Video Clips
Quoted moments from Alaska public meetings, hearings, and press conferences.
Clips from Anchorage AssemblyClear
0:25
Edith McKee
“One of the conditions if the variance were approved was to construct a driveway that's compliant for fire turnaround. Do you have any concerns about being able to meet that condition if the variance were granted? No, and when I went to close the permit last year, I spoke with a fire department representative and they have already approved what I've done.”Anchorage Assembly: Planning and Zoning Commission - June 8, 2026 - 2026-06-08 18:30:00 · Jun 8, 2026
0:23
Andres Spinelli
“the motion will allow lower density, as Commissioner Gardner stated, and that a lot of the drainage plan requirements will be required by the building permit.”Anchorage Assembly: Planning and Zoning Commission - June 8, 2026 - 2026-06-08 18:30:00 · Jun 8, 2026
0:19
Jared Gardner
“one of the implications from this rezone with respect to some of the concerns that we heard is that this actually removes an existing minimum requirement for housing density, um, and will allow, um, potentially lower densities on the property than currently required.”Anchorage Assembly: Planning and Zoning Commission - June 8, 2026 - 2026-06-08 18:30:00 · Jun 8, 2026
0:56
Jared Gardner
“a lot of the concerns, um, can and should be addressed through the building permit process. Um, not something that really plays into the criteria for the rezone directly.”Anchorage Assembly: Planning and Zoning Commission - June 8, 2026 - 2026-06-08 18:30:00 · Jun 8, 2026
0:19
Jonathan Lang
“stormwater runoff from the site onto Santa Maria Drive will be addressed when the proposed residential development is submitted for approval.”Anchorage Assembly: Planning and Zoning Commission - June 8, 2026 - 2026-06-08 18:30:00 · Jun 8, 2026
0:51
Edith McKee
“I think due to the significant size of the lot that the, the accessory, the garage, does not dominate the residential lot. I also think it's consistent with the rural lifestyle of the district and does not visually dominate the property. Um, the other criterion, Criterion C, that says the proposed alternative results in a benefit to the community that are equivalent to or better than compliance with subject standard. I feel that this criterion is significantly met and that having an enclosed garage structure so that your recreational equipment, vehicles, and other things that we all like to store in our garages is in an enclosed structure versus open to public view, I think that that is a— it is a betterment and in compliance with the standard.”Anchorage Assembly: Planning and Zoning Commission - June 8, 2026 - 2026-06-08 18:30:00 · Jun 8, 2026
0:40
Speaker C
“Neighbors of Lots 5 and 8 provided formal letter of support for the variance. The reviewing agents expressed no objections, and the Chugiak/Eagle River Advisory Board and Chugiak Community Council provided no comments regarding this case. The department found criteria A and C are partially met, and criteria B and D through H are met. Therefore, the department recommends denial of the design variance.”Anchorage Assembly: Planning and Zoning Commission - June 8, 2026 - 2026-06-08 18:30:00 · Jun 8, 2026
0:21
Ryan Yell
“And also we have two conditions about. The Green Burial Council's natural burial ground standards that address those concerns”Prefix — Anchorage Assembly: Worksession re AO 2026-72, authorizing competitive disposal with conditions of Heritage Land Bank... · Jun 1, 2026
0:23
Emma Gibney
“This property is located in South Anchorage on Golden view Drive about 1.25 miles south of the Golden View Middle School. It is across the street from Moen. Park and it is uphill from Potter Marsh Watershed Park. It is approximately 9.6 acres in size and is zoned PLI Public Lands and Institutions.”Prefix — Anchorage Assembly: Worksession re AO 2026-72, authorizing competitive disposal with conditions of Heritage Land Bank... · Jun 1, 2026
0:43
Zac Johnson
“I have a question, but first, just want to highlight the fact that for people who are not interested in being cremated, there are very few options in Anchorage these days other than if you have access to one of those privately reserved spots of the cemetery. So just highlighting there that there is certainly unmet demand for people who wish to be a buried in that way. And as was also noted, we tried to increase cemetery capacity through a bond measure a couple years ago that failed.”Prefix — Anchorage Assembly: Worksession re AO 2026-72, authorizing competitive disposal with conditions of Heritage Land Bank... · Jun 1, 2026
0:15
Emma Gibney
“Alaska Natural. Burial is going to work with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to. Create a document with guidelines for best practices to avoid human wildlife conflict. And that this document will be supplied. To HLV prior to disposal.”Prefix — Anchorage Assembly: Worksession re AO 2026-72, authorizing competitive disposal with conditions of Heritage Land Bank... · Jun 1, 2026
0:05
Ryan Yell
“So it is just over $500,000.”Prefix — Anchorage Assembly: Worksession re AO 2026-72, authorizing competitive disposal with conditions of Heritage Land Bank... · Jun 1, 2026
0:16
Ryan Yell
“because we are doing this underneath AMC 2540, 25H. We can dispose for less than fair. Market value because of the public benefits. I do note in the memo as. Well that we are proposing a $0 sale.”Prefix — Anchorage Assembly: Worksession re AO 2026-72, authorizing competitive disposal with conditions of Heritage Land Bank... · Jun 1, 2026
0:27
Emma Gibney
“Over the years, we've received dozens of comments of support not only from community councils but also from the Parks and Recreation Department, Watershed Management Services Division, the. Municipal Cemetery Director, and a long list. Of residents who would love the opportunity to receive a natural burial in in. Such a beautiful location.”Prefix — Anchorage Assembly: Worksession re AO 2026-72, authorizing competitive disposal with conditions of Heritage Land Bank... · Jun 1, 2026
0:20
Zac Johnson
“Two concerns. One, that by doing natural burials, that we risk either water contamination or that predators like bears might unearth remains. And can you say that those have been addressed or mitigated?”Prefix — Anchorage Assembly: Worksession re AO 2026-72, authorizing competitive disposal with conditions of Heritage Land Bank... · Jun 1, 2026
0:16
Emma Gibney
“The only other financial information I can. Cite is the amount of money that. The bonds were for to create a new municipal cemetery which would have been $1.57 million for the book for each. Each of the Girdwood and then the Eagle. Eagle river cemeteries.”Prefix — Anchorage Assembly: Worksession re AO 2026-72, authorizing competitive disposal with conditions of Heritage Land Bank... · Jun 1, 2026
0:22
Emma Gibney
“Because the proposed disposal is pursuant to subsection H, which allows for the competitive disposal of HLB land in order to facilitate a specific project that will provide public benefits, it is required that the disposal also include conditions to ensure the proper development and completion of the project in the public interest.”Prefix — Anchorage Assembly: Worksession re AO 2026-72, authorizing competitive disposal with conditions of Heritage Land Bank... · Jun 1, 2026
0:27
Emma Gibney
“This type of cemetery relies on affordable. Low density burials, restricting the use of large monuments or gravestones so view sheds remain uninterrupted and the land can serve the community as a multipurpose space and as wildlife habitat.”Prefix — Anchorage Assembly: Worksession re AO 2026-72, authorizing competitive disposal with conditions of Heritage Land Bank... · Jun 1, 2026
0:24
Emma Gibney
“There is the direct public benefit that Alaska Natural Burials Project will provide much needed cemetery space for the municipality while also providing the indirect financial public benefit. By not relying on taxpayer funding or the passing of bond measures, this project. Has proven to be one of the. Most highly supported projects I've ever experienced during my time at hlb.”Prefix — Anchorage Assembly: Worksession re AO 2026-72, authorizing competitive disposal with conditions of Heritage Land Bank... · Jun 1, 2026
0:24
Austin Quinn-Davidson
“we are proposing a zero dollar sale of the property”Anchorage Assembly: Worksession re AO 2026-72, authorizing competitive disposal with conditions of Heritage Land Bank... · Jun 1, 2026
0:22
Austin Quinn-Davidson
“Alaska Natural Burial is going to work with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to create a document with guidelines for best practices to avoid human wildlife conflict. And that this document will be supplied to HLB prior to disposal.”Anchorage Assembly: Worksession re AO 2026-72, authorizing competitive disposal with conditions of Heritage Land Bank... · Jun 1, 2026
0:50
Austin Quinn-Davidson
“There is the direct public benefit that Alaska Natural Burials Project will provide much needed cemetery space for the municipality while also providing the indirect financial public benefit by not relying on taxpayer funding or the passing of bond measures.”Anchorage Assembly: Worksession re AO 2026-72, authorizing competitive disposal with conditions of Heritage Land Bank... · Jun 1, 2026
0:39
Austin Quinn-Davidson
“the amount of money that the bonds were for to create a new municipal cemetery, which would have been $1.57 million for the book for each. Each of the Girdwood and then the Eagle. Eagle river cemeteries. Not to say that that's how much it's going to cost to set up this because it's a very different model, but just as a comparison that we are going to be creating a new cemetery for residents of the municipality of the municipality that instead of something that would have cost $4.1 million”Anchorage Assembly: Worksession re AO 2026-72, authorizing competitive disposal with conditions of Heritage Land Bank... · Jun 1, 2026
0:05
Austin Quinn-Davidson
“it is just over $500,000”Anchorage Assembly: Worksession re AO 2026-72, authorizing competitive disposal with conditions of Heritage Land Bank... · Jun 1, 2026
0:26
Austin Quinn-Davidson
“we have two conditions about the Green Burial Council's natural burial ground standards that address those concerns as well. Thank you. And also, there's no residential wells downstream from where this is going to take place.”Anchorage Assembly: Worksession re AO 2026-72, authorizing competitive disposal with conditions of Heritage Land Bank... · Jun 1, 2026
0:09
Speaker A
“I agree with the department recommendations that the proposed rezone meets the three approval criteria. I'll also note that no public or agency opposition to the rezone was heard.”Anchorage Assembly: Planning and Zoning Commission - June 1, 2026 - 2026-06-01 18:30:00 · Jun 2, 2026
0:01
Speaker A
“That motion passes.”Anchorage Assembly: Planning and Zoning Commission - June 1, 2026 - 2026-06-01 18:30:00 · Jun 2, 2026
0:17
Speaker A
“I move in case 20260059 to recommend to the Anchorage assembly approval of the rezone of one parcel from R5 district to R3 district.”Anchorage Assembly: Planning and Zoning Commission - June 1, 2026 - 2026-06-01 18:30:00 · Jun 2, 2026
0:16
Anna Brawley
“I will state the intent of the sponsors is to bring a substitute version. And so folks who did testify tonight would be welcome to do so again on those changes.”Assembly Regular - May 26, 2026 - 2026-05-26 17:00:00 · May 26, 2026
0:16
Anna Brawley
“Mr. Boland, move to continue the public hearing to the meeting of June 9th. Second, moved by Mr. Volin to continue the hearing to. To the Regular meeting of June 9th.”Assembly Regular - May 26, 2026 - 2026-05-26 17:00:00 · May 26, 2026
0:42
Anna Brawley
“if you're here to testify on item 14D, AO202662 to create a Public Safety Commission, the sponsors of which I am one, the other is Mr. Perez Fridilla, intend to open the public hearing and continue the hearing to the next regular meeting of June 9.”Assembly Regular - May 26, 2026 - 2026-05-26 17:00:00 · May 26, 2026
0:08
Anna Brawley
“On a vote of 9 to 3 AR2026 144 passes the body.”Assembly Regular - May 26, 2026 - 2026-05-26 17:00:00 · May 26, 2026
0:23
Anna Brawley
“My name is April Ratchford. I'm the Anchorage local lead for Moms Demand Action. So we do a lot of gun violence prevention advocacy and I really want to thank members Park, Baldwin, Day and Martinez for sponsoring this resolution.”Assembly Regular - May 26, 2026 - 2026-05-26 17:00:00 · May 26, 2026
0:29
Anna Brawley
“What is devastating, infuriating is that Marcy, Marcel and I were not formed until July 2024, despite having put in a police report. And I'm just urging both the Anchorage Police Department, this assembly, to fully acknowledge the. The damage that has been done not only to my family, but to every victim's family affected.”Assembly Regular - May 26, 2026 - 2026-05-26 17:00:00 · May 26, 2026
0:47
Anna Brawley
“I want to thank you all for your support and also share a little bit about the work that we have been doing throughout the state with the Be Smart for Kids program, which encourages secure firearm storage.”Assembly Regular - May 26, 2026 - 2026-05-26 17:00:00 · May 26, 2026
0:16
Anna Brawley
“She was screaming, holding a cinder block over her head, tears streaming down her face. We ran outside as fast as we could to stop her before she damaged property, but we weren't in time. Marcella tried to calm her down and asked, what's wrong? Cassandra could only say one thing. They're after me.”Assembly Regular - May 26, 2026 - 2026-05-26 17:00:00 · May 26, 2026
0:26
Anna Brawley
“An ordinance of the anchorage assembly recognizing June 5, 2026 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Anchorage and June 5 through the 7th, 2026 as Wear Orange weekend to honor all victims, survivors and families of gun violence.”Assembly Regular - May 26, 2026 - 2026-05-26 17:00:00 · May 26, 2026
0:14
Anna Brawley
“On a vote of 12 to 0 that amendment passes, the resolution as amended is now before us.”Assembly Regular - May 26, 2026 - 2026-05-26 17:00:00 · May 26, 2026
0:57
Speaker A
“In state law, the state procurement is that you get a 5% bid preference capped at $5,000, 10 times less than the $50,000 that's being proposed in the current versions, and it only goes to veterans who reside in Alaska or partnerships, LLCs, corporations that are majority Alaska-owned.”Worksession re AO 2026-40(S-1), amending Anchorage Municipal Code Section 7.10.010... · May 27, 2026
0:31
Speaker B
“applying a veteran-owned business to the RFP process is neither unheard of nor unworkable. Many places do it. Washington, DC, San Antonio, Miami-Dade County all provide for veterans preference in their process.”Worksession re AO 2026-40(S-1), amending Anchorage Municipal Code Section 7.10.010... · May 27, 2026
0:35
Speaker B
“If you have somebody that's— that two people that are bidding that are both out of state and one happens to be a veteran, that is the only scenario where somebody out of state is is getting a preference over somebody local to Alaska. So I think that is an important distinction to make.”Worksession re AO 2026-40(S-1), amending Anchorage Municipal Code Section 7.10.010... · May 27, 2026
0:35
Speaker B
“the withdrawal from Afghanistan occurred in August of 2021 and the last combat troops left Iraq in December of 2021. And as I don't know if we have any history buffs in the room, but, uh, prior to that, uh, those, those dates, if you next slide, there is a significant amount of fighting that happened in those countries. Uh, and so the 5-year, the 5-year thing could exclude combat veterans.”Worksession re AO 2026-40(S-1), amending Anchorage Municipal Code Section 7.10.010... · May 27, 2026
0:34
Speaker A
“if we're saying we're willing to pay more for certain services, why are we trying to grasp the widest range of discharges instead of saying like we value honorable discharges. Um, as someone that served, received an honorable discharge, I'm not seeing why we're going down to general under other than honorable circumstances.”Worksession re AO 2026-40(S-1), amending Anchorage Municipal Code Section 7.10.010... · May 27, 2026
0:43
Speaker A
“the Request for Proposal process, or the RFP process, is typically used for professional services, lawyers, accountants, etc., or when we can't define the parameters of the thing we want so precisely that we can use the ITB process. Again, that's triggered when the cost is more than $50,000, and there we're not awarding just on the cheapest. We're outlining in each of those Request for Proposal packages a matrix of numerical evaluation factors.”Worksession re AO 2026-40(S-1), amending Anchorage Municipal Code Section 7.10.010... · May 27, 2026
0:45
Speaker A
“when we give any kind of preference, a local preference, a veterans preference, other communities have disadvantaged business entity preferences, disabled preferences, you are willing to pay more in the ITB context to advance that policy goal. In the RFP context, you're willing to go with not your preferred best option, but to the second or third place option, depending on who gets the preference, again, to advance that policy goal.”Worksession re AO 2026-40(S-1), amending Anchorage Municipal Code Section 7.10.010... · May 27, 2026
0:04
Speaker B
“the S2 would reduce the preference by 60% for veterans.”Worksession re AO 2026-40(S-1), amending Anchorage Municipal Code Section 7.10.010... · May 27, 2026
0:26
Speaker A
“Invitation to bid context, when you're evaluating bids, you would give a 5% bid preference not to exceed $50,000. Likewise, in the request for proposal context, you would then give a 5% preference on the available evaluation points when that's plausible.”Worksession re AO 2026-40(S-1), amending Anchorage Municipal Code Section 7.10.010... · May 27, 2026
0:40
Speaker A
“the way the current drafts before the S2 version are written, the veterans preference is tied solely to veteran status and not connected to Alaska at all. So if in the earlier scenario South Central Foundation, or whatever that company was, South Central Construction, was owned by someone who had served in Virginia Beach and had never been to Alaska before, they would get a preference.”Worksession re AO 2026-40(S-1), amending Anchorage Municipal Code Section 7.10.010... · May 27, 2026