Jeremy Hsieh, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
Jeremy Hsieh covers Anchorage with an emphasis on housing, homelessness, infrastructure and development. Reach him at jhsieh@alaskapublic.org or 907-550-8428. Read more about Jeremy here.
Anchorage Economic Development Corp. backs sales tax for property tax relief, community investment
The head of the nonprofit says business leaders are interested in a 3% sales tax with two-thirds for property tax relief.
Anchorage Assembly, Bronson trade accusations over subpoena-powers veto and override
The Assembly unpacked misleading statements in Mayor’s Dave Bronson's argument against an ordinance, then overrode his veto of it in a 9-3 vote.
Anchorage, Mat-Su utilities disagree with Eklutna village on full dam removal to restore namesake river
The public has until Feb. 19 to comment on the utilities’ hydro project river repair plan, which is much more modest.
Anchorage homeless rental program gets $1.5M boost
The Assembly also set aside $500,000 in alcohol tax revenue for a potential tiny home, transitional shelter pilot project.
Anchorage Assembly OKs public restroom, Chugach access ballot questions
The Assembly has more ballot questions to finalize by its deadline on Jan. 23.
Indiana man who manipulated Alaskan teens into murder-for-hire gets 99 years
“One down, five to go,” the victim’s father said after the sentencing.
Anchorage Assembly renames port after Don Young
Assembly members voted 10-2 to designate Anchorage's port the Don Young Port of Alaska, after the state's late congressman.
An Alaska lawmaker has quietly proposed taking over Anchorage’s port, but won’t say why
The city’s local elected officials are concerned Senate Bill 155 could lead to a knock-down, drag-out fight.
Anchorage Assembly wrestles to impasse on renaming port after Don Young
The Assembly put off the decision indefinitely. There was no consensus about what, if anything, to do next.
Anchorage leaders pitch regular rental housing as transition out of winter homeless shelters
Homelessness experts say per person, it’s cheaper than shelter. The new plan emulates what Houston, Texas, did.
Who’s behind the ads attacking Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson?
The 907 Initiative's leader says it advocates for progressive values, but isn't trying to influence elections.
Anchorage leaders reexamine snow removal, question ‘new norm’
The city’s in-house snow removal team has shrunk over time and its target time to plow out neighborhoods has gotten longer.
Anchorage Assembly overrides all Bronson budget vetoes
Some Assembly members took issue with Bronson’s stated rationale for the cuts. They debated the veto overrides for about a half-hour.
Why Anchorage Mayor Bronson vetoed funding for crisis teams he supports
An Anchorage Assembly leader says it demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding in the administration.
Anchorage teen’s accused killer on trial 45 years after her murder
Prosecutors say DNA links an Oregon man to the killing of 16-year-old Shelley Connolly. The defense says it also points to other suspects.
Alaska mother of slain ROTC cadet says lack of accountability ‘unconscionable’
A judge in Idaho dismissed a manslaughter case, and the military hasn't said if it disciplined its personnel involved in the death.
Anchorage Assembly OKs 2024 budgets with veto-proof majority
Mayor Bronson agreed with about one-third of the Assembly’s operating budget additions. They disagreed over budgeting for staff vacancies.
Anchorage mayor says downtown in a renaissance, but departing cafe’s fans disagree
Assembly Chair Chris Constant, who is often politically at odds with the mayor, agreed with Bronson’s optimism about downtown Anchorage.
Anchorage’s unsheltered and good Samaritans adapt to cold snap
The most common causes of death for unsheltered people in Anchorage are drug overdose, cardiac arrest and hypothermia.
Anchorage Assembly member calls for warming facility ahead of sub-zero weekend temps
Separately, the administration is working on lining up a contract for Assembly approval next week to establish a winter warming area for up to 50 people.