75th Annual Local Government Conference

Stronger at 75

December 10-12, 2025
Dena’ina Center, Anchorage

 

2025 Agenda

Celebrating 75 Years

At the heart of our history is an enduring belief in empowering local governments to lead Alaska’s development through strong, flexible, and community-centered governance. Our annual conference this year marking our Diamond Jubilee, is not only a gathering of municipal leaders but a celebration of progress, partnership, and purpose. 75 years on, AML stands as a champion of municipal advancement, supporting 165 cities and boroughs across the state. We invite you to join us at this historic event and help shape the future of Alaska’s local governments for the next 75 years.

We are expecting to host more than 1000 members, partners, municipal leaders, and affiliates, who will come together to learn from each other and collaborate on efforts to address our shared challenges. We welcome all perspectives and look forward to hearing from state and local government leaders, newly elected officials, municipal staff, and conference sponsors all of whom will make this conference an overwhelming success – and certainly one to remember.

Business Meeting

At the 2024 Annual Business Meeting, AML members met to discuss and vote on resolutions, gauge opinion on current legislation, and vote for new board members.

Newly elected and re-elected officials for the AML Board of Directors include:

President

  • Lisa Parker, City of Soldotna

Vice President

  • Glenda Ledford, City of Wasilla

Treasurer

  • Donna Aderhold, City of Homer

District 2 – Kodiak/PWS
John Whiddon, City of Kodiak

District 4 – Mat-Su
Cathy Cottle, City of Wasilla

District 6 – North
Craig Moore Jr., City of Utqiagvik

District 7 – West (1 year term)
Blanch Okboak-Garnie, City of Teller

District 8 – Yukon-Kuskokwim
Sam Chanar, City of Toksook Bay

Mat-Su Borough
Stephanie Nowers, Mat-Su Borough

Director, City/Borough
Dickie Moto, Northwest Arctic Borough

NACo Representative – NACo Member City
Scott Arndt, Kodiak Island Borough

2024 Awards of Excellence:

 

In a time where community resilience and leadership are more vital than ever, AML highlighted and recognized those municipal leaders who have risen to the occasion, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of our society, positively impacting their community and shining as a guiding light for all Alaskans.

AML recognized the following Awards of Excellence:

Community Award of Excellence for Economic and Work Environment
Municipality of Anchorage/Anchorage Community Development Authority
City of Kodiak/Kodiak Recreation Center

The Municipal Employee of the Year Award
Josephine Bahnke, City of Kodiak

The Municipal Official of the Year Award
Jerilyn Kelly, City of Quinhagak

Emerging Municipal Leader Award
Corey Gronn, City of Kodiak

Vic Fischer Local Government Leadership Award
Beth Weldon
Kevin Smith

Thank you to our 2024 Conference Sponsors

Denali

Elias

Foraker

North Star

Partner

Sign Solutions​ Cordova Telecom Cooperative IBEW Local 1547

Supporter

Springbrook Software City and Borough of Juneau Michael Baker International Kuna Engineering Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Alaska Association of Harbormasters & Port Administrators icInfrastructure  Pacific Seafood Processors Association BDO USA CLIA

Conference Events

City of Aleknagik Municipality of Anchorage Assembly R&M Consultants

Exhibitors

Along with our Denali, Elias, Foraker, and North Star sponsors, the following organizations will be exhibiting at the Conference.

Alaska Division of Insurance
Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
Alaska Energy Authority
Alaska Recreation and Park Association
Alaska Works Partnership Inc
DeerStone Consulting
Denali Commission
Local Infrastructure Hub
Public Surplus
Premera
Respec
Regulatory Commission of Alaska
S3
Sprung Structures
UAS Business and Public Administration
USDA NRCS
Alaska Division of Community and Regional Affairs
Alaska Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM)
Alaska Geospatial Council
Altman, Rogers & Co.
Arcticom
Northwest Playground
Caselle
GovDeals
Katmai Solutions
Philanthropy Northwest
Providence Imaging Center
RNT Cyber Academy
Tyler Technologies
Xpress Bill Pay
UAF Cooperative Extension Service