The mayor wants two more members on a naming commission that cannot meet

Anchorage's Public Naming Commission has nine seats, five of them filled, and needs five members present to do anything. Twice in the past year, in December and March, it could not get there.

Mayor Suzanne LaFrance has sent the Assembly two appointments for Tuesday's meeting. Rick Harrison is tribal administrator of the Native Village of Eklutna and spent two decades on the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council. Hilary Morgan ran YWCA Alaska from 2011 to 2018. Confirming both would bring the commission to seven, enough that not everyone has to show up.

The commission reviews and recommends names for city parks, trails, buildings and other public places, and is directed to weigh historical and cultural significance, including Dena'ina Athabascan and other Alaska Native place names.

It is also scheduled to expire Oct. 14 unless the Assembly renews it. The city's internal auditor recommended reauthorization this summer, and both new terms run past the sunset date.

Anyone interested in the remaining vacancies can apply through the city's online portal.