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MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE
PROCLAMIATION OF EMERGENCY
Housing, Public Health and Safety Crisis

ISSUED BY THE MAYOR OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE PURSUANT TO
ANCHORAGE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 3.70.040.

WHEREAS, the impacts of state budget cuts pose dire and imminent public health and safety risks;
and

WHEREAS, the impact of these cats within the Municipality of Anchorage will include the loss
of more than 700 jobs, decimation of services critical to the wellbeing of the most vulnerable
members ofthe Anchorage community, and a predicted increase of almost 800 individuals in. the
Anchorage homeless population; and

WHEREAS, direct cuts to services for the homeless within the Municipality of Anchorage alone
are anticipated to result in elimination of 229 shelter beds, 561 year round housing beds,
critical daytime services for homeless individuals, family, and children, and the various transitional
housing programs which currently provide a route out of homelessness; and

WHEREAS, it is anticipated the budget cuts will result in the eviction and denial of health care
services to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and persons with disabilities, and a
marked increase in the population of unhoused elderly, families, and children with no options for
shelter both during the day and overnight as colder weather approaches; and

WHEREAS, cuts to Medicaid, senior bene?ts, early childhood education, legal services, food
banks, domestic violence case management and support, and behavioral health, coupled with
anticipated job losses are predicted to drastically increase the number of individuals experiencing
a dangerous level ot?poveity; and

WHEREAS, this manmade calamity is resulting in and will continue to result in direct injury to
Anchorage residents and municipal services to such an extent and with such immediacy that
extraordinary measures must be taken not i to protect the public order, safety, and welfare.

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority granted in Article V, Section 5.02 of the Home
Rule Charter for the Municipality of Anchorage and AMC 3.80040, hereby declare that a Civil
Emergency exists within the Municipality of Anchorage based upon the events and circumstances
specified above; and

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I HEREBY PROCLAIM THE FOLLOWING EMERGENCY REGULATIONS TO BE
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY TO PRESERVE PUBLIC SAFETY AND WELFARE WITHIN
AND ADJACENT TO THE MUNICIPALITY. THE FOLLOWING EMERGENCY
REGULATIONS HAVE THE POWER OF LAW, SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR THE
DURATION OF THIS EMERGENCY, AND SHALL SUPERSEDE ALL CONFLICTING
LAWS DURING THE EXISTENCE OF THIS EMERGENCY.

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DJ

The Municipality of Anchorage Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is hereby activated to
the extent necessary to address the effects of the budget cuts as they impact housing and
public. health and safety, including as appropriate all of its provisions. Nothing in this
proclamation of emergency shall be construed to limit the powers, authority, and
responsibilities provided in the BOP.

The requirements of Chapters 7.15 and 7.20 of the Anchorage Municipal Code (AMC) are
hereby suspended for the duration of this emergency, except for the requirements set forth
in AMC 7.20.090, for the acquisition of supplies, equipment, services, personnel, fuel or
food as may be necessary to preserve and protect the public safety, health, and welfare
from the impact of the state budget cuts.

For the purpose of maintaining order and providing for housing or temporary shelter,
notwithstanding the prohibition of certain specified land uses as provided in AMC Chapter
21.05, the use of temporary structures for emergency shelter, housing, or the provision of
social services is hereby permitted during the duration of this emergency.

All resources of the municipal government, including municipal personnel, are hereby
available as necessary to cope with this emergency, Municipal departments, agencies, or
personnel may be transferred or altered in function for the purpose of performing or
facilitating performance services responsive to this emergency.

DATED this 24?1 day ot?July, 2019.

       

 

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Ethan. Berkow?i x?

Mayor
Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska