Anchorage Assembly to take up records retention update Aug. 4

Anchorage's records retention schedule would spell out that public records requests include the logs, the written requests and the records produced in response. At the request of Records and Information Management, the description for ADM1010 Administration-Request for Information was rewritten to read "Includes public records logs, written requests, and responsive records." The schedule assigns those records a two-year retention period. The memo identifies only the description as changed. The change carries out Anchorage's policy of protecting public access while governing records' retention, preservation and disposal.

Each agency was invited to review every record series in the 2025 schedule and make any needed changes to the assignment of record custody. The memo says a comprehensive review was conducted with all municipal agencies to ensure compliance with federal, state and municipal codes as well as best practices. The recommended retention requirements are based on legal, fiscal, administrative, operational or historical considerations, according to the memo.

The 2026 update also removes the Chief Administrative Office from the schedule. The memo gives no reason. Anchorage separately plans to eliminate the position and move finance under the mayor, Alaska News reported.

Records Management Officer Anna Plant prepared the memo. Information Technology Director Sioux-z Marshall submitted it. The Records Management Governance Committee, which spans seven municipal departments including Information Technology, Finance and Human Resources, "has unanimously agreed to seek approval for this resolution," the memo said.

The Anchorage Assembly is scheduled to read the resolution on Aug. 4. The measure, AR No. 2026-217, was submitted by the chair at the mayor's request and would take effect immediately upon passage.