Anchorage Mayor-elect Suzanne LaFrance announced on Thursday the selection of 18 leaders for her transition team as she prepares to assume office on July 1, following her victory over incumbent Dave Bronson in the mayoral runoff.
The transition team is divided into three groups, each led by prominent Anchorage residents, former legislators, and community leaders, focusing on LaFrance’s priority areas: “good government,” “safe streets and trails,” and “building our future.” These areas were highlighted in a written statement from LaFrance’s team.
Members of the transition teams include Bill Popp, a former longtime leader in Anchorage economic development who lost in the regular mayoral election but endorsed LaFrance in the runoff; Aaron Leggett, president of the Native Village of Eklutna; Democratic former state Rep. Ivy Spohnholz; and former Assembly member and Republican state Rep. Jennifer Johnston.
The “good government” team will tackle issues such as fully staffing city departments, balancing the city budget, and enhancing service delivery. The “safe streets and trails” team will address homelessness, fill vacancies in the police department, and improve public safety in communal spaces. The “building our future” team will focus on enhancing economic opportunities, increasing housing availability, providing affordable childcare, and ensuring a reliable energy future.
Each team will gather input from community members impacted by these issues. LaFrance has tasked the teams with producing an overview of current challenges in each focus area and providing a concise list of actionable steps the municipality can take to progress. Additionally, the teams will recommend how the LaFrance administration can collaborate with residents, community groups, and businesses to address these challenges.
Earlier in the week, LaFrance appointed former municipal attorney Becky Windt Pearson as Anchorage’s municipal manager and Katie Scovic, LaFrance’s campaign manager, as chief of staff.
“Anchorage faces big challenges and opportunities to move our community forward,” LaFrance stated Thursday. “It’s going to take all of us working together. I’m honored to have talented leaders on board as we engage our community to identify obstacles and opportunities.”
