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 – Tentative 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
8:00 AM Breakfast and Welcome
9:00 AM Participate in Newly Elected Officials Training
4:30 PM Roundtable Discussions
5:30 PM ACoM/AMMA Reception with Alaska Leaders
Tuesday, December 9
8:00 AM Breakfast
8:30 AM Local Leadership Collaboration
9:30 AM Affiliate Conference Auditing
4:30 PM Break and Activity
7:30 PM Dinner
Wednesday, December 10
8:00 AM Breakfast
8:30 AM Join AML Sessions
1:15 PM Break
1:30 PM Vision Statements
2:30 PM Break
3:00 PM Vision Planning
4:00 PM Break
4:15 PM Vision Planning (cont.)
6:00 PM Legacy of Local Reception & Program
9:00 PM Adjourn
Thursday, December 11
8:00 AM Breakfast with AML
10:00 AM Partner Expectations – working with external organizations and businesses
11:30 AM Break
Noon Lunch with AML
1:15 PM Break
1:30 PM Goal Setting
2:30 PM Goal Setting (cont.)
3:30 PM Plenary: Presentation and Discussion of Goals
5:00 PM AML Reception
6:00 PM AML 75th Anniversary Gala
Friday, December 12
8:00 AM Breakfast
8:30 AM Small groups finalize and submit Resolutions
9:30 AM Conference of Young Alaskans – Presentation of Outcomes
- Lessons learned
- A Hoped-for Future
10:30 AM AML Annual Business Meeting
12:00 PM Adjourn
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.