And it's just about over

Dear Neighbor,

I hope your summer has been as fulfilling as mine has!

This July I had the opportunity to attend the State Legislative Foundation's Emerging Legislative Leaders Program in Charlottesville, Virginia. In addition to discussion about policy challenges in our respective states, the program provided a valuable opportunity to share best practices in our legislative work and strategies for overcoming the increased partisanship that frequently derails practical solutions nationwide.

I also spent some time at Fort Riley, Kansas for my Annual Training in the Alaska Army National Guard and recently returned from a trip to Fairbanks for the Alaska Defense Forum. I'm glad to be back in the district, and my office remains open if you have any constituent matters you would like me to work on.

Here's a look at some of what's on my radar this fall.

Here I am at the office of the Staff Judge Advocate in Fort Riley, Kansas.

Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan

Learn about the 2023-27 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) and the Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions (AMATS) 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP)!

Saturday, 2PM

Tikishla Park

Biking over at 2:30pm

Arriving @ Alpenglow Brewing by 2:45pm!

AMATS representatives will also be there to help answer questions!

Read the STIP

Read the 2050 MTP

Anchorage Protected Bike Lanes Pilot Study

From Assemblymember Volland:

The Anchorage Protected Bike Lanes (PBL) Pilot Study is a joint project between DOT&PF in cooperation with the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA). The project will be testing a variety of protected bike lane treatments that have proven successful around the country and will now be tested along Pine/McCarrey Streets here in Anchorage!

The goals of this project are to learn how to implement, improve and provide safe, reliable access for pedestrians, bicycles, and transit riders. We are encouraging all of Anchorage to come experience the temporary installations in our Pilot Study Corridor during the month of September along Pine Street and McCarrey Street.

Day 1 Celebration

Saturday, Sep 9th

10am to 11am

Russian Jack Springs Park Polar Bear Playground

Still under contruction.

Photo Courtesy: Emily Weiser

Keeping Alaskans Connected

Growing up in rural Alaska, I understood early the importance of communication technology to our communities. Now, more than ever, we need to ensure that every resident has access to the tools they need to succeed in our digital age. The Affordable Connectivity Program has been pivotal in ensuring connectivity, especially in rural areas, but funding is dwindling. Read my op-ed in the Cordova Times.

Extending the Affordable Connectivity Program is crucial, especially in rural Alaska

Need Help Finding Help?

No matter where you live in Alaska, 2-1-1 is your one-stop resource for connecting with a wide variety of services in your community.

We know certain issues can be hard to navigate online. Sometimes a conversation is more helpful than an online search.

Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-478-2221, or email Alaska211@ak.org.

Alaska 2-1-1 is operated by United Way of Anchorage with support from community funders.

Child care

Public benefits

Addiction support groups

Food pantries

Housing assistance

Mental health services

Senior care

Legal assistance

Health care

Veteran services

and so much more.

Municipal Capital Funding Requests

The Anchorage Assembly has begun reviewing capital project funding requests.

· September 8, 1-2:30pm: Assembly worksession on 120-Day Budget Memo

· October 19, time tbd: Assembly worksession #1 on General Government Operating and Capital Budgets

· October 24, Regular Assembly Meeting: Public hearing #1 on budget

· October 26, time tbd: Assembly worksession #2 on General Government Operating and Capital Budgets

· November 7, Regular Assembly Meeting: Public hearing #2 on budget

· November 17, time tbd: Assembly worksession on proposed budget amendments

· November 21, Regular Assembly Meeting: Assembly amendments and adoption of budget

Press Release

Ethics Committee Vacancy

The Select Committee on Legislative Ethics has an alternate public member vacancy.

Public members are selected by the Chief Justice of the Alaska Supreme Court and ratified by 2/3 of the full membership of the legislature. Public members serve a three-year term.

The Ethics Committee has nine members: two senators; two house representatives; and five

public members. Two of the public members reside in Fairbanks, two in Anchorage, and one in Nome. There is currently no representation from Southeast Alaska or from the Kenai area.

Please send a letter of interest along with a resume to Chief Justice Peter J. Maassen, Alaska Supreme Court, 303 K St., Anchorage, AK 99501. Include your political party affiliation as noted on your voter registration on file with the Alaska Division of Elections.

Learn more about the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics at http://ethics.akleg.gov/.