Anchorage Assembly Regular Meeting - July 7, 2026

The Anchorage Assembly held its regular meeting on July 7, 2026, at 6:39 PM (agenda time). The meeting covered a wide range of topics including a historic Port of Alaska settlement, a controversial grant for True North Recovery services in Fairview, several zoning changes, and the postponement of censure and removal proceedings against Assembly Member George Martinez. The meeting lasted until after 8:30 PM with a dinner break. Key votes included an 8-3 approval of the True North grant after amendments failed, and unanimous approval of several rezoning items. The assembly also postponed action on the censure and removal resolutions to July 21, 2026, pending a work session on July 17.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of the June 23, 2026 regular meeting were adopted.
• Consent agenda items (10A-10G) approved by a single vote, with several items pulled for separate discussion: 10A1 (Resolution recognizing ADA Anniversary), 10D5 (GIS contract award to HDR Engineering, approved 10-0 with one recusal), 10D7 (True North grant, debated separately), 10E2 (AHFC grant for case management, approved 11-0), 10F2 (Internal audit on CDBG grants, accepted 11-0), and 10G4 (Union agreement introduction).
• Item 10A1 (AR 2026-187) recognizing July 26, 2026 as the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act was approved unanimously after a reading and public testimony from Annette Alphonse of Choice Access Interpreting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Roberta Baer (Abbot Loop) and Patricia Anderson (East 74th) opposed rezoning from R5 to R2M on O'Brien Road, citing traffic and water concerns.
• Kate Sauve (petitioner's representative) supported the rezoning, noting it implements the 2040 Land Use Plan.
• Joyce O'Connor (property owner) testified in favor of rezoning her parcel in Eagle River to remove special limitations.
• Jamie Lopez (East Anchorage, formerly homeless) criticized outreach failures in the 2026 HUD Action Plan and later made sarcastic comments about Assembly Member Martinez's travel.
• Sarah Short (veteran) demanded ethics enforcement and questioned travel expenses.
• Francis Cedar (U-Med District Community Council) raised concerns about snow storage on Denali Street, including lack of site distance studies and toxic snow melt.
• Roger Branson (District 3 advocate) thanked the assembly for attention to homeless and behavioral health issues.

Discussion Items

• Mayor's Report: Announced a historic $191.3 million settlement with the US Maritime Administration for the Port of Alaska, including $180 million new money plus $11.3 million from 2024. This is expected to protect Alaskans from up to $694 million in future shipping surcharges. Mayor also highlighted Operation Summer Heat: 127 arrests, 30 pounds of meth seized (58 times last year's amount), and increased community service officer hiring (15 of 23 authorized positions filled).
• Chair's Report: Reflected on America's 250th anniversary and the port project. Noted the need for careful process on censure and removal items, and requested postponement.
• Committee Reports: Housing & Homeless meeting July 15; Budget & Finance meeting July 16; Audit Committee heard workers' comp fund update and announced completion of the 2024 external audit.
• True North Recovery Grant (10D7): Extensive debate over a $750,000 CDBG grant to acquire a facility in Fairview. Vice Chair Voland and Member Scout proposed amendments requiring a good neighbor agreement with Fairview Community Council and an MOU with the Health Department to bar crisis care at the site. The amendments were debated and ultimately failed (4-7 on the first, 6-5 on the second). True North CEO Carl Soderstrom stated they cannot turn away someone in crisis and that the amendment would force that. After a motion for reconsideration failed (4-7), the underlying grant was approved 8-3. Members Voland and Scout voted no.
• Zoning Items:
  • 14A (AO 2026-81): Rezone 5.23 acres from R5 to R2M on O'Brien Road (Abbot Loop) – approved 11-0. Staff noted it aligns with the 2040 Land Use Plan and missing middle housing overlay.
  • 14B (AO 2026-83): Land use plan amendment for 0.19 acres near Abbott Loop – approved 10-0 (with Member Park added as yes later).
  • 14C (AO 2026-82): Rezone two lots to B3 in Moorhand Subdivision – approved 11-0.
  • 14D (AO 2026-84): Rezone 10.02 acres to CERC in Eagle River – approved 11-0.
  • 14E (AR 2026-166): 2026 HUD Action Plan – public hearing continued to July 21 at administration's request.
  • 14F (AO 2026-90): Disposal of heritage land bank parcels on Olive Lane – approved 11-0.
  • 14G (AO 2026-91): AWWU levy on connection rate – approved 11-0.
  • 14H (AO 2026-92): Requiring public review of material modifications to parks – debated extensively. An amendment adding an emergency repair exception (by Director's discretion) was approved 11-0, then the amended ordinance passed 10-1.
• Censure and Removal Resolutions (12A & 12B): Chair Brawley ruled Member Martinez had a conflict and recused him from participating. The items were postponed to the July 21 meeting by a vote of 10-0 after debate. A work session on process is scheduled for July 17.

Key Outcomes

• Port Settlement: $191.3 million recovered for port modernization, reducing future surcharges.
• True North Grant: Approved 8-3 without the community agreement amendments; grant remains subject to standard CDBG compliance.
• Zoning Changes: Four zoning/land use amendments approved unanimously.
• Parks Ordinance: Passed 10-1 after amendment adding emergency repair flexibility.
• Censure/Removal: Postponed to July 21, 2026; work session on process set for July 17.
• Consent Items: All non-contested items approved, including ADA resolution and internal audit acceptance.
• Appointment: Bill Falsey sworn in as Municipal Manager, effective July 14.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:40 PM.