Madam Mayor, in remarks at the Anchorage Assembly’s Nov. 4 meeting, described the second public hearing on the proposed 2026 municipal budget as a moment for the community to engage on the city’s fiscal future and warned a lack of new revenue will force difficult service and infrastructure choices. She called for stabilizing municipal finances, diversifying revenue, and investing in housing, childcare and public safety while noting the continuing federal government shutdown could reduce food assistance and WIC services locally.

The mayor thanked the governor for declaring a state disaster emergency to enable food aid and said the municipal administration has directed staff to keep the WIC program whole in Anchorage. She also described short‑term measures the municipality has taken for federal employees and military families impacted by the shutdown, including free people mover and anchor rides and utility flexibility for affected residents.

Assembly members and the mayor also reported on the municipal response to evacuees from Western Alaska: approximately 700 people relocated to Anchorage, more than 100 families were housed in hotels and apartments, and nearly 170 children have enrolled in the Anchorage School District. The mayor said the Emergency Operations Center will provide more detail to the Public Safety and Health Committee.

After public testimony, including several speakers urging continued funding for AFD’s wildfire division, the Assembly voted to continue most budget items and the public hearings for the 2026 operating and capital budgets to the meeting of Nov. 18 so members can consider amendments and additional testimony.

The Assembly’s action means most items in the administration’s 2026 package will return for further consideration on Nov. 18, including member amendments being assembled this week.