Assembly Members Propose Ordinance to Establish Public Safety Advisory Commission

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Today, Assembly Vice Chair Anna Brawley and Assembly Members Kameron Perez-Verdia and Felix Rivera published AO 2026-62, an ordinance to establish a new Anchorage Public Safety Commission, advancing a year-long effort​ to improve dialogue, transparency, and resident engagement in public safety systems. The ordinance is set to be introduced at the April 28 Regular Assembly Meeting and scheduled for a public hearing on May 26.

The proposed ordinance would amend Anchorage Municipal Code to create a community-led advisory body focused on policy review, public engagement, and system-level recommendations. The Commission would include 14 members, consisting of nine voting commissioners and five non-voting ex officio representatives from key public safety departments. The voting membership is designed to reflect a broad cross-section of the community including individuals with lived experience, relevant subject-matter expertise, and behavioral or mental health backgrounds, while maintaining independence through limits on current or recent ties to municipal public safety agencies.

"This proposal reflects extensive community input and thoughtful deliberation about how to build stronger relationships between residents, public safety agencies, and local government," said Assembly Member Felix Rivera. "Our goal is to create a durable, community-centered forum that can help guide public safety policy and ensure that a wide range of voices are heard."

The ordinance builds on the work of a dedicated task force which met from June through November 2025 and issued recommendations to the Assembly following months of community engagement. As proposed in the ordinance, the commission would retain an advisory role while expanding its capacity to review policies, facilitate public dialogue, and develop recommendations aimed at improving public safety systems. The structure emphasizes broad and balanced representation, independence, and ongoing training to support commissioners in their roles.

Public Hearing Details
The public hearing on AO 2026-62 is scheduled to open at the Regular Assembly Meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The public is invited to share input on the ordinance:

• Provide testimony during the May 26 Regular Assembly Meeting at the Loussac Library Assembly Chambers
• Sign up by 5pm on May 25 to provide testimony during the meeting by phone: ancgov.info/testify
• Submit written testimony: ancgov.info/testify
• Email all Assembly Members: [email protected]
  

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