Anchorage Assembly Regular Meeting – July 22, 2026
Anchorage Assembly Regular Meeting – July 22, 2026
The Anchorage Assembly met on July 22, 2026, to address a wide range of topics including budget priorities, short-term rental registration, a public safety commission, and resolutions regarding Assembly Member George Martinez. The meeting featured extensive public testimony, debate on multiple agenda items, and several votes. Key outcomes included the passage of a censure resolution against Assembly Member Martinez, approval of budget priorities, and the failure of the public safety commission ordinance due to lack of a second. The meeting adjourned at midnight with one item deferred to the next regular meeting.
Consent Calendar
- Approved the minutes of the special meeting of June 26, 2026 (unanimous).
- Laid on the table for action: Recommendation to award an asphalt concrete hot mix contract to Granite Construction Company (12-0).
- Failed to lay on the table: Informational memorandum on status and location of behavioral health facilities (5-7).
- Approved the consent agenda minus pulled items (unanimous).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Michael Patterson (Party for Socialism and Liberation) called for Assembly Member Martinez to resign, citing misuse of campaign funds and hostility to transparency.
- Ann Ringstad (NAMI Alaska) testified in support of the Anchorage Public Safety Partnership Commission, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary collaboration, including individuals with lived experience.
- Melissa Gould (East Anchorage, police spouse) opposed the public safety commission, arguing it would be an attack on police and should include patrol officers.
- Danielle Price (family member of Micah, who died after APD responded to a 911 call) urged for independent reviews of use-of-force incidents involving mental health crises.
- Catherine Jones (mother of Tyler May) called for a public safety commission with real independence and authority to seek truth.
- Amber Batz (formerly incarcerated, community advocate) opposed the S1 version, calling for a commission with subpoena power and independent staff.
- Rebecca (17-year-old) asked the Assembly to consider the loss of Easter Leafa, a 16-year-old killed by APD.
- Roger Ketzler (father of Emil McCord, killed by APD) demanded accountability and release of body camera footage.
- CJ Williams (community member) urged for oversight, noting that mental health crises can happen to anyone.
- Cynthia Gatchupine (Empowerment Advocate Alaska) advocated for a victim-centered approach and independent investigations.
- Scott McCord (brother of Emil McCord) stated "Justice delayed is justice denied."
- JC (community member) argued that without subpoena power and consequences, a commission is pointless.
- Dominic Eubank (Anchorage Police Officer, 10 years) shared his experience of being shot in the line of duty and urged that any commission include members with police training and background.
- Emily Clock (Alaska Coalition of Justice) supported amendments to strengthen the commission with investigatory and subpoena authority.
- Christopher Martin (Anchorage resident) shared a personal story of police saving his brother and argued oversight is necessary.
- Alyssa Spect (former APD officer) described being attacked on duty and urged a vote against the ordinance that excludes APD from the process.
- Maxine Dugan (Community United for Safety and Protection, sex worker advocate) opposed the version until it includes independent investigations and subpoena power.
- Tomas Franhul (APD officer, 15 years) described a hostage rescue and emphasized the importance of informed review.
- Sarah Short (homeless camp walker) requested more work on the commission and criticized the Assembly for not funding mental health treatment.
- Karen Barnard (diagnostic engineer) compared oversight to engineering, stressing the need for a commission with authority.
- Jamie Lopez (formerly homeless) argued that the S1 version lacks real independence and that the mayor's cherry-picked commissioners undermine trust.
- Adrian (FCDC) spoke in favor of the HUD grant for housing development.
- Karen Barnard (also testified on housing) asked for better oversight and elder-specific shelter solutions.
Discussion Items
- Mayor's Report: Reported progress on housing (increased permits), highlighted the need for 10,000 homes in 10 years and 2,000 more for JBER expansion. Expressed support for a public safety advisory commission but opposed subpoena power or access to personnel files. Introduced the Youth Employment and Parks program (YEP) class of 2026, noting 26 teens employed, 9 high schools, 5 languages, and projects including trail rehabilitation and tree planting.
- Chair's Report: Discussed budget challenges (deferred maintenance, potential cuts to school funding), short-term rental registration deadline (July 30, 2026; 1,100 operators registered for 1,900 units), and a proposed resolution for a grace period. Also noted streaming issues (YouTube only, not on meeting management software).
- Committee Reports: Transportation Committee reported youth transit ridership up 34% year-to-date. Infrastructure Committee reported on methane gas issue at Anchorage Regional Landfill (now resolved, levels zero), waste-to-energy project, and NPDES permit renewal.
- 10 A1 - Recognition of Chugiak High School Softball Champions: Approved unanimously. Coaches and athletes spoke.
- 10 B4 - Anchorage Commons Initiative (Social Capital): Motion to postpone indefinitely passed 11-1. Sponsor (Martinez) argued it was about recognizing volunteerism; opponents said it was a legislative roadmap better suited for ordinances.
- 10 B5 - Cannabis Land Use Review: Motion to postpone indefinitely passed 10-2. Sponsor (Martinez) wanted administration review; opponents preferred an assembly-led AO.
- 10 B6 - Budget Policy Priorities for FY27: Approved 12-0. Includes request for a high-level deferred maintenance inventory and consideration of population density in capital project prioritization.
- 10 B7 - Infrastructure for Housing Growth: Approved 12-0 after amendment striking Section 3 (which requested an implementation framework). The amendment passed 12-0.
- 10 F1 - Report on Tax Exempt Property: Initially moved to postpone, then withdrawn and accepted 12-0. Work session scheduled for August 7.
- 13A - Public Safety Commission (AO 2026-62): After extensive public testimony, motion to approve the S1 version failed due to lack of a second. The item died.
- 13B - HUD Annual Action Plan: Approved 11-0 (S version).
- 14A-14F - Labor Agreements: All six administrative agreements approved unanimously.
- 14G - Sullivan Arena Surcharge Repeal: Approved 12-0.
- 14H - Laurel Acres Property Acquisition: Approved 12-0.
- 14I - Tesler Drive Property Disposal to Cook Inlet Housing: Approved 12-0.
- 15A-15C - Liquor and Marijuana Permits: All approved unanimously.
- Short-Term Rental Registration Grace Period: Laid on the table for action (9-3). Amended to extend grace period until September 30, 2026, with 30 days to cure. Approved 12-0.
- 12A - Censure of Assembly Member George Martinez: After motion to postpone indefinitely failed (3-8), an amendment to require a public apology was withdrawn. Another amendment corrected language to reflect compliance. The censure resolution (as amended) passed 8-3.
- 12B - Investigation into Assembly Member Travel: Multiple versions (S1, S2). Motion to substitute S1 (which included APOC references and predetermined outcome) failed 4-7. The S2 version (facts-first, no predetermined outcome, includes systemic review) was debated. An amendment to strengthen language on policy changes was adopted. Debate continued until midnight; meeting adjourned. Item will roll to August 4 meeting.
Key Outcomes
- Censure of Assembly Member Martinez (AR 2026-191 as amended) passed 8-3, expressing disapproval of campaign finance violations and lack of credibility before APOC.
- Public Safety Commission (AO 2026-62) died for lack of a second after public hearing.
- Budget Policy Priorities (AR 2026-211) passed 12-0, setting the stage for FY27 budget discussions.
- Infrastructure for Housing Growth (AR 2026-212 as amended) passed 12-0, directing priority consideration for infrastructure in areas with housing growth.
- Short-Term Rental Registration Grace Period (unnumbered resolution) passed 12-0, extending compliance deadline to September 30, 2026, with a 30-day cure period.
- Investigation into Assembly Travel (AR 2026-192) not resolved; debate will continue on August 4, 2026.
- All six labor agreements and several land use/permits approved unanimously.
- The meeting adjourned at midnight.
Meeting Transcript
Well, I know I hate a super hero, my eyes on laser beings, and I can't tell the buildings, and I'm afraid of everything. Like this up around my friends or losing my home out after dark just to walk my dog with my friends. It's just feel like us and out of place. Well, I can't breathe up the water, but sometimes I wish I could not take into the darkness on this appear for good. No boots okay, but shine magic powers in my brain. It's all these things that I tell myself while I keep making it like nobody else. And I'm afraid Well, I try to think down away. See nothing. You're something to pass. Somehow you keep me. I know I never came over. I don't know. Let me love you down. Let me love you. I know I never came over. I hate when I'm sober. Let me love you. Let me love you down. Let me love you. Time's chasing after me. I need a little substance. Not sure it's headed, but I know it's going somewhere. Take a cabin don't look back. I'll move to all the silence. Now I'm colder than the weather. Study going under pressure. I'm finally over being low key under these old cuppers. Now I'm back getting better. Steady going under pressure. Sit back and watch the paint track. Take time and watch the dope rise. I do put on my own time. Slowly fading. The mirror is telling me I got to grip it right in front of me. Secure the seat and don't release the opportunity. People waiting slowly fading The mirror is telling me I got a grip right in front of me Secure the seat and don't release the opportunity Now I'm colder than the weather Steady going under pressure I'm finally over being low key under these old cuppers Now I'm back getting better Steady going under pressure sit back and watch the paint drive Take time and watch the dope rise passing I was dancing how that I still standing I'm not playing training Now I'm colder than the weather Steady going under pressure I'm finally over being low key under these old cupboards Now I'm back getting better Steady going under pressure sit back and watch the paint track Take time and watch the door rightning strikes and diamond minds a bloody stone a door no mind a morning wasted on trivial An evening wasted on primitive things around here knows everybody the past lives document it to the closest topic of what's on less the conversation starting in Yeah always a good guys coming to save us Promise a good life thank God that you came always got Uncle Sam ready to save us Think God you came thank God you came thank God you came back We won't we won't think we won't think God we wanna have We want we won't think God the red's on now we workin' for the past but a full damn house on you wrist the praise guys but like 15 work a salary on your wrist a place of chasing what you want when you want if you want till it's up and dust billions burning in the clubs of father please no chase in peace I must she scream but honestly I feel the breach we want we want they got we want we want they got we want to take out they always a good guys coming to save us promise a good life thank god that you came always got uncle Sam ready to save us think God you came thank god you came thank God you came be a friend till the end we'll fight the good fighting and the lives you've changed be your face you've made is this the life you made for me always a good guys coming and save us promise a good life thank god that you came always got uncle say I'm ready to save us thank god you came thank god you came thank god you came always the good guys coming to save us promise the good life thank god that you came always got Uncle Sam ready to save us think god you came think that you came think God you came in life all the suns leave give me a light give me a light another summer comment oh silver give me around give me a light no sunlight on the darkest times my eyes happen I remember dirt and light seats of a plant I go as fast as we can kisses from me. I haven't felt for so long. If I close my eyes now, so the soul coming down Do you think back pain? When you're young and strong, do you ever think that maybe the one that's wrong? When you hear so come and go think back. When you hear me resolved, I know the summer coming down. Some are coming. I know the summer coming, come on, so now the summer comes, come on, so I've been going color blind looking for the silver line. Wish the stars with all the line. I've been cursing at the sky, let the rain fall from my eyes. I've lived a thousand lives. Now you have on my head. So full of light, so full of pride while I sit through all my voice. I keep falling off the air now you have on my head So full of blood so full of price while I sit through all my voice I'm running on a time You scotch in my mind Protain to the fire Ignite's eye I can't ignore the flame can't have my heart you can't hold my mind I won't stay I won't change Where's the ground I keep falling off the air my ground Now you have on my head Where is the crown feels like a fall I lost my crown feels like a falls like I'm sparkes like this being like your judgment makes you a kid It's the lack of your substance it keeps you locked in and keeps them talking Find out a way to spend you life holding him with empty faces that you'll never see again search out a way to find a version of you you like Why aren't you getting tired of me?
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