacation were met, and no agency or public opposition was received. The board approved both the vacation and the plat (with a 24-month approval period) subject to conditions on pages four and five of the staff report. Key Outcomes - Case S12905: Motion by Ms. Mills, seconded by Ms. Cross. Unanimously approved (roll call vote included Mr. Quinn voting yes). Removal of plat note 5 approved with conditions. - Case S12908 – Vacation: Motion by Mr. Merka, seconded by Ms. Mills. Unanimously approved. Vacation of portion of Terminal Road approved with conditions. - Case S12908 – Plat: Motion by Ms. Mills, seconded by Mr. Merka. Unanimously approved. Preliminary plat approved for 24 months with conditions. - The meeting adjourned after board member comments.

The Anchorage Planning Board convened on September 3, 2026, at approximately 01:11 AM UTC (local evening of September 2). The meeting addressed routine approvals, a plat note removal, and a subdivision with right‑of‑way vacation. No members of the public provided testimony. All decisions were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval – Motion by Mr. Merka, second by Mr. Cross. Approved without objection. - Plat Action Summary – The abbreviated plat action summary dated August 10, 2026, was accepted as information only; no motion was required. - Consent Agenda – Motion by Ms. Mills, second by Mr. Merka. Approved without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - Case S12905 – No in‑person testimony. One call from a speaker who stated they no longer represented the Kempton Hills Homeowners Association and declined to testify. - Case S12908 – No public testimony. Discussion Items Case S12905 – Removal of Plat Note No. 5 (Drake Subdivision, Lots 1A & 1B) The petitioner requested removal of a plat note restricting access to a single shared driveway. Staff recommended approval, finding all three criteria under AMC 21.03.200.G.9 were met. The original plat note was no longer needed because the lot owner could obtain a separate driveway meeting traffic separation requirements, and the access easement for lot 1B would remain enforceable. - Staff presentation – Noted that 142 public hearing notices were mailed on August 10, 2026. MOA Traffic questioned how the note was originally added but had no objections to its removal. - Petitioner (Tony Hoffman) – Stated the removal simplifies development of lot 1A, and MOA Traffic retains full regulatory authority over driveway placement. - Board discussion – Ms. Mills confirmed that the access easement for lot 1B remains in place and that removal does not impair legal access. - Vote – Motion by Ms. Mills, second by Mr. Cross. Approved unanimously (no recorded dissent). The approval is subject to conditions on page 3 of the staff report. Case S12908 – Subdivision of Tract H (Port of Alaska) & Vacation of Terminal Road Right‑of‑way The petitioner proposed to subdivide one 603‑acre tract into two (H1 for an electrical substation, H2 for future use), vacate a portion of Terminal Road right‑of‑way, and dedicate a new alignment to the west. Staff recommended approval, finding the action meets all subdivision and vacation criteria. The plat lies in a high seismic‑hazard zone; the Port of Alaska has extensive soils data available on request. - Staff presentation – Noted 314 public hearing notices mailed on August 10, 2026. No public comments received. Agencies had no objections. Conditions require 80‑foot right‑of‑way dedication for the realigned road. - Petitioner (Dave Hale, Port of Anchorage) – Confirmed the road realignment improves buildability and that the substation will undergo further detailed review. Acknowledged minor acreage discrepancies (staff report figures varied: 603.2, 606.95, 609.1 acres) but stated the preliminary plat is correct. - Board discussion – Ms. Mills sought clarification on acreage; the petitioner deferred to the surveyor. Mr. Cross noted the land was part of earlier port modernization geotechnical studies. - Votes – Two separate approvals required: 1. Vacation Motion – Mr. Merka moved to approve the right‑of‑way vacation (subject to page 4 conditions); second by Ms. Mills. Passed unanimously. 2. Plat Motion – Ms. Mills moved to approve the 24‑month preliminary plat (subject to page 5 conditions); second by Mr. Merka. Passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Case S12905: Plat note No. 5 removed, allowing separate driveway access for lot 1A while preserving the easement for lot 1B. - Case S12908: Subdivision approved for 24 months; a portion of Terminal Road right‑of‑way vacated and a new alignment dedicated; no objections from agencies or community councils. - No board member comments were offered, and the meeting was adjourned without further business.

The Anchorage Board of Ethics met on September 2, 2026, to consider a request for an advisory opinion on the use of municipal resources for ballot measure advocacy, deliberate on a pending ethics complaint, and handle routine business. The board voted to draft an advisory opinion interpreting relevant ethics code provisions and to recommend a code change if needed, and also advanced a revised response to an ethics complaint. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the draft minutes of the July 9, 2026, meeting. The motion carried with all members present voting aye. - Disclosure: No board members reported conflicts or disclosures related to the agenda items. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present. The board noted no participants for public participation. Discussion Items - Advisory Opinion Request 2026-02: Municipal Attorney Eva Gardner presented a request seeking clarification on whether elected officials (mayor, assembly members, school board members) and the school superintendent may use limited municipal resources for ballot measure advocacy through op-eds, email newsletters, and social media under two subsections of the ethics code. Gardner explained the ambiguity in the 2017-drafted code regarding modern media and urged the board to provide guidance. Board members debated whether to issue an abstract interpretation or recommend a code amendment. Member Cacher expressed reluctance to interpret without a specific case, while others noted the board’s past practice of offering interpretations. The board also discussed defining “limited use of municipal resources.” - Executive Session: The board moved into executive session to deliberate on both the advisory opinion request and Ethics Complaint 2026-01. Upon returning, they took votes on next steps. Key Outcomes - Motion on Advisory Opinion 2026-02: The board voted unanimously to direct staff (Paul) to prepare a draft advisory opinion interpreting subsections 1 and 2 of the ethics code and recommending a code change if the board’s interpretation conflicts with the assembly’s intent. The motion carried with all ayes. - Motion on Ethics Complaint 2026-01: The board unanimously directed staff to prepare a revised draft response to the ethics complaint, incorporating changes discussed during the meeting, for review at the next meeting. - Administrative Items 6A1-4: The board approved four routine items (not detailed in the transcript) as a block without discussion. - New Advisory Opinion Request 2026-04: The board tabled this item to the next meeting and agreed to invite the requester to participate. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:50 PM after a motion to extend the meeting was approved.

The Anchorage Assembly convened on September 2, 2026, for a regular business meeting. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including housing policy, public safety technology, assembly spending oversight, and several recognition resolutions. Major debates centered on a proposed ordinance to restrict surveillance technology and a funding item for the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) audio-visual system. The meeting included public testimony and multiple votes. Note: The transcript consistently references the date as September 1, 2026. However, the provided instruction specifies September 2, 2026. This discrepancy is noted. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the August 18, 2026 meeting. - Adopted the consent agenda minus polled items, including several routine items. Public Comments & Testimony - Appearance Requests: Charles McKee spoke about trust and legal matters; Sharon Jackson detailed allegations of gang stalking by APD and opposed expanding surveillance. - Public Hearing on AO 2026-108 (Surveillance Technology Ordinance): Over a dozen community members testified. Most expressed opposition to mass surveillance, citing constitutional privacy rights, potential for abuse, and lack of sufficient safeguards. Some called for a moratorium on expansion until clear code protections are in place. A few speakers shared positive experiences with traffic cameras solving crimes. The hearing was continued to September 15, 2026. - Audience Participation: Two speakers addressed the assembly, criticizing the loss of public trust and warning about future implications of surveillance technology. Discussion Items - Mayor's Report: Mayor LaFrance reported on a memorial for former Assembly Member Karen Branga, a housing open house (10,000 homes in 10 years strategy), the Alaska Defense Forum, and addressed misinformation about APD's Real-Time Crime Center. She clarified that facial recognition is banned, APD does not use Flock cameras, and alleged surveillance footage is fake. She expressed concerns that draft code changes (AO 2026-108) could unintentionally limit core APD functions and urged careful deliberation. - Chair's Report: Chair Brawley announced the 2026-2027 Youth Representative cohort, provided updates on housing action plan progress, committee restructuring, and a remembrance of Karen Branga with a planned recognition resolution. - Committee Reports: Members gave updates on upcoming committee meetings and a sobering report from the Infrastructure, Enterprise, and Utility Oversight Committee regarding increased frozen water lines due to colder winters. - Addendum to Agenda: Several items were laid on the table for introduction, including a resolution appropriating state funds for homeless shelter support and electronic health records, an omnibus elections ordinance, and a resolution appropriating library donation funds for a downtown branch manager. - Recognition Resolutions: Unanimously adopted resolutions recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, September 20 as LGBTQ Veterans Day, September as Library Card Sign Up Month, September as National Preparedness Month, and September as Hunger Action Month. - AR 2026-253 (Assembly Spending Audit): A resolution calling for a special study of individual spending accounts (ISAs) from January 2023. After debate, an amendment narrowed the scope to current and immediate past members (15 members). The resolution passed 9-2. - AR 2026-254S (Housing Production Policy): A resolution providing guidance for disposing of municipal property to prioritize housing production, especially multifamily and compact housing. A motion to postpone failed 4-7. The resolution passed 11-0. - AR 2026-255 (Fiscal Future Summit): A resolution establishing a fiscal future initiative and calling for a community summit in October 2026. Passed 11-0. - AIM 139-2026 (Drone Report): The annual drone report was found to be incomplete and three months late. Members requested more detailed data, including breakdown of "search" entries and warrant information. The item was postponed to September 15, 2026, by a 12-0 vote. - AM 524-2026 (RTCC Audio-Visual System): A cooperative purchase for desks, computers, and audio-visual equipment for the Real-Time Crime Center (not to exceed $598,988.10). A motion to postpone to September 15 failed 4-8. After extensive debate on surveillance concerns, the item passed (vote count unclear from transcript; stated as 8-2 or 8-4). The purchase funds infrastructure for the already-operational RTCC. Key Outcomes - Recognition Resolutions: All five resolutions were adopted unanimously. - AR 2026-253 (Spending Audit): Approved with amendment to study 15 members (current and immediate past). - AR 2026-254S (Housing Policy): Approved 11-0. - AR 2026-255 (Fiscal Summit): Approved 11-0. - AIM 139-2026 (Drone Report): Postponed to September 15, 2026 (12-0). - AM 524-2026 (RTCC Equipment): Approved after postponement failed. - Public Hearing on AO 2026-108: Continued to September 15, 2026. - Other Public Hearings: AO 2026-100, AO 2026-104, and AO 2026-106 all passed unanimously (12-0). - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned after assembly comments.

The Anchorage Assembly met on September 2, 2026, for a regular business meeting that included discussions on housing policy, surveillance technology, an audit of assembly spending accounts, and multiple resolution adoptions. The meeting extended past 11:30 PM due to lengthy debates. Consent Calendar - The assembly adopted the consent agenda minus pulled items, which included routine approvals such as bid awards, reports, and several ordinances and resolutions for introduction. Specific items pulled for discussion are covered below. Public Comments & Testimony - Appearance Requests: Charles McKee spoke about trust issues related to a trust and business platform. Sharon Jackson of Scenic Foothills detailed allegations of gang stalking and criticized APD's handling, urging caution before expanding surveillance. - Public Hearing on AO 2026-108 (Surveillance Ordinance): Over a dozen residents testified. Supporters called for strong guardrails and privacy protections; opponents demanded an end to mass surveillance. Speakers cited constitutional rights, concerns about data sharing, and examples from other cities. The ACLU of Alaska urged careful deliberation and enforceable rules. - Audience Participation: Later in the meeting, additional residents expressed distrust toward the assembly and opposition to surveillance expansion. Discussion Items - ISA Audit Resolution (AR 2026-253S): The assembly debated a resolution requesting a comprehensive audit of individual spending accounts (ISAs) from January 1, 2023. After a motion to postpone indefinitely was withdrawn, an amendment limited the scope to current and immediate past members (15 individuals). The resolution passed 9–2, directing a special study to identify patterns and recommend policy improvements. - Housing Production Resolution (AR 2026-254S): The assembly passed a policy resolution establishing guidance for municipal property disposition to prioritize housing production, density, multifamily development, and affordability. The resolution urges collaboration with the administration and includes a directive to discuss the strategy at the October 1 CEDC meeting. Passed 11–0. - Fiscal Future Initiative (AR 2026-255): A resolution to create a fiscal future summit and engage the community on long-term fiscal education and strategic visioning passed 11–0. - Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) Funding (AM 524 2026): A $599,000 cooperative purchase for audio-visual equipment for the APD RTCC sparked extensive debate. Supporters argued the equipment is necessary for an already-operational center and does not expand surveillance. Opponents wanted to delay until code-based privacy guardrails are in place. A motion to postpone to September 15 failed 4–8, and the funding was approved 8–4. Key Outcomes - Adopted Resolutions: AR 2026-249 recognizing September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. AR 2026-250 recognizing September 20, 2026 as LGBTQ Veterans Day. AR 2026-251 recognizing September 2026 as Library Card Sign-Up Month. AR 2026-252 recognizing September 2026 as National Preparedness Month. AR 2026-244 recognizing September as Hunger Action Month. - Passed Ordinances: AO 2026-100 amending park master plan review process for Turnagain Arm (12–0). AO 2026-104 rezoning 1.63 acres to multifamily residential (12–0). AO 2026-106 authorizing an easement to Chugach Electric for the Loussac Library (12–0). - Postponed Items: The drone use report (AM 565 2026) was postponed to September 15 to allow for more detailed information. The public hearing on the surveillance ordinance (AO 2026-108) was continued to September 15, with sponsors planning to bring a substitute version. - Appointments: Christopher Blitz was approved to the Platting Board. - Notable Statistics Cited: Suicide: Alaska rate 30/100,000 (double national rate); 213 Alaskans died in 2023. Food insecurity: 40,000 Anchorage residents (13.8% overall, 18.4% children). Frozen service lines: 250 reports in the prior winter vs. fewer than 20 the year before. Crime increase: 14.6% in Anchorage; property crime up nearly 20% (state report). Housing need: Revised target to 12,000 homes over 10 years due to JBER expansion.

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting was called to order on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. However, the system timestamp records the meeting as September 2, 2026 (00:25 UTC). This summary uses the required date of September 2 but notes the discrepancy. The Anchorage Assembly convened for a regular business meeting on September 2, 2026. The agenda included a mayoral report, committee updates, public appearances, several recognition resolutions, and a lengthy debate on a resolution requesting a special study of Assembly Individual Spending Accounts (ISAs). Key topics ranged from housing and police surveillance technology to suicide prevention and food insecurity. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the August 18, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. - Addendum items were laid on the table for introduction or placement on the consent agenda: - AR 2026 (unnumbered) – Appropriation of $2.8M for homeless shelter support and EHR/EMR software and $457,725 for system setup (introduced, public hearing September 15). - AO 2026 (unnumbered) – Omnibus elections code update (introduced, public hearing September 15). - AR 2026 (unnumbered) – Approval of amended agreement with Anchorage Library Foundation and appropriation of $41,000 for downtown branch staff (placed on consent agenda as item 10E7). - The remaining consent agenda (minus pulled items) was approved by a single vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Charles McKee (appearance request) – Claimed status as beneficiary of a trust and alleged that the municipality and courts are acting against his trust rights. He invoked “qui tam” and asked the Assembly to release his endowment. - Sharon Jackson (appearance request, Scenic Foothills) – Alleged gang stalking by APD and others over 12 years, providing witnesses and evidence that she says were ignored. She argued APD should not be given surveillance technology, citing a text message she received after private activity and a traffic camera that misread her speed. Discussion Items - Mayor’s Report - Reported on a memorial service for former Assembly member Karen Bronga. - Hosted a community open house on the “10,000 Homes in 10 Years” housing strategy with over 100 residents; feedback is being consolidated. - Attended the Alaska Defense Forum in Fairbanks; noted that with the JBER F-35 expansion, housing needs have grown to an estimated 12,000 homes. - Addressed “misinformation” about APD’s real-time crime center technology, stating privacy protections are strong under state constitution and APD policies, and monthly policy reviews will be shared with the Assembly. She expressed concerns that the draft ordinance (AO 2026‑114S) on the agenda could “unduly limit core functions” and urged the Assembly not to rush the legislation. - Chair’s Report - Announced the 2026‑2027 youth representative cohort (Rikik Ali, Mala Malachi Cochran, Rebecca McCullough), to be formally appointed September 15. - Summarized a work session on the Housing Action Plan, noting that multiple concurrent policy changes (e.g., removing barriers for 3‑4 plexes, pausing residential design standards) have been effective. The plan, first passed in 2023, will be updated. - Announced upcoming committee restructuring and a resolution to honor Karen Bronga. - Committee Reports (selected) - Budget and Finance (Vice Chair Bowland) – Next meeting September 17; a service area presentation will be continued. - Infrastructure, Enterprise, and Utility Oversight (Member Baldwin Day) – Heard from Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility; last winter saw 250 frozen service lines (up from <20 the prior year) and three water main freezes. The 2024 audit also discussed. - Public Health and Safety (Member Perez‑Verdia) – Next meeting September 9. - Housing and Homeless (Member Perez‑Verdia) – Next meeting September 16. - Recognition Resolutions (Items 10A1‑4 and 11B) - 10A1 – Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – Adopted unanimously. Statistics: 48,824 U.S. suicide deaths in 2024; Alaska rate 30 per 100,000 (double national rate); 213 Alaskans died by suicide in 2023; Anchorage region has highest number in state. - 10A2 – LGBTQ Veterans Day (Sept. 20) – Adopted unanimously. Speakers highlighted service and the 15th anniversary of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” - 10A3 – Library Card Sign-Up Month – Adopted unanimously. The library director noted a goal of 1,100 new card sign-ups in September and promoted community events. - 10A4 – National Preparedness Month – Adopted unanimously. OEM Director highlighted the emergency alert system; Anchorage is below national average for registration. Encouraged texting “Anchorage” to 67283. - 11B – Hunger Action Month – Adopted unanimously. Statistics: nearly 40,000 Anchorage residents face food insecurity (13.8% overall, 18.4% childhood). - Item 10B1 – Resolution Requesting Comprehensive Audit of Assembly Spending Accounts - Sponsor (Member Silvers) and others argued for transparency and public trust; an amendment (Baldwin Day/Scout) narrowed the scope from “current and immediate past members” to “all members who served between January and September 2026” (15 individuals) and changed the request from an audit to a special study. The internal audit director clarified the study would not require formal management responses and could be completed more quickly. - Opponents (Chair Brawley, Vice Chair Bowland) contended the study would consume staff time (250 hours), duplicate ongoing work, and risk focusing on past members who cannot respond. They preferred to move forward with policy changes already underway, such as an interim travel policy pausing non‑core travel. - After a motion to postpone indefinitely was withdrawn, the main motion passed 9‑2. The resolution as amended directs a special study of ISA expenditures from January 1, 2023 to present for those 15 members. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved as amended (minus pulled items). - Five recognition resolutions adopted without objection. - Item 10B1 passed 9‑2 (AR 2026‑253‑S as amended), ordering a special study of Assembly Individual Spending Accounts for members serving between January and September 2026, covering spending since January 1, 2023. - Introductions set: Two ordinances/resolutions laid on the table for public hearings on September 15, 2026. - Meeting adjourned for dinner break at approximately 9:15 PM local time, with remaining consent items (10B2, 10B3, 10D3, 10F1) pending after the break (not covered in the provided transcript).

The Municipal Audit Committee met on August 28, 2026, from 2:35 to 3:30 p.m. (noticed for 2:30–3:30) to receive presentations from BDO on the audit results for the 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFER) and the 2023 single audit. Discussions focused on audit findings, internal control weaknesses, corrective actions, and ongoing improvements. No formal votes were taken. Discussion Items - 2023 Single Audit Results: Joy Mariner (BDO, lead engagement principal) reported that the 2023 single audit was issued last week and will be submitted to the federal government next week. Clean (unmodified) opinions were issued for the transit cluster, FEMA, and state grants to municipalities; qualified opinions were issued for airport improvement, highway planning and construction, and ARPA programs. Material weaknesses were identified in reporting, equipment/real property inventory, ARPA subrecipient monitoring (repeat finding), and audit submission deadlines. - FEMA Payroll Finding: 5 of 40 sampled transactions had pay rates not matching approved FEMA documentation; total payroll tested was $2 million across 2,800 transactions. This was a significant deficiency, not material noncompliance. - State Grant Findings: 3 of 8 quarterly reports were late; 3 of 13 journal entries lacked approval in the system. - 2024 ACFER Opinion: BDO issued an unmodified (clean) opinion on the 2024 financial statements. The report was issued in June 2026. The financial statements were drafted internally, improving over 2023 when BDO had taken over drafting. - Corrected Misstatements: Significant adjustments were needed for trial balances in SAP not matching financial statements, grants ($89 million in revenue adjustments, primarily FEMA and port related), capital assets, and cash/investments. Member Scout asked about a $25 million material misstatement in cash and investments. Uncorrected grant receivables were also discussed; prior-year revenue was recorded in 2024 during cleanup. - Internal Control Findings: Timeliness of ACFER issuance (too late for decision-making; goal to return to a nine-month timeline); need for more precise review; journal entry approval controls restored in late 2024; grants reconciliation; capital assets. Significant deficiencies included procurement and budget impact (budget coding not aligned with GAAP). - Budget vs. Accounting Disconnect: Joy Mariner explained that Anchorage’s budget process drives accounting, requiring off-book reconciliations to align with GAAP; she noted this is unusual among local governments. Committee members, including Brawley and Scout, discussed corrective actions and future work planning. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Lopez (public commenter) expressed concerns about APD’s use of external data surveillance networks, describing a vendor acting as a "man in the middle" with multiple data sources feeding a "black box." He urged the committee to investigate potential banned technologies, AI implications, and reporting requirements before proceeding. He noted Bill Falsey was not responsible but described the situation as a "hot mess." Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. - Committee will schedule follow-up meeting(s) with BDO to delve deeper into 2024 ACFER findings and receive the 2025 audit plan after risk assessment. - Members were encouraged to review the presentation and detailed audit wrap-up; a member requested the audit findings and corrective action status grid be added to the committee webpage, and the request was noted. - Joy Mariner offered one-on-one sessions with assembly members to explain the ACFER. - BDO will continue 2025 audit work; the 2024 single audit is currently in progress.

The Assembly held a work session on Friday, August 28, 2026, from approximately 1:10 p.m. to 2:25 p.m. to discuss a proposed land exchange between the state-owned Block 102 (downtown) and the municipally-owned former Tozier tract (Midtown). The exchange aims to facilitate housing development on both sites. Representatives from the Municipality's Community and Economic Development (Bob Dole), Heritage Land Bank (Tiffany Briggs, Ryan Yellow), Anchorage Community Development Authority (Mike Robbins), and Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (Danielle Delfino) presented the proposal. The item (AO 2026-115) is scheduled for introduction on September 1, 2026, with a public hearing on September 15, 2026. No votes were taken; the work session was informational. Discussion Items - Proposal Overview: Mike Robbins explained that the land trade would align public assets with agency missions: ACDA (catalyst for housing), AHFC (safe and affordable housing), and HLB (land stewardship). Block 102 (2.5 acres, appraised $5 million) is currently a parking lot; the Tozier tract (4.4 acres, appraised $4 million) is undeveloped. The value difference would be offset by in-kind contributions (e.g., parking assets). The trade would not involve cash. Both parcels are currently off the tax base; development would add property tax revenue. - Parking Concerns: ACDA noted that the LPPG parking garage has 228 spaces; a worst-case scenario at peak events (e.g., AFN) would require 209 spaces. Over 1,000 parking spaces are available in the area, so no state employee displacement is expected. Member Bolland expressed support for maximizing housing units over parking. - Reuse Plan and Public Process: Ryan Yellow described the HLB reuse plan for the Tozier tract, initiated in February 2026, to assess community needs and market conditions. The plan is expected mid-September 2026. Tiffany Briggs added that the reuse plan included community meetings and outreach to hospitals and businesses. AHFC’s process would involve an open competition (RFP) with transparent criteria. Robbins emphasized that no design work has been done; public process will determine the final use. - Why This Trade? Bob Dole noted that the municipality has long sought control of Block 102. The Tozier tract was identified as the best match after evaluating multiple properties. Danielle Delfino (AHFC) stated that the Tozier tract aligns with AHFC’s recent success in converting university land to housing, and that Block 102 has been difficult to develop due to parking needs and previous failed attempts. - Definitions and Affordability: Member Baldwin Day raised concerns about the terms “workforce housing,” “attainable housing,” and “public process.” She noted that “workforce housing” often means 80–120% AMI, but without subsidy, units may be market-rate. She urged clarity in communications to avoid setting false expectations. Danielle Delfino acknowledged that affordability definitions vary and that the median rent in Anchorage is $1,450/month, while some “affordable” program rents can exceed that. She emphasized that price points will be determined by market analysis. Baldwin Day also argued that the municipality needs to invest money (e.g., revenue bonds) to influence development outcomes. - Member Martinez’s Questions: Martinez asked about the genesis of the pairing, the reuse plan timeline, and infrastructure readiness. He noted that the Tozier tract is in a wildfire interface zone and questioned whether such risks are considered in property valuations. Ryan Yellow confirmed the tract has access to utilities (water, stormwater, power). Bob Dole added that developing the site would improve fire response via hydrant installation. - Chair’s Comments: The Chair noted that AR 2026-254 (a resolution on property disposal policy, co-sponsored by Member Baldwin Day) is on the addendum and is not specific to this project but aims to prioritize multi-unit housing in future land disposals. The resolution will be discussed at the September 1 meeting. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions or votes were taken; the work session was informational. - The ordinance (AO 2026-115) authorizing the land exchange will be introduced on September 1, 2026, with a public hearing on September 15, 2026. - Assembly support is needed to continue negotiations and finalize due diligence, appraisals, and terms, with a target execution in October 2026. - The administration will work with assembly members on the resolution (AR 2026-254) regarding property disposal policy.