ANCHORAGE, AK – Today, Mayor Dave Bronson provides a statement on the Supreme Court ruling to overturn Grants Pass v. Johnson.
'The overturning of Grants Pass v. Johnson provides cities like Anchorage with more tools to address homelessness effectively. More specifically, it restores Anchorage's ability to enforce its laws as it did prior to the Martin v. Boise decision in 2018. I firmly believe that homelessness should be approached with compassionate accountability, and the 9th Circuit Court's ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson previously hindered the accountability aspect. This decision presents an exciting opportunity for the incoming administration to enhance public safety in our city, particularly in problematic areas like Fairbanks Street.
I would like to extend my gratitude to the Department of Law, especially Municipal Attorney Anne Helzer, for her tireless work in including Anchorage in the amicus brief presented to the Supreme Court. I am hopeful for the future of Anchorage."
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Contact
Veronica Hoxie
Communications Director, Office of the Mayor
Veronica.Hoxie@anchorageak.gov
907-615-1568