Juneau committee cut funding and recruitment steps from board engagement resolution

The commission is scheduled to discuss the measure Tuesday. The Assembly Committee of the Whole is tentatively set to take it up in November.

Formatted Output

A five-point plan to fund Juneau's boards and recruit members from underrepresented groups no longer sits inside the resolution the Juneau Human Rights Commission asked the Assembly to adopt.

The Assembly Human Resources Committee removed that section at its March 9, 2026, meeting and asked that it be attached to the commission's letter as an addendum for the full Assembly's consideration. The removed language would have directed the City and Borough of Juneau to explore consistent funding for boards, committees and commissions, processes to actively invite and recruit individuals from underrepresented groups, a more accessible online presence, and a public-facing media and outreach campaign.

What remains encourages local employers to let staff serve during work hours and commits the city to provide training and guidance. The commission's request cited 26 boards, committees and commissions carrying 33 vacancies as of January 2025. "Increased engagement means effective, inclusive local governance," Haifa Foroughi, chair of the commission, wrote to the Assembly in December.

The commission is scheduled to discuss the measure Tuesday. The Assembly Committee of the Whole is tentatively set to take it up in November.