A strong Anchorage is a safe Anchorage, and improving public safety is not only a priority, but an imperative. I have worked with my colleagues on the Assembly to pass through a wide range of initiatives and investments aimed at enhancing community safety and well-being. These have included measures to keep the Mobile Crisis Team at AFD in line with community wishes, providing funding and working with unions to enable 24/7 service and coordination of the Anchorage Fire Department’s Mobile Crisis Team and the Anchorage Police Department’s Mobile Intervention Team in 2023.
The municipality has continued funding of wildfire mitigation and beetle-kill tree removal programs, recognizing the importance of reducing the risk of wildfire and other natural disasters. Efforts to promote equity and combat bias have included funding implicit bias training and a targeted recruitment program for APD.
My colleagues and I worked hard to solidify investments in emergency equipment in Chugiak-Eagle River and Girdwood through the new Supplemental Emergency Medical Transport (SEMT) revenue funds, demonstrating a commitment to providing essential services to all residents, regardless of location or circumstance. Other measures aimed at promoting public safety have included passing an ordinance to increase fines for muffler and noise violations and maintaining funding for the Anchorage School District School Resource Officers.
By prioritizing community safety and well-being, the municipality is taking important steps to build a stronger, more resilient community where we can all breathe a little easier, and where we all share in the benefits of a safe Anchorage.