Resolution 4038 Adoption: Winter Storm Local Emergency

The Juneau City and Borough Assembly convened to address the severe winter storm from December 2025 to January 2026. The primary focus was the adoption of Resolution 4038, declaring a local emergency to unlock state and federal resources for critical infrastructure. During the meeting, the Deputy Manager clarified the scope of assistance available, confirming that disaster declarations do not cover private property snow removal or individual homeowner assistance, though a state disaster declaration was verbally received from the Governor.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution 4038 was adopted by unanimous consent on motion of Assembly Member Euskandis.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Assembly Members Inquired About Public Assistance:
  • Assemblymember Steininger raised concerns regarding the lack of direct assistance for homeowners, specifically inquiring if the disaster declaration would enable the state to clear snow from private residences or commercial properties. The Deputy Manager expressed that they "empathize and understand the challenge" but confirmed that state assistance is "unfortunately not available" for clearing snow from private properties. The Manager noted that the state's disaster relief fund is "nearly or potentially completely" exhausted due to recent statewide emergencies, and while an "individual assistance program" is requestable, it requires "significant" damage to be approved.
  • Madam Mayor inquired if the permission granted to the city to dump snow in the channel is also allowed for individuals; the Deputy Manager stated, "I believe the answer to that question is no," though they committed to verifying this.
  • Assemblymember Wall asked if formal volunteer groups were organizing to help homeowners who are struggling, noting that neighbors have already been assisting. The Deputy Manager noted that "neighbors helping neighbors" activities are occurring, but no "formal" organization currently exists beyond this, though conversations with the United Way are underway to see if efforts can be "formalized."
  • Assemblymember Hall asked if agencies like the United Way or Red Cross could establish a formal system (e.g., a forum) for residents to request help. The Deputy Manager responded that they would "certainly ask that question" but noted the challenge of "staff capacity" required to manage such efforts.
  • Assemblymember Brooks asked if the National Guard could assist elderly or disabled individuals who are "physically like buried on their properties" or help with property access. The Deputy Manager stated their understanding is that the National Guard "cannot be requested to assist on private or commercial properties," including for access purposes other than clearing roofs.
• No Members of the Public: There were no members of the public signed up for testimony online or present in the room to speak on non-agenda items.

Discussion Items

• Scope of Disaster Declaration: The Deputy Manager explained that the declaration is focused on "critical public infrastructure," specifically "snow load clearing," "drainage assistance," "opening up access to fire hydrants," "stormwater infrastructure," and "avalanche monitoring forecasting and mitigation." It was clarified that the declaration does not extend to private residential snow removal.
• State Resources and Funding: The Deputy Manager highlighted that the state has faced "many" disaster declarations this year, straining resources. They also indicated that an "appropriation ordinance" will likely be needed in the future to address the storm, though the specifics are not yet determined.
• Governor's Response: It was confirmed that the Governor verbally declared a state disaster "last night" in response to the local and tribal declaration, noting that the "verbal declaration carries the force of law" until written follow-up is received.
• Potential for Formalized Aid: The discussion explored the feasibility of formalizing the informal "neighbor to neighbor" support. The Deputy Manager suggested that a "return on investment" assessment would be necessary to determine if investing resources in a formal system would be "substantially greater" than the organic community response.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 4038 Adopted: The Assembly unanimously adopted Resolution 4038, declaring a local emergency for the winter storm.
• State Disaster Declaration Received: A verbal state disaster declaration was confirmed by the Governor.
• Clarification on Aid Limitations: Staff confirmed that neither the state disaster fund nor the National Guard can be deployed to clear snow or provide direct assistance on private or commercial properties.
• Next Steps: No further action was taken regarding specific funding appropriations at this meeting, but the Deputy Manager flagged the anticipation of an "appropriation ordinance" for future council consideration.
• Meeting Adjourned: The meeting concluded at 5:30 PM with no further public comments.