Conference Agenda and Presentations

Agenda

Affiliate agendas are available here.

Monday, December 9, 2024

Newly Elected Officials (NEO) Training                                                                                             Tikahtnu B

Affiliate Meetings

  • Alaska Association of Municipal Clerks (AAMC)                Tikahtnu C&D
  • Alaska Municipal Management Association (AMMA)                Kahtnu 2
  • Association of Alaska Assessing Officers (AAAO)                Kahtnu 1
  • Alaska Municipal Attorneys Association (AMAA)                Tikahtnu E&F

5:30 PM               ACoM President’s Reception                                                                                 Tikahtnu A

——–

Monday, December 9 – Newly Elected Officials Training                              Ballroom B

8:00am                Breakfast

8:30am                Welcome and Introductions  

9:00am                Quasi-Judicial Role and Ex-Parte Contact 

  • Max Holmquist, JDOLAW 

10:30 am             Break

 

10:45 am             Open Meetings Act

  • Jill Dolan, Fairbanks North Star Borough

11:45 am             Lunch – Introduction to Alaska Municipal League

  • Nils Andreassen, Executive Director

1:00pm                Roles and Responsibilities of Municipal Officials

  • Emily Wright, City & Borough of Juneau
  • Jessica Spuhler, Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot

2:30pm                Parliamentary Procedure 

  • Sheri Pierce, City of Valdez

4:30pm                Adjourn 

5:30pm                Alaska Conference of Mayors – President’s Reception                                  Ballroom A          

Invited – First-time Attendees, Newly Elected Officials, Mayors, Managers + Legislators 

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Project Cohorts (by invitation)                                                                                                              Tubughnenq 5

These sessions are intended to be quick project updates for project participants, but if you are interested in learning more you are welcome to attend.

9:00am                Coastal Resilience Cohort Planning and Next Steps EJCPS
10:00am              Safe Streets for All Cohort Safe Streets for All
11:00am              Disaster Impacted Communities – Western Alaska Disaster Impacted Communities – Western Alaska
12:00pm              Community-Oriented Municipal Planning as a Strategic Service (COMPASS) Brain Trust COMPASS Brain Trust
1:00pm                EECBG and RAS Cohorts – Energy Audit Process and Planning Jim Fowler EECBG.mp4; EECBG and RAS Cohorts Presentation
2:00pm                Code Development – Building Code Review and Discussion
3:00pm                EV Deployment in Rural Alaska EV Deployment in Rural Alaska
4:00pm                Thriving Communities – Equitable Transportation Thriving Communities – Equitable Transportation

Affiliate Meetings

  • Alaska Association of Municipal Clerks (AAMC)                Tikahtnu C&D
  • Alaska Municipal Management Association (AMMA)                Kahtnu 2
  • Association of Alaska Assessing Officers (AAAO)                Kahtnu 1
  • Alaska Municipal Attorneys Association (AMAA)                Tikahtnu E&F
  • Alaska Conference of Mayors (ACoM)                Tikahtnu B

4:30 PM               Alaska Municipal Health Trust Annual Meeting                                               K’enakatnu

Attended by current plan participants for the annual business meeting of Trustees; open to everyone.

7:00 PM               Alaska Association of Municipal Clerks – Annual Banquet                           Tikahtnu A

Alaska Conference of Mayors

Tuesday, December 10  Alaska Conference of Mayors                                                  Ballroom B 

8:00am                Breakfast

9:00am                Welcome Remarks and Introductions

  • Mayor Josh Verhagen, City of Nenana

 

9:30am                Exploring Economic Mobility in Your Community

  • Justin Chu, National League of Cities
  • Diana Goldsmith, National League of Cities

11:00am              AML Tax Study

  • Richelle Johnson, University of Alaska Center for Economic Development
  • Ian Mills, University of Alaska Center for Economic Development

 

Noon                    Lunch & Roundtable Discussions

Mayors have the opportunity to identify issues to address that may be of common concern. This facilitated discussion will occur with topics at each table and the ability to move between tables to learn or contribute. Outcomes may contribute to the conference statement.

 

1:00pm                Workplace Culture

  • Brenda Viola, President, Vici Communications LLC

 

3:00pm                ACoM Annual Business Meeting

  • ACoM President – Mayor Josh Verhagen, City of Nenana

ACoM Member Communication Platform Presentation

 

Potential Policy Statements 

 

Election of Officers 

4:30pm                Adjourn

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

8:00 AM               Breakfast                                                                                                     Tikahtnu Ballroom

8:45 am               Announcements

9:00 AM               Opening Session

  • Welcome – Beth Weldon, President, Alaska Municipal League
  • Welcome – Suzanne LaFrance, Mayor, Municipality of Anchorage
  • Welcome – Mayor David Sander, NLC Immediate Past President David Sander NLC Immediate Past President
  • Welcome – Joe Briggs, NACO West Region Representative
  • Lisa Murkowski – Video Address

9:45 AM               Infrastructure Hub

  • Nils Andreassen, Alaska Municipal League
  • Kennedra Marshall, National League of Cities Infrastructure Hub

10:15 AM            Break                                                                                                                             Foyer

10:30 AM            Live Video Address                                                                                    Tikahtnu Ballroom

  • Senator Dan Sullivan

10:45am              Getting Ready For the 34th Legislature                                                 Tikahtnu Ballroom

12:00 PM             Lunch

Keynote: Living with No Excuses – Overcoming Adversity & Leading with Resilience

  • Noah Galloway

1:15 PM               Break                                                                                                                             Foyer

1:30 pm               Concurrent Sessions

Working in a Winter Wonderland: Snow Strategies              Kahtnu 1

Moderated by Carole Triem, Alaska Municipal League

Find out how cross-departmental collaboration has led to better code compliance, increased contractor happiness, and new snow plowing technologies in the Mat-Su Borough. Hear how CBJ’s strategies led to success during last winter’s record-breaking snowfall.

Integrating Land Use, Housing, Policy, & Zoning                             Kahtnu 2

Moderated by Kaitlyn Conway, Alaska Municipal League

Learn how to craft code that encourages housing instead of unintentionally discouraging it.

  • David Guttenberg, Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly
  • Kate Huber, Valdez Community Development Direct  Land Use Kate Huber
  • Daniel Mackenna-Foster, Municipality of Anchorage  Land Use

Police Accreditation – Developing Common Standards              Tubughnenq 3

Moderated by Alicia Hughes-Skandijs, Alaska Municipal League

Learn about the benefits of police accreditation and gain practical insights into the process of achieving and maintaining a standard of excellence in law enforcement.   

  • Chief David Ross and Ben Langham, City of Kenai
  • Greg Russell, AML-JIA

Municipal Family of Plans & the Planning Process              Tubughnenq 4

Moderated by Erin Reinders, Alaska Municipal League

Behind every successful project, policy, or initiative lies a well-structured planning process. Learn about the planning process, from initial concept to implementation, highlighting the critical steps and considerations needed to create a plan that works.

We Have the Grant, Now What?              Tubughnenq 5

Moderated by Rachel Morse, Alaska Municipal League

Many local governments now have significant federal grant funding from BIL. Hear from several local government leaders about how they have adapted to the compliance and reporting requirements, the large influx of project work, and the complexities of braided funding.

  • Nils Andreassen, Alaska Municipal League
  • Aimee Williams, Kodiak Island Borough Grant_Process_Initial
  • Mayor Albert Smith, Metlakatla Indian Community
  • Terry Eubank, City of Kenai

2:45 pm               Networking Break                                                                                                      Exhibiting Hall

3:00 pm               Concurrent Sessions

Complying with Relevant Federal Rules & Regulations              Kahtnu 1

Moderated by Rachel Morse, Alaska Municipal League

Alaska staff from federal and state agencies will highlight important compliance challenges, key concepts and regulations that grantees need to understand, and what to do if you discover compliance issues needing resolution.

Strategic Planning & Being Strategic with CIPs              Kahtnu 2

Moderated by Erin Reinders, Alaska Municipal League

What guides your annual, 2, 3, 5 years decisions? Learn practical strategies for enhancing municipal planning efforts with a strategic perspective, including aligning plans with long-term visions, prioritizing projects, and monitoring progress.

Fundamentals of AI & It’s Practical Applications in Municipal Operations Tubughnenq 3

Moderated by Adam Kane, Alaska Municipal League

In this introductory session, leaders in municipalities will explore the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and its practical applications in municipal operations. 

Finding Hidden Resources: Funding and Partnerships for Housing              Tubughnenq 4

Moderated by Beth Weldon, City and Borough of Juneau

Learn how innovative approaches to leveraging can help you fill in gaps you might have overlooked.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work                                                                          Tubughnenq 5

Moderated by Carole Triem¸ Alaska Municipal League

Building a successful relationship between elected officials and staff is critical to collaboration and effective governance. This panel will explore the roles of elected officials and staff, share effective ways to communicate, provide framework for policymaking, and more.

  • John Moosey, Retired
  • Mike Brown, Mat-Su Borough
  • Pat Branson, City of Kodiak
  • Suzanne LaFrance, Municipality of Anchorage

4:15 pm               Exhibitor Showcase

4:30 PM               Program Sessions

Everyone is invited to participate in these facilitated discussions about current and upcoming AML program activities that depend on member engagement and input.

4:30 PM               ARSSTC Annual Meeting – 5 Year Birthday Bash!                                            K’enakatnu

4:30 pm               Networking in the AMLounge                                                                               2nd Floor

4:30 pm               Committee Meetings                                                                                Tikahtnu Ballroom

The AML Legislative and Resolutions Committee will conduct this formal meeting to develop and approve AML 2025 resolutions and the AML Policy Statement, for action at the Annual Business Meeting.

 5:00 pm              Nominating Committee                                                                           Tikahtnu Ballroom

The AML Nominating Committee will conduct this formal meeting to develop and approve the final candidate slate for the AML board of directors.

5:30 pm               Community Showcase & Silent Auction                                              Tikahtnu A

7:30 pm               Adjourn Day One

Thursday, December 12, 2024

7:30 am               Registration                                                                                                  2nd Floor Landing

7:30 am               Breakfast                                                                                                      Tikahtnu Ballroom

Announcements

8:00 am               AML-JIA Annual Business Meeting

8:30 am               Break

8:45 am               Concurrent Sessions

Comprehensive Sustainable Energy Action Plan              Tikahtnu A

Moderated by Griffin Plush, Alaska Municipal League CSEAP

This facilitated session will engage participants in discussions about sustainable energy planning, greenhouse gas emission reduction measures, and community planning activities.

  • Anne Kelly, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
  • Morgan Frank, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

Workforce-Doing Less with Less and How to Prioritize              Kahtnu 1

Moderated by Nils Andreassen, Alaska Municipal League

With workforce shortages increasingly experienced by local governments, management and governance decisions must weigh priorities, find or manage available resources, and work together to ensure core services are delivered effectively.

  • Mayor Sam Chanar, City of Toksook Bay
  • Jody Tow, Petersburg Borough
  • Bil Homka, City of Unalaska

Innovative Delivery of Public Safety & Behavioral Health Initiatives              Kahtnu 2

Moderated by Alicia Hughes-Skandijs, Alaska Municipal League

This session will explore connections between public safety and behavioral health, and the current activities being conducted across the state.

Competitive Bidding Processes              Tubughnenq 3

Moderated by James Marks, Alaska Municipal League

Bidding processes are part of careful procurement policy and this session will review best practices and lessons learned.

  • Brooke Cashion, State of Alaska, DOA Bidding
  • Christine Krysinski, KPMG

Cultivating Strong Planning Programs – Recruitment, Training & Tools Tubughnenq 4

Moderated by Erin Reinders, Alaska Municipal League

Alaska faces unique challenges that require local expertise and a deep understanding of its diverse communities, geography, and needs. Explore what it takes for good planning programs in Alaska, from supporting planners themselves to implementing meaningful engagement strategies and beyond.

  • Rob Dumouchel, City and Borough of Juneau Recruitment-CBJ
  • John Duffy, University of Alaska Anchorage Recruitment-UAA
  • Shelly Wade, Alaska Chapter of the American Planning Association

Drafting Short Term Rental Regulations              Tubughnenq 5

Moderated by Carole Triem, Alaska Municipal League

A perennial hot topic, hear about a variety of approaches and considerations to keep in mind when drafting or adjusting your own regulations.

10:15 am             Networking Break

10:30 am             Concurrent Sessions

Assessments & Property Tax: What You Need to Know                             Kahtnu 1

Moderated by Carole Triem, Alaska Municipal League

Has your community seen property assessments increase? This session will cover the basics of property assessments and what you need to know about assessments as an elected official. Learn how the economic development exemption can be put to use in your jurisdiction.

Tourism: Do Healthy Public Pocketbooks Make Healthy Communities? Kahtnu 2

Moderated by Alicia Hughes-Skandijs, Alaska Municipal League

Explore strategies to harness the economic benefits of tourism while addressing the challenges that come with it.

  • Angie Flick, City and Borough of Juneau Tourism-CBJ
  • Don Nickerson, Mary Edenshaw Mayor, City of Klawock, CEO of Klawock Hyeena
  • John Leach, City and Borough of Sitka Tourism-Sitka

Leveraging Data Tools and Techniques for the Municipal Process              Tubughnenq 3

Moderated by James Marks, Alaska Municipal League

This session brings together industry experts to explore how cities can leverage geographic and spatial data to improve planning, resource allocation, and service delivery. Attendees will gain practical insights into essential tools, techniques, and datasets that streamline the municipal decision-making process and enhance community impact.

Grant Management: What Funding Agencies want you to know              Tubughnenq 4

Moderated by Rachel Morse, Alaska Municipal League

Getting your grant accepted is only the first step in a relationship with the agency or organization funding your project. Hear from funders more about their processes once you are funded including reporting, relationship building, and when things go awry.

  • Robert Chambers, USDA Rural Development
  • Natalie Kovach, USDA Rural Development
  • Neverly Wake, EPA, Alaska
  • Jocelyn Fenton, Denali Commission

Collaboration in Process              Tubughnenq 5

Moderated by Griffin Plush, Alaska Municipal League

This session will discuss ways in which local and tribal governments work together to deliver benefits to communities and residents. 

  • Shauna Hegna, Koniag
  • Steven Eisenbeisz, City and Borough of Sitka
  • Tessa Baldwin, City of Kotzebue
  • Aaron Leggett, Native Village of EklutnaCollaboration-Gov2Gov
  • Meg Zaletel, Municipality of Anchorage

12:00 pm             Annual Awards Luncheon                                                                       Tikahtnu Ballroom

               Moderated by Beth Weldon, President, Alaska Municipal League

  • Elected Official of the Year
  • Municipal Employee of the Year
  • Vic Fisher Lifetime Service Award
  • Emerging Municipal Leader Award
  • Municipal Innovation Awards

Water Operator Certification Awards

  • Tammy Helms, Alaska Department of Conservation

1:00 pm               AML Membership Announcements

  • Resolution Committee – update to members for 2025 submitted resolutions
  • Nominating Committee – update to members on the slate of AML Board candidates
  • Board Candidates – candidate one-minute intros

1:30 pm               Concurrent Sessions

Public “Camping” & Managing Instability in Your Community              Kahtnu 1

Moderated by Alicia Hughes-Skandijs, Alaska Municipal League

Learn about successful approaches to tackling housing instability, collaborations with social service nonprofits to find solutions, and policy adjustments to effectively manage challenges in your community.

  • Brian Wilson, Alaska Coalition on Housing and Homelessness
  • Robert Barr, City and Borough of Juneau Public Camping-CBJ

Tax Trends & Marketplace Facilitators                             Kahtnu 2

Moderated by Nils Andreassen, Alaska Municipal League

Join us for a discussion of what AML staff are seeing in sales tax trends and potential new tools that could be considered by local governments.

  • Clinton Singletary, Alaska Municipal League Tax Trends

Safer Streets are for Everyone              Tubughnenq 3

Moderated by Britta Hamre, Alaska Municipal League

A safe streets approach is an effective way to improve the condition of communities, and action planning an effective tool for identifying projects and priorities.

  • Pam Golden, Alaska DOT&PF
  • Mayor Jacob Merculief, City of Paul SS4A
  • Jamie Taylor, Mat-Su Borough
  • Joni Wilm, Safe Streets Consultant for Mat-Su

Public Comment: The Good, The Bad, The Legal              Tubughnenq 4

Moderated by Carole Triem, Alaska Municipal League

As Parks & Rec’s Leslie Knope said: “What I hear when I’m being yelled at is people caring loudly at me.” This session will explore the benefits of public comment, some of the issues commonly associated with public comment, and what you can do to address those issues without violating a person’s First Amendment right.

  • Rob Palmer, Munson, Cacciola & Severin LLP
  • Beth McEwen, City and Borough of Juneau Public Comment

Drive Local Economic Mobility              Tubughnenq 5

Moderated by Griffin Plush, Alaska Municipal League

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of national best practices related to economic mobility, how it impacts Alaskans, and the strategies that can drive positive change. This session is ideal for policymakers, community leaders, and anyone interested in economic development.

2:45 pm               Ice Cream Social & Exhibitor Drawing

3:15 pm               Concurrent Sessions

  • Asset Management              Kahtnu 1

Moderated by Erin Reinders, Alaska Municipal League

Learn about infrastructure asset management systems and processes. Discuss how we can more strategically invest in and maintain community infrastructure now and in the future.

  • Housing Action Plans & the Need for Localized Data              Kahtnu 2

Moderated by Kaitlyn Conway, Alaska Municipal League

Data can inform strategic planning and the housing policy decisions you make, but how should you use it, and where can you get it? Hear from a variety of perspectives about what you should consider.

Role of Local Governments in Child Care Investment              Tubughnenq 3

Moderated by Carole Triem, Alaska Municipal League

Robert Barr and Nikki Love will discuss the successes of CBJ’s childcare program, now over a decade old. Austin Quinn-Davidson will present on the Anchorage Child Care and Early Education Fund, a Municipal fund that Anchorage voters created in 2023. It generates approximately five million dollars annually, all of which is dedicated to childcare and early education.

  • Robert Barr, City and Borough of Juneau
  • Nikki Love, Southeast AEYC
  • Austin Quinn-Davidson, Anchorage Child Care & Early Education Fund ChildCare

Community Resilience              Tubughnenq 4

Moderated by Danielle Meeker, Alaska Municipal League

This session will deliver deep expertise in community planning that results in increased community resilience in relation to hazard mitigation, extreme weather events, and delivering improvements in a challenging environment.

Strategic Communications              Tubughnenq 5  

Moderated by Adam Kane, Alaska Municipal League

How to be prepared for communications under duress as well as effective strategies for outreach and engagement using a variety of mechanisms.

4:30 PM               Regional Meetings – Potential for Partnerships

Join us for these facilitated planning sessions to discuss within your region projects and priorities related to project planning, grant funding and management, project management, asset management, maintenance and operations, and capital improvement processes.

  • North and Northwest                                            Kahtnu 1
  • Interior and Road System                             Kahtnu 2
  • Yukon Kuskokwim and Interior Off Road System                                            Tubughnenq 3
  • Aleutians, Kodiak, PWS                             Tubughnenq 4
  • Southeast                             Tubughnenq 5

Alaska Public Risk Alliance – the AMLJIA/APEI merger                                             K’enakatnu 6

  • Brennan Hickok and Barbara Thurston

4:30 pm               Networking in the AMLounge                                                                               2nd Floor

5:30 pm               Game Night!                                                                                                               Tikahtnu A

8:00 pm               Adjourn Day Two

Friday, December 13, 2024

7:30 am               Breakfast – Jointly with the Alaska Government Finance Officers Association

8:00 am               AMLIP Annual Meeting                                                                                           Tubughnenq

Moderated by Cheyenne Heindel, President, AMLIP Board of Directors

  • Investment Manager Report – Market Dynamics
  • Custodian Report – Membership, Participation, and Utilization
  • Investment Advisor Report Blake 2024 AMLIP Presentation
  • AMLIP Board Elections
    • Announcing 2025 Board of Directors
    • Election of Officers

9:00 am               Legislative Update

Moderated by Nils Andreassen, Alaska Municipal League

  • Gary Stevens, Senate President
  • Bryce Edgmon

9:30am                Alaska Municipal League Annual Business Meeting                                       Tubughnenq

               President’s Report

  • Beth Weldon, AML Board President; Mayor, City and Borough of Juneau

Director’s Report

Elections

Chaired by Mark Springer, Immediate Past President

Vote for new board members and officers

Legislative and Resolutions Committee

Chaired by Lisa Parker, Vice President

  • Priority & Position Statements
  • Resolutions

Election Results

Announcements

11:00 am             Agency Updates

Moderated by Nils Andreassen, Alaska Municipal League

  • Commissioner Ryan Anderson, Alaska DOT&PF

11:30 am             Adjourn Annual Conference

12:00 pm             AML Board Meeting                                                                                                  K’enakatnu

1:00 pm               Technical Convening                                                                                                 K’enakatnu