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Anchorage Assembly Advances Ordinances on Tax Relief, Port Bonds and Road Levies
Local decisions on sales tax allocation, port financing and service-area levies move forward through Assembly action.
How we reported this
The Anchorage Assembly has submitted Ordinance AO 2025-133 to voters as a ballot proposition that would authorize a 3% sales and use tax, with allocations of 1% for property-tax relief, 1% for public safety and infrastructure, and 1% for childcare and housing, along with authority to borrow from the MOA Trust Fund for start-up costs.
Proposed Sales Tax Measure
This ordinance addresses multiple municipal needs at once by directing portions of the tax revenue to distinct purposes. Property-tax relief forms one segment, while public safety and infrastructure receive another, and childcare and housing receive the third. The measure also permits borrowing from the MOA Trust Fund to cover initial implementation expenses.
Port Financing and Road Service Decisions
Under Resolution AR 2026-95 the Assembly approved issuance of up to $400 million in port revenue bonds for the Don Young Port of Alaska, with proceeds intended to refinance outstanding debt and fund capital improvements. Voters in the Bear Valley Limited Road Service Area will decide on April 7, 2026, whether to approve a maximum mill levy of 2.25 mills under Ordinance AO 2025-138 to support road maintenance and snow plowing.
Governance Adjustments
Ordinance AO 2026-46 permanently sunsets the Urban Design Commission and transfers its responsibilities to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Anchorage operates under an elected Mayor and an 11-member Assembly, with the Mayor holding veto power that requires eight votes to override under the current Charter structure.
These actions reflect the Assembly's approach to managing city services through targeted revenue measures, infrastructure financing and adjustments to commission duties. The April 7, 2026, election will determine whether the Bear Valley levy takes effect, while the sales-tax proposition will appear on a future ballot. Implementation of approved measures will depend on voter outcomes and subsequent administrative steps.