Anchorage declares a civil emergency over looming cuts

The Municipality of Anchorage has declared a civil emergency in preparation of a dramatic increase in homelessness and public safety problems, what officials call an “unprecedented” step.

At a press conference at City Hall Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Ethan Berkowitz laid out the impacts anticipated from $5.8 million in budget cuts from the governor’s vetoes to homeless assistance and social support programs.

“The amount of the cuts in Juneau, the flow of the money from Juneau, has caused us to look at an impending problem. The crisis that is coming upon us is something we can see coming our way,” Berkowitz said.

According to the administration, major problems with public safety, staffing and shelter have already started, and the mayor directed blame at the governor’s administration and state lawmakers.

Read more: https://www.alaskapublic.org/2019/07/24/anchorage-declares-a-civil-emergency-over-looming-cuts/