Celebrating 75 Years of Local Government – Shaping the Next 75
The Alaska Municipal League (AML) is excited to host the 2025 Conference of Young Alaskans (COYA), to be held in conjunction with our 75th Annual Local Government Conference this December in Anchorage.
In celebration of the Alaska Municipal League’s 75th Anniversary, we are inviting emerging leaders from across the state to participate in a revitalized Conference of Young Alaskans (COYA). This unique opportunity will run parallel with AML’s Annual Local Government Conference, bringing together young Alaskans for a week of learning, deliberation, and leadership.
COYA will bring together a cohort of 55 young leaders (ages 18–25) from across Alaska to explore the future of local governance in the state. Delegates will:
- Participate in AML’s Newly Elected Officials training
- Learn from elected and appointed officials
- Join issue-focused sessions throughout the week
- Take part in two days of structured deliberations
- Develop a shared vision for the future of local government in Alaska
These deliberations will culminate in a presentation to AML members, with recommendations and resolutions for the next 75 years of municipal leadership.
Contact Hannah Atkinson at hannah@akml.org with any questions about the 2025 COYA.
COYA 2025:
- Introduce delegates to the foundations of local government
- Offer full access to AML’s conference sessions and affiliate meetings
- Engage participants in structured discussions about the future of local governance
- Culminate in a public presentation of resolutions and recommendations to AML’s membership
We’re seeking a diverse cohort of Alaskans aged 18-25 who demonstrate:
- An interest in public service or civic engagement
- Commitment to community and local leadership
- Willingness to participate fully in a demanding, collaborative experience
Conference of Young Alaskans – Program
Anchorage, December 2025 | Held alongside AML’s 75th Annual Local Government Conference
This week-long immersion ensures young delegates are inspired by municipal leaders, trained in governance fundamentals, and empowered to shape Alaska’s local future.
Monday, December 8
8:30 AM Introductions and Ground Rules
9:15 AM What is COYA
9:30 AM Introductions of Participants
10:30 AM Break
10:45 AM NEO – Roles and Responsibilities
11:45 PM NEO – Lunch and Introduction to Alaska Municipal League
1:00 PM Participant Round Table
Participants will share their background and topics of interests related to local government
2:15 PM Break
2:30 PM NEO – Parliamentary Procedure
3:30 PM NEO – Mock Meeting
4:30 PM Mingle with Local government professionals
Professionals will have 5 minutes to convey to small groups of participants information that is relevant to understanding and working to address local government issues
6:00 PM Dinner
Tuesday, December 9
8:00 AM Breakfast
8:30 AM Local Leadership Collaboration
Municipal Officials will meet with participants to discuss addressing current challenges and opportunities, with an opportunity for delegates to listen and contribute.
9:15 AM ACOM – Relationship between Municipal Officials and Staff
10:45 AM ACOM – Active Municipal Communications – Filling the Void with Facts and Policy
12:00 PM ACOM – Lunch – Elevator Pitch
1:00 PM Telling Your Story
As the 2025 Cohort of Young Alaskans, you will consider the AML 75th Anniversary theme “Our Legacy, Our Future,” reflecting on your background, lessons learned, and vision for your community. This will result in a letter to be shared with the AML membership.
2:00 PM Break
2:15 PM Elected official speaker
3:30 PM Tour at the Port of Anchorage
Field trip to the Port of Anchorage to watch shipping activity and learn about this municipal asset that serves the state and nation.
5:00 PM Dinner
Wednesday, December 10
8:00 AM Breakfast
8:30 AM Join AML Sessions
- Opening Ceremony
- Presidents’ Welcome
- Recognition of Service
- 75 Years Young
- Lunch – State of the State – A System of the Down
1:00 PM Break
1:15 PM Intersections with Local Government
Professionals outside of local government meet with delegates to connect to the bigger picture.
2:30 PM Break
2:45 PM Telling Your Story
The group will finalize the product (letter, video, art poster) responding to the 75th Anniversary theme “Our Legacy, Our Future”
4:00 PM Closing Speaker
5:30 PM Legacy of Local Reception & Program
Are you interested in Applying?
Talk to your local municipal officials!
Your local government sponsor will be asked to financially support your attendance at this conference. If your municipality is unable to financially support your participation, scholarships may be available.
Key Details
- Dates: December 8-12, 2025
- Location: Dena’ina Center, Anchorage, Alaska
- Costs Covered: Conference registration
- Deadline to Apply: November 7, 2025 by 11:59 PM
Eligibility and Selection
Delegates must be nominated by AML member municipalities and selected for their interest in public service, civic engagement, and community leadership. Your local government sponsor will be asked to financially support your attendance at this conference. This means travel, lodging, and meals will be provided by sponsoring local governments. If your municipality is unable to financially support your participation, scholarships may be available. Please contact Hannah Atkinson regarding the need for any support.
For more information, contact Hannah Atkinson at hannah@akml.org.
Apply Now
Complete and submit this form to apply for the 2025 Conference of Young Alaskans, which will take place December 8-12, 2025, at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage.