Anchorage clarifies what a records request keeps, and for how long

Anchorage is updating its records retention schedule to spell out that a public records request includes three things: the logs, the written request itself, and the records produced in response. The Assembly reads the resolution Aug. 4.

The change, requested by the city's Records and Information Management office, rewrites the description for the "Request for Information" series to say plainly that all three are covered. It follows a broader public records overhaul the Assembly passed 11-1 in February, a LaFrance-backed reform that cut fees and set production deadlines after a multi-year review.

The clarification is small, but the retention period attached to it is worth noting: two years. Requests, and the records answering them, are kept for that window and then eligible for disposal. For most requests that is ample. For a request that becomes contested, or whose handling is later questioned, two years is the outer edge of how long the paper trail is guaranteed to exist.

The update also quietly drops the Chief Administrative Office from the schedule, with no reason given. Anchorage separately plans to eliminate that position and move finance under the mayor, as Alaska News has reported. Whether the two are connected, the memo doesn't say.

The resolution came from the Assembly chair at the mayor's request and would take effect immediately if passed.