Officials say issuing the declaration before the flood could speed up recovery efforts after.
Local Government
Juneau Assembly delays vote on ranked choice voting until after fall election
It’s already too late for the system to be implemented for this October’s municipal election, but Assembly members worried that adopting it now might confuse voters anyway.
Assembly votes down new ‘safety zone’ around Juneau’s homeless shelter — for now
Shelter staff, patrons and neighbors asked the Assembly to take action to protect the Teal Street area. They say it has become unsafe because of threats from some unhoused people camping in the vicinity.
Juneau officer placed on administrative leave following violent arrest
The Juneau Police Department has requested an independent investigation by an external agency to review the use of force by the officer.
Juneau residential utility rates will increase by 5% starting in August
The Juneau Assembly voted in June to increase residential water and sewer rates by 5% this fiscal year. The rate will continue to increase by 5% annually for the next five years.
Juneau could become first major Alaska city to adopt ranked choice voting for local elections
Supporters of the system say it helps reduce political polarization and fosters bipartisanship. Opposition predominantly comes from Alaska conservatives, who argue it makes voting unnecessarily complicated.