Anchorage, AK－ At last night's Assembly meeting, the body passed two
initiatives proposed by Mayor LaFrance, reflecting her administration’s
commitment to Good Government. These actions include expanding remotework opportunities for the municipal workforce and investing in equipment
to improve the Municipality’s snow response.
“Good government is functional, reliable, and focused on the needs of the
community,” Mayor LaFrance said. “Our team is working to invest in a solid
foundation so we can keep building on it.”
Municipal departments have been operating despite high vacancies with a
current vacancy rate around 16%. Directors identified lack of telework or
remote-work opportunities made municipal jobs less competitive.
“During the pandemic the MOA transitioned to remote work, like most
employers,” Chief Administrative Officer Bill Falsey said. “But after the
pandemic—unlike many employers—the Municipality reversed course. That
choice made it harder to recruit and retain workers.”
Last night’s approval is a piece of Mayor LaFrance’s broader effort to make the
Municipality a more attractive and effective employer. By approving AR 2024-
255, the Assembly ratified the administrative agreement negotiated with the
Anchorage Municipal Employees Association (AMEA) to allow expanded
remote-working opportunities.
Chief Fiscal Officer Alden Thern and his team delivered the 2022 Annual
Consolidated Financial Report (ACFR) earlier this summer after a historic
delay. Closing the books clarified remaining money in the Municipality’s “fleet
fund,” a key source of investment for snow-response equipment.
Closing the financial books of 2022 has been a positive step for us to be able
to take decisive action to support our current needs,” said Chief Fiscal Officer
Alden Thern.
The Assembly approved AR 2024-284, which appropriated $3,750,000 for
snow equipment to serve the city, including ten 4x4 pickups with plows, one
“Vactor” vacuum truck, one sander truck with belly blade and plow, and three
motor graders.
“We’ve seen a systematic lack of investment in our core infrastructure,
including snowplowing equipment,” said Municipal Manager Becky Windt
Pearson. “Closing the books and bringing snow removal equipment to
Anchorage is a win-win for our city.”
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Media Contact: Amanda K. Moser
907-615-7852
Amanda.K.Moser@anchorageak.gov