By SUZANNE DOWNING
July 13, 2026 – After weeks of criticism from residents and law enforcement supporters, the Anchorage Assembly has unveiled a significantly revised version of its proposed Public Safety Partnership Commission, backing away from some of the more controversial provisions that drew opposition this spring.
The substitute ordinance, introduced last Tuesday by Assembly Chair Anna Brawley and Assembly Member Kameron Perez-Verdia, replaces the original version of AO 2026-62 that many citizens viewed as an attempt to create a civilian body with broad influence and authority over policing and public safety policy.
The Assembly leaders say the revised proposal is intended to create “a permanent forum for collaboration among public safety agencies, service providers, and community members” to identify emerging public safety issues and recommend improvements. They describe the commission as a venue for transparency, coordination, and public engagement rather than an oversight board.
“We intentionally chose the word ‘partnership’ because that’s what this commission is about,” Perez-Verdia said in announcing the substitute ordinance. “Public safety is strongest when residents, public safety professionals, and local government work together to identify challenges and shape solutions.”
Brawley said the new draft reflects months of feedback from residents, public safety professionals, and community organizations.
But while the latest version is less sweeping than the original proposal, opponents remain skeptical, arguing that creating the commission establishes a framework that could later be expanded by future Assemblies.
One of the most criticized features of the original ordinance was its emphasis on appointing commissioners with “lived experience” interacting with law enforcement. Citizens questioned whether that language effectively prioritized individuals who had repeated encounters with police or the criminal justice system over victims of crime, neighborhood leaders, or residents with other public safety perspectives.
The revised ordinance softens and restructures the membership requirements while adding ex officio participation from key public safety departments and clarifying the commission’s responsibilities.
Those changes appear designed to address concerns raised during two public hearings held in May and June, where many speakers argued the proposal duplicated existing advisory bodies while risking unnecessary political influence over policing.
The Assembly postponed a vote after those hearings, citing substantial public interest, and scheduled an additional hearing for July 21.
Although the substitute ordinance no longer contains some of the broader language that alarmed critics, questions remain about where the commission could ultimately lead.
Because the commission would be established in municipal code, a future Assembly could amend its authority, responsibilities, or relationship with the Anchorage Police Department by passing additional ordinances. Critics argue that what begins as an advisory partnership could later evolve into a body with greater oversight responsibilities if future political majorities choose to expand its role.
Supporters counter that the current proposal is advisory only and is intended to improve communication among public safety agencies, service providers, and the public rather than direct police operations.
The Assembly has scheduled a work session from noon to 1:30 pm on July 14 to review the substitute ordinance and discuss proposed amendments. The meeting is open to the public but will not include public testimony.
The continued public hearing and potential vote on the ordinance are scheduled for the Assembly’s regular meeting on July 21. Residents who testified on earlier versions of the proposal may testify again, although comments will be limited to changes contained in the substitute version.
Clarification: The S version made the five law enforcement members into ex officio (non voting members), and the S1 version of the ordinance puts the five law enforcement members back into ex officio status.
5 thoughts on “Anchorage Assembly scales back controversial public safety oversight proposal, but debate isn’t over”
That makes my eyes hurt
Brawley is and looks like an idiot.
advisory board members who’ll be Democrat leaning
I think that dead whale washed up three miles from city hall was more than just a warning that Anchorage was dying. It seemed to be telling Anchorage is dead.
A Democrat public safety advisory board will just make Anchorage police more confused and create a more dangerous place to live, work, and raise a healthy family.
I used to be hopeful in that Anchorage will turn around. Anchorage and Alaska is more dead than it ever was before.
Revival depends on the Church community on Anchorage and Alaska, which seems to be smaller and smaller just like less people registering Democrat.
The churches make more proselytes For every new believer walking through its doors more than a genuine follower of Jesus Christ, people who want only the good blessing from God but not his discipline and correction. And they Expect God’s good grace just for being a believer and good as they know of it doesn’t t come to them they’ll leave God , the Word, and Church all together.
A Democrat public safety advisory board will just make the community put up with more lawlessness from others because of whatever the advisory councils says
She’s so AWFL