ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) The outgoing mayoral administration in Anchorage is asking the local Assembly to make changes to the city's criminal code that it says would allow for more effective prosecution of child or vulnerable adult abuse cases.
Where the money is going The handful of changes to the acting mayor’s proposal include a $437,500 allocation for the Alaska Black Caucus to acquire an office space to provide services to Black, Indigenous and people of color who were disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The Assembly also provided extra funds for a South Anchorage food pantry. Another change diverted some funds to Covenant House Alaska for emergency rapid rehousing of homeless youths, among other changes. A large chunk of the package, about $21.5 million, will replenish several existing city programs. Most provide direct economic relief, such as grants to small businesses and nonprofits. City officials say the money will allow those programs to clear their waitlists.
Print article JUNEAU Anchorage residents opposed to pandemic-related measures and furious at the Anchorage Assembly are supporting legislation that would allow fines of up to $1,000 for violations of the state law that requires local governments to act in public. Opponents of the proposal include the Alaska Municipal League, Association of Alaska School Boards and the Municipality of Anchorage, and say the proposal is ripe for abuse and frivolous complaints that could discourage Alaskans from running for local office or volunteering for boards and commissions. If Senate Bill 15 becomes law, anyone could file a complaint with the Alaska Public Offices Commission, alleging that a public official had violated the state’s Open Meetings Act. The commission is required to investigate the complaint, and if commissioners agree that the complaint is valid, the official could be fined up to $1,000.