Anchorage, AK

Anchorage, AK implements BallotTrax automatic tracking alerts for its vote-by-mail election system

The City of Anchorage is implementing BallotTrax automatic tracking alerts for voters using its vote-by-mail system. Voters can register at anchoragevotes.com to receive automatic updates via email, text or phone call during each stage of ballot processing. Voters are also notified if there are any issues with their ballot envelope and provided contact information for the city's election center.

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Anchorage, AK

United States

Anchorage, AK makes controversial $5.4 million plan to convert a former club into a homeless shelter

The City of Anchorage has entered into a contract to purchase a former club for $5.436 million and convert it into a homeless shelter. The plan involves transforming the building into a 125-bed congregate emergency shelter and resource hub for people experiencing homelessness. The plan is controversial as many residents living nearby believe it would increase crime and lower property values in their neighborhoods.

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Anchorage, AK

United States

Anchorage, AK revitalized its emergency communications center to reduce wait times for 911 calls

The Anchorage Police Department revitalized its emergency communications center to reduce wait times for 911 calls. In response to high 911 wait times, an average of 21 seconds, the department requested additional funding to increase support staffing and launched a 311 line for non-emergency calls. These improvements increased morale, reduced the amount of overtime shifts, and helped dispatchers prioritize emergency calls. The department aims to keep the wait time for 911 calls under 10 seconds.

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Anchorage, AK

United States

Anchorage, AK updates local businesses on COVID-19 funds and policies with ANC Small Biz Alerts

Local businesses opt into ANC Small Biz Alerts by texting STRONG to 907-891-7192. Subscribers receive weekly messages about new business relief funds and COVID-19 operating guidelines. The Anchorage Innovation Team provides one-on-one support to participants who text HELP. City officials worked with the Economic Resiliency Task Force and the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation during the development of ANC Small Biz Alerts.

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Anchorage, AK

United States

Anchorage, AK facilitates move from streets to housing with Mobile Intervention Team

The Mobile Intervention Team (MIT) is a coordinated effort by local police and the United Way of Anchorage to ease transitions from closed encampments. Each individual is placed on the coordinated entry list for housing and evaluated by a social worker and a mental health expert. MIT staffers develop long-term plans with homeless residents to meet their physical and mental health needs.

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Anchorage, AK

United States

Anchorage, AK allows citizens to access government food aid via text

For people struggling to afford food, navigating the federal supplemental nutrition assistance program can be a challenging, time consuming, and intimidating. Citizens in Anchorage can now text "SNAP" and immediately receive the information and assistance that they need.

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Anchorage, AK

United States

Anchorage, AK launched the Anchorage Open Data Portal

Anchorage's Open Data Portal provides access to various city datasets as part of the mayor's open data policy to promote transparency. This project includes over 20 datasets regarding housing, homelessness, public health, public safety, the budget, and street maintenance.

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Anchorage, AK

United States