Politics & Government
RSSPolitics & Government in Alaska is the activity of state and local elections, lawmaking and public administration. It covers campaigns, ballot measures, ethics and campaign finance, legislative and executive action, and municipal and borough council decisions across Alaska communities.
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Tuesday, May 26
Alaska Auto-IRA Bill Lets Workers Save PFD for Retirement
Alaska passed auto-IRA bill letting workers save Permanent Fund Dividend checks for retirement. • Program auto-enrolls private workers with paycheck deductions, costs employers nothing. • Targets half of Alaska workers without employer retirement plans. • Addresses senior poverty as Social Security falls short of Alaska living costs.
by Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago1 min read
Monday, May 25
Rookie Anchorage officer among three who fired in fatal shooting
Three Anchorage officers, including rookie Justin Miller, fired on armed 33-year-old Emil McCord near Bragaw and Reka Drive after midnight May 19. McCord died at a hospital. State prosecutors will review whether the use of force was justified.
by Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago2 min read
State identifies man, officers in fatal Utqiagvik police shooting
Police in Utqiaġvik shot and killed 46-year-old Gordon Killbear Jr. on May 23 after he emerged from a barricaded room with a knife during a domestic violence call.
by Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago1 min read
DNR grants 4.55-acre public easement through state land in Trapper Creek
Alaska DNR approved a public easement across state land in Trapper Creek, giving landowner Troy Church legal road and utility access to his property while keeping the half-mile corridor open to the general public.
by Bill AlaskaNews5mo ago2 min readFrom 
Mat-Su Assembly blocks sales tax proposal before public hearing
Mat-Su Assembly blocked a 1.5% sales tax proposal before public hearing, voting 6-3 to remove it from the agenda. • Assemblymember Nowers wanted to pair the tax with a $75,000 property tax exemption for homeowners. • Opponents said it added taxes rather than replacing them. A different 6.5% sales tax proposal remains scheduled for June 16 hearing.
by Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago2 min read
Sunday, May 24
Juneau Assembly Finance Committee cuts $736,000 in recurring expenses, faces $687,000 deficit
Finance Committee cut $736,000 from city budget but Juneau still faces $687,000 deficit for 2027. Travel Juneau funding dropped $400,000, museum budget cut $261,500, and landscape budget trimmed $75,000. Committee rejected cuts to affordable housing and fire station lease that would raise insurance costs. Full Assembly votes on budget June 8.
by Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago2 min readFrom 
Cordova Council debates mill rate hike as school funding deadline nears
Cordova Council must choose by June 3 between raising property taxes or using federal funds for a $181,000 school budget increase. City Manager Sam proposed raising the mill rate to 12.07, costing homeowners about $404 more yearly. Council has $436,000 to $486,000 in available federal funding but debates if one-time money can reliably fund ongoing school costs.
by Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago2 min read
Anchorage proposes second round of child care licensing code changes
Anchorage Assembly votes May 26 on second round of child care licensing cuts to remove rules that duplicate state standards. Changes include dropping annual physicals for children, eliminating nutrition rules already covered by state and USDA, and allowing more online training. City oversees 92 licensed homes and 98 centers with no new revenue impact expected.
by Cale Green5mo ago2 min read
More from Politics & Government
Anchorage faces $31M deficit across internal service funds
Anchorage has $31 million in deficits across internal service funds. • Whoops!
by Cale Green5mo ago2 min read
Cordova Council approves $181,000 school funding increase, defers payment decision
Cordova Council approved $181,000 school funding increase, half the district's request. • Council delays payment decision until May 20, debating mill-rate increase. • District needs to split 36-student seventh grade class and hire math teacher. • Cordova High School ranked Alaska's top high school two consecutive years.
by Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago2 min read
Sullivan-backed federal work drives Alaska shipyard training deal
AIDEA, JAG Marine Group, and Generations Southeast signed a workforce training agreement January 13 to prepare Alaskans for shipyard jobs tied to federal icebreaker and Coast Guard maintenance work Senator Dan Sullivan has promoted.
by Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago2 min readPetersburg proposes area-wide property tax to balance FY27 budget
Petersburg adds 1.71 mills to property taxes to cover 5% budget increase. • Health insurance costs rise $90,000, plus vehicle replacement and wage raises. • Marine passenger fee increases from $5 to $8 per head starting January 2027. • Final budget vote scheduled for June 1.
by Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago2 min read
Petersburg sees early revenue gains after senior sales tax exemption removal
Petersburg gained 26000 dollars in January and 22000 dollars in February sales tax revenue after removing a senior exemption. • The borough removed the exemption to balance its budget without drawing reserves. • The assembly will consider raising the 1200 dollar sales tax cap in May, the lowest in Southeast Alaska. • Voters must approve any cap increase. Final budget approval is June 1.
by Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago2 min read
Kenai proposes $1.55 million for street work, pay raises in 2027 budget
Kenai budgets $1.55 million for street work and 2 percent pay raises for all staff. • Paramedic and police certification pay increases to match neighboring departments. • City allocates $300,000 for public safety building design ahead of November 2027 bond vote. • Water and sewer rates rise 4 percent to cover inflation and future plant upgrades.
by Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago2 min read
Fairbanks gathering honors victims of unsolved homicides
Fairbanks Native Association, Doyon Limited, and city and borough partners held a remembrance gathering May 5 at Golden Heart Plaza to honor victims of unsolved homicides and call for justice.
by Maggie AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago2 min read
Petersburg voters to decide on sales tax cap increase in October
Petersburg Assembly voted 6-1 Monday to put a sales tax cap increase on the October 6 ballot, raising the single-purchase limit from $1,200 to $5,000 and the maximum tax owed from $72 to $300.
by Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago2 min read
About Politics & Government
Politics and government in Alaska takes in state and local elections, lawmaking and public administration. It covers campaigns, ballot measures, campaign finance, legislative and executive action, and decisions by municipal assemblies and borough and city councils.
Recurring questions include how campaigns are funded and who pays for outside spending and political messages, which candidates qualify for the ballot, and how state agencies write and repeal regulations. Local governments such as the Anchorage Assembly and the Ketchikan assembly weigh spending on roads, water systems and police programs.
The subject reaches across the Legislature, state agencies and municipal governments. Advisory boards and councils that take public comment on matters such as state parks and disability policy are part of it as well.
More from Politics & Government
Ketchikan fails to reach agreement with city manager candidate
Ketchikan City Council and selected city manager candidate Glen Adams failed to reach agreement on employment terms Friday, ending negotiations for the combined city manager and utilities general manager role.
by Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago1 min read
Anchorage Assembly considers new Public Safety Commission with community focus
Anchorage Assembly considers reviving a Public Safety Commission with nine voting community members and five non-voting agency reps. Commission would advise on police and fire policies, hold public hearings, and request records, but cannot investigate or discipline. Public hearing set for May 26.
by Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago2 min read
Saturday, May 23
Person dies after officer-involved shooting in Utqiaġvik
A person died Saturday after an officer-involved shooting in Utqiaġvik. Alaska State Troopers are investigating.
by Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago1 min read
Ketchikan Council selects Glenn Adams as new city manager
Ketchikan City Council voted 6–1 to hire Glenn Adams as city manager and utilities director. Adams has 26 years of military experience managing large facilities and previously led cities in Virginia and Texas.
by Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago1 min read
Kodiak Assembly weighs $800,000 school funding compromise
Kodiak Assembly proposed $800,000 school funding using one-time earnings instead of raising property taxes. • School district faces rising costs while state funding has stalled since 2011. • District is depleting reserves and full funding would cut building repairs and hospital upgrades. • Assembly split on using temporary money for ongoing costs.
by Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago2 min read
Kodiak residents defend auditorium position as school budget vote nears
Kodiak residents urged the assembly to fund the auditorium technical director or risk losing a key community facility. • The 700-seat auditorium hosts school shows and touring acts but has only one staff member. • Assembly members explored moving the position to the borough budget instead of school budget. • The school district is requesting $1.6 million more in local funding for fiscal year 2027.
by Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago2 min read
Juneau Assembly votes 8-1 to end gondola deal, repay Goldbelt $12.2M
Juneau Assembly votes 8-1 to end gondola deal with Goldbelt. • City must repay $12.2 million, including $10 million principal plus interest. • Rising costs made the project financially infeasible with public funds. • City can still explore future partnerships with Goldbelt or others.
by Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago2 min read
Juneau Assembly faces budget crisis with projected negative fund balance
Juneau faces $1 million budget shortfall by 2027 after tax cuts reduced revenue. • Assembly must cut services, close facilities, or raise property taxes before June 15 vote. • Residents pushed back Monday against closing recreation facilities like Eagle Crest. • City approved $12.2 million repayment for failed gondola project.
by Walter AlaskaNewsadded 5mo ago2 min read
Alaska DOT faces continued budget shortfall despite partial restoration
Alaska DOT gets only half of $5 million budget restored for next fiscal year, leaving shortfalls in equipment, utilities, and energy costs. • Department will keep cost controls in place and monitor spending to protect maintenance services. • Capital budget and federal matching funds were fully approved for fiscal year 2027.
by Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago2 min read
East High students organize benefit concert to save band program
East High students host benefit concert Saturday to save band program facing elimination due to budget cuts. • School plans to cut band director position, affecting 100 students across five classes. • Concert runs 2 to 5 p.m. at Club Nyt Lyt with $15 suggested donation, all proceeds to band account. • Anchorage schools cutting programs after state education funding remained flat.
by Alaska News5mo ago2 min read
Kodiak drill conductor course trains mariners to lead safety drills
Alaska Marine Safety Education Association offers a two-day Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor Course in Kodiak on May 27-28 to train commercial fishermen as certified safety leaders who can lead emergency drills and meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements.
by Alaska News5mo ago1 min read
Friday, May 22
Alaska, Forest Service sign 20-year shared stewardship timber deal
Alaska and Forest Service signed a 20-year timber deal to jointly manage federal lands and boost restoration work. • State aims to harvest young growth forests in Southeast Alaska for 400 to 500 million board feet annually. • Current harvest is only 100 to 120 million board feet per year, down from nearly a billion three decades ago.
by Bill AlaskaNews5mo ago2 min read
Alaska seniors lost $8M to scams as programs expand to meet growing population needs
Alaska seniors lost 8.17 million dollars to scams in 2024, led by tech support fraud. • Senior population grew 78 percent since 2010 and now makes up 22 percent of the state. • State launched a mobile app to help seniors apply for eight public assistance programs. • Community programs are expanding volunteer services and elder abuse awareness.
by Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago2 min read
Sitka Deputy Mayor Pike to resign; Assembly to fill vacant seat
Sitka Deputy Mayor Timothy Pike resigns effective June 23, 2026. Assembly votes May 26 on how to fill the seat and adopts three budget ordinances for fiscal year 2027. Meeting starts 6 p.m. at Assembly Chambers, 330 Harbor Drive.
by Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago2 min read
Seward Council to decide fate of pool that trained Olympic gold medalist
Seward City Council meets Tuesday to decide if it will fund the high school pool, which trained Olympic gold medalist Lydia Jacoby. • The school district plans to close all its pools without new money or a city takeover. • Community swimmers are urging residents to speak at the meeting to keep the facility open.
by Alaska News5mo ago2 min read
Thursday, May 21
Alaska House approves three day recess for Memorial Day weekend during gas line special session
Alaska House votes to recess two weeks during special session on gas line taxation, allowing members to leave for Memorial Day weekend. • Opponents warn the break could delay the gas line bill, which they call the state's most urgent issue. • House also approves carrying over two companion bills on natural gas pipeline property taxes into the special session.
by Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago2 min read
Cordova council weighs hazard plan tied to federal disaster funds
Cordova City Council voted on its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, required by FEMA to keep federal disaster and resilience funding. Without approval, the coastal city risks losing money for seawalls and flood protection.
by Alaska News5mo ago1 min read
IHS proposes $93M sanitation cut as Alaska Native villages face sanitation gaps
Indian Health Service proposes cutting sanitation funding by 93 million dollars in Alaska Native villages that still use honey buckets. • Over 2,000 water and sanitation projects remain unfunded across Indian Country. • Senator Murkowski challenged the cut, saying sanitation prevents illness. • Congress rejected similar cuts last year and plans to fight again.
by Maggie AlaskaNews5mo ago3 min read
VA budget seeks $488 billion with 60,000 Alaska veterans facing shift toward private care
VA requests $488 billion budget, shifting $17 billion toward private care while holding VA facility funding flat, affecting 60,000 Alaska veterans. • VA lost 50,000 employees in 2025 and 2026, raising concerns about workforce and direct care. • Budget cuts appeals processing and oversight despite rising caseloads. • Includes $10.4 billion for infrastructure and health records modernization.
by Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago3 min read
Alaska Senate opens special session on natural gas tax overhaul
Alaska Senate opened special session to overhaul natural gas taxes through Senate Bill 2001. • New volumetric tax on gas throughput and revised municipal property tax calculations for schools. • Governor Dunleavy called session under May 19 proclamation limited to natural gas tax bills. • Senate coordinating with House and three state departments to avoid costly errors.
by Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago2 min read
Dunleavy vetoes transit plan, calls special session on gas pipeline tax
Governor Dunleavy vetoed a statewide transit bill and called a special legislative session to address natural gas pipeline taxation, with Senate Finance Committee hearings beginning Wednesday at 9 a.m.
by Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago2 min read
Alaska Senate urges apprentice hiring goals for veterans on defense projects
Alaska Senate unanimously passed a resolution urging Congress to set hiring goals for apprentices and veteran apprentices on U.S. Defense Department construction projects.
by Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago1 min read
Alaska Senate passes $13.9B operating budget with $200 energy relief
Alaska Senate approved $13.9B budget with $200 energy relief per person added to Permanent Fund Dividend. • Budget passed 17-3 and includes $11M for heating assistance and $29.1M in school fuel grants. • Operating budget maintains $44M surplus and now goes to House for final vote.
by Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago2 min read
Alaska Senate passes special education funding and Palmer judge bills
Alaska Senate unanimously passed bill increasing special education funding by 16 percent per student. • Senate also approved adding a fifth Superior Court judge in Palmer to reduce case backlog from 680 to 540 cases per judge.
by Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago1 min read
