Alaska Municipal Leaders Unite. Hundreds of mayors and municipal officials from across Alaska are gathering in Anchorage this week for the annual Alaska Municipal League conference.
Executive Director Nils Andreassen says the conference is an opportunity to hear from members about the challenges they’re facing. “The list is long,” he says. Some key issues include the opioid crisis, lack of housing, and workforce vacancies. Andreassen notes that vacancy rates can range from 5 to 30% in some communities.
Jerilyn Kelly, Mayor of Quinhagak, says the conference offers a unique opportunity for rural communities to network and share ideas. “Our rural communities are so isolated,” She says. Kelly adds that climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing her community.
Juneau Mayor Beth Weldon says communities can learn from small ones. She cites a recent session at the conference where municipal leaders from a village shared an innovative solution to prevent erosion.
The conference continues through Friday, with members set to approve resolutions and their legislative agenda. The focus will be on how communities can work more closely with the state.
In addition, the conference provides a platform for municipal leaders to discuss economic development, public safety, and healthcare. The conference also features workshops and training sessions to help municipal officials build their skills and knowledge.
The Alaska Municipal League Conference is a valuable platform for municipal leaders to come together and address the challenges facing their communities, so making Alaska Municipal leaders unite as a crucial event.
This news story was originally published by Alaska’s News Source.
