Anchorage, state and long-term care ombudsmen to explain their work at Loussac Library on Oct. 8

The Anchorage Municipal Ombudsman, the Alaska State Ombudsman and the State of Alaska Long Term Care Ombudsman will explain their roles at a free event, "Ombuds Day 2026: The Office of Options," at 6 pm Thursday, Oct. 8, in the Wilda Marston Theatre at Loussac Library.

Each office handles a different kind of problem. The municipal ombudsman investigates complaints about city departments, agencies, utilities and employees, as well as the Anchorage School District, though not the mayor, the Assembly or the school board. The state ombudsman investigates complaints about administrative actions by state agencies, but not courts, elected officials, local governments or private businesses. The long-term care ombudsman advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living homes.

A resolution recognizing Oct. 8 as Ombuds Day is on the Anchorage Assembly's consent agenda for Tuesday, Oct. 6. It describes ombuds offices as independent, informal, confidential and impartial. Anchorage's Home Rule Charter, the city's founding document, guarantees residents "the right to the assistance of a municipal ombudsman in dealing with grievances and abuses." The municipal office opened in 1977.

The municipal office opened 224 new cases and closed 229 in 2025, according to its annual report. Its recommendations led to a $50 transit refund and a revised City Hall code of conduct. Residents can reach it at 907-343-4461.