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4 hours ago

Assembly rejects mayor’s 'split‑and‑sell' plan for Telephone Hill, votes to delay demolition until RFQ responses After debate, the assembly voted down Mayor Weldon’s proposal to divide Telephone Hill into three lots for sale and instead approved a motion not to award the demolition contract until developer RFQ responses are received, directing the manager to prioritize outreach to potential respondents.

The Juneau assembly just voted to halt demolition plans for Telephone Hill, sparking a heated debate over the future of this prime land amid public outcry and procedural concerns.

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4 hours ago

Manager recommends terminating Goldbelt RSA; assembly introduces ordinance and appropriation by unanimous consent City staff recommended terminating the gondola RSA with Goldbelt and appropriating funds to exit the agreement; the assembly approved introduction of ordinances to terminate the RSA and appropriate $9.5 million of fund balance plus $2.7 million in project funds to cover repayment and contingencies.

The Juneau City assembly is on track to potentially terminate the stalled Eagle Crest gondola project, as city managers reveal a looming $12 million repayment deadline and various options for moving forward.

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2 days ago

media eligibility and audit Transcript is civic municipal content appropriate for article generation.

The Juneau City Assembly's recent budget session revealed crucial civic policy discussions that could shape the future of local governance.

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2 days ago

Assembly warned of $14 million sales-tax shortfall as members outline two-year budget plan Juneau officials told residents the FY27 budget faces a larger-than-expected gap — driven by a mill-rate cap and sales-tax exemptions — and laid out a two-year plan using targeted service reductions, fee increases and a temporary draw on fund balance to smooth the transition.

Juneau officials are facing a staggering $14 million shortfall in the FY27 budget, prompting a vital community forum to discuss how to navigate tough financial waters.

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1 month ago

Bartlett Hospital board outlines budget pressures, clinic growth and Medicaid uncertainty Hospital leaders told the Finance Committee that Bartlett expects FY26 expenditures to exceed budget because of clinic expansions and timing/reimbursement issues; they projected FY27 positive net income but warned that changes to Medicaid and lapse of a rural demonstration program could materially affect future revenue.

Bartlett Hospital leaders are navigating budget challenges and clinic expansions, with hopes for a positive FY27 despite looming uncertainties in Medicaid funding.

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1 month ago

Juneau airport presents FY27 budget, warns urgent need to secure a second ARFF truck Airport manager Andres Delgado told a joint meeting of the Assembly finance committee and airport board that FY26 is slightly under budget but the airport faces an urgent safety and operational risk: two of three aircraft rescue firefighting (ARFF) trucks were unavailable recently, leaving a single in-service truck and prompting proposals to forward-fund a second vehicle and seek PFC reimbursement.

Juneau Airport faces a critical operational risk with just one functioning firefighting truck, prompting urgent calls for funding a second vehicle before the busy summer travel season begins.

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1 month ago

Bartlett Hospital projects positive FY27 but warns of reimbursement uncertainty and service losses At a joint meeting with the assembly, Bartlett Hospital leaders outlined FY26 overruns tied to clinic expansion, projected a FY27 net income excluding expired federal demonstration money, and warned that hospice and home-care services are operating at monthly losses.

Bartlett Hospital faces financial challenges with expanding clinics and ongoing service losses, yet projects a positive net income for FY27 amid uncertainties in reimbursement.

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1 month ago

Juneau airport warns of operational risk after ARFF truck failures; board seeks fast funding options Airport Manager Andres Delgado told a joint finance/airport board meeting that two ARFF trucks recently failed, leaving only one in service and creating an operational risk that could force an ARF 0 status. The airport outlined delivery timing for a new truck, federal grant complications and short-term funding options including using fleet reserves and PFC reimbursement.

Juneau airport is facing an operational crisis after two firefighting trucks failed, leaving only one in service and risking a complete shutdown!

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1 month ago

Assembly rejects motion to halt Telephone Hill demolition plan; debate centers on cost, density and demolition timing Assembly voted down a motion to cancel a proposed $5 million demolition of Telephone Hill and instead explore incremental infill. Members debated developer incentives, hazardous‑material disposal costs, and whether demolition should wait for RFQ responses; the amendment to delay demolition until after RFQ issuance also failed.

The Assembly's decision to proceed with the $5 million Telephone Hill demolition has sparked intense debate over the future of development, costs, and community needs.

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1 month ago

Community Compass survey: Juneau residents prioritize roads, K‑12 and public safety while supporting measures to keep working‑age families A citywide survey of roughly 4,400 respondents showed top 'do not cut' priorities were streets/roads/winter maintenance, K‑12 education support and public safety. When forced to choose budget cuts, respondents most often selected tourism management and climate/energy efforts; survey also showed residents want Juneau to remain a place for working‑age families.

Juneau residents have spoken! In a recent survey, they prioritized funding for roads, K-12 education, and public safety while expressing willingness to cut tourism management and climate initiatives.

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1 month ago

Assembly backs drafting ordinance for $28M CWOC revenue bonds to be repaid with marine passenger fees The Assembly directed staff to draft an ordinance to pursue up to $28 million in revenue bonds to finance the Seawalk (CWOC) project, with debt service to be repaid from marine passenger fees. Staff said Petro Marine's construction timeline requires concurrent work on a portion of the project and asked for a manager's best‑interest finding to work with the same contractor for that stretch.

The Assembly just took a bold step towards funding the $28 million Coastal Waterfront project, but time is running out to secure the necessary access!

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#JuneauCityandBorough #AK #JuneauCity #CitizenPortal #MarineEconomy #PublicParticipation #InfrastructureFunding

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1 month ago

NRCS buyout for View Drive likely to require large non‑federal share; most residents said no in informal poll NRCS tentatively identified View Drive for its Emergency Watershed Program buyout with a preliminary project cost of $25 million; the program would cover about 75% of costs and requires a 25% non‑federal cost share or equivalent. An informal CBJ poll of 14 of 18 properties found most respondents unwilling to participate if they must pay 25%.

A proposed $25 million buyout for View Drive faces hurdles as most residents are unwilling to shoulder a 25% cost share—will the community find a way forward?

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1 month ago

Juneau leaders say Army Corps pulled earlier direction on lake‑tap tunnel after charrette; staff urge stronger advocacy City staff warned of far larger possible glacial outburst floods after a USACE charrette and said Army Corps headquarters recently rescinded prior directional support for a lake‑tap tunnel, limiting current federal commitment to expanded flood‑fighting and re‑examining all alternatives. City officials asked the community and congressional delegation to press for an enduring solution.

Juneau officials are sounding the alarm about the potential for catastrophic glacial outburst floods after the Army Corps shifted focus away from a crucial lake-tap tunnel solution.

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2 months ago

Assembly rezones 7170 Glacier Highway to light commercial to allow higher-density housing The Assembly voted 6–3 to rezone a 7-Mile Glacier Highway parcel (7170) from D18 to Light Commercial, a move proponents said could allow roughly 120 units and opponents said risks reducing guaranteed housing capacity under D18.

The Assembly's recent decision to rezone a prime 7-Mile lot could pave the way for up to 120 new housing units, sparking heated debate over the future of residential development in Juneau.

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2 months ago

Assembly approves rezone of two Commercial Boulevard parcels to light commercial after debate over industrial preservation The Assembly voted 7–2 to rezone two parcels on Commercial Boulevard from industrial to light commercial, after applicants argued the change would enable housing and the Planning Commission had recommended denial based on comprehensive-plan goals.

The Juneau Assembly's controversial decision to rezone industrial land for housing has sparked a heated debate over the future of development in the area.

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2 months ago

Juneau residents urge Assembly to halt demolition plans, propose alternatives for Telephone Hill Multiple residents and local advocates urged the Juneau Assembly to pause plans to demolish houses on Telephone Hill, arguing demolition is costly and unnecessary and offering alternative infill proposals that retain existing homes while adding units on adjacent CBJ lots.

Juneau residents are rallying against the demolition of homes on Telephone Hill, urging the Assembly to consider alternatives that could save millions and preserve community history.

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2 months ago

Juneau SBDC director: $28,500 in CBJ support leverages federal and state funding for local businesses Sandy Usain, director of the Juneau SBDC center, told the Assembly the center leverages local CBJ support ($28,500) to anchor federal and state resources, reported 114 businesses served and $2.6M raised in 2025, and warned that local match is required to maintain a full‑time local advisor.

A small investment of $28,500 from the City and Borough of Juneau could unlock $4 in federal and state funding for every dollar spent, fueling growth for local businesses and creating jobs in the community.

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2 months ago

Juneau Community Foundation details $22.6M in grants, warns cuts would risk services The Juneau Community Foundation told the Assembly it has distributed about $22.6 million through combined HOPE and CBJ grant programs and said a 30% cut to city partner funding would likely force grant reductions and threaten some local organizations.

The Juneau Community Foundation's $22.6 million in grants is at risk as proposed city funding cuts could jeopardize vital local services.

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2 months ago

Assembly directs staff to draft 3% temporary sales-tax ballot language; bond packages flagged for later review The Finance Committee asked staff to draft an ordinance to place the temporary 3% sales-tax continuation on the Oct. 2026 ballot using the memorandum's allocation, and asked for more detail before taking a final position on bond packages for water/wastewater and school capital work.

The Assembly Finance Committee is taking crucial steps to ensure the continuation of a temporary 3% sales tax, with significant implications for local operations and infrastructure funding.

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2 months ago

Travel Juneau outlines pipeline, proposes staffed visitor centers as budget tightens Travel Juneau told the Assembly Finance Committee it has secured 19 meetings for fiscal 2026 (estimated $3.5M impact) and is shifting visitor centers from volunteers to paid staff amid flat hotel-bed-tax funding; the agency said it will present a 30% cut scenario if requested by the Assembly.

Travel Juneau is adapting to budget pressures by transitioning visitor centers from volunteers to paid staff while securing millions in prospective business for the future.

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2 months ago

Juneau mayor seeks governance change for Eagle Crest; assembly delays final vote until joint meeting Mayor Weldon proposed moving Eagle Crest from an empowered board to an advisory model citing operational instability and multi‑million dollar shortfalls; the Committee of the Whole defeated an amendment to postpone until 2027 and agreed to hold the ordinance in committee until a joint meeting with the Eagle Crest Board on March 4.

Mayor Weldon is pushing for a major governance overhaul at Eagle Crest Recreation Area to tackle its financial woes and management struggles—will this lead to a brighter future for Juneau's beloved ski area?

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2 months ago

Committee forwards ordinance to broaden how Juneau meets public-notice requirements The Committee of the Whole voted to forward an ordinance that would redefine 'newspaper of general circulation' to include publicly accessible online outlets without paywalls; city manager said the change follows shifts in local media and would be implemented through an RFP, with current public-notice spending about $60,000 a year.

Juneau's Committee is proposing a game-changing ordinance to redefine public notices, aiming to adapt to the evolving media landscape and cut costs!

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3 months ago

Juneau Assembly approves $20.6 million transfer to buy and renovate Burns Building amid Telephone Hill debate After extensive public comment opposing Telephone Hill demolition and urging alternatives, the assembly voted 7–1 to approve Transfer T2606, consolidating funds and enabling purchase and renovation of the Burns Building with a recorded purchase price of $9.3 million and $2.7 million set aside for maintenance.

The Juneau Assembly has approved a $20.6 million transfer to purchase and renovate the Burns Building, but the heated debate over Telephone Hill demolition raises questions about the future of local housing.

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3 months ago

Juneau declares disaster after record snow; shelters, avalanche monitoring and roof removals continue City Manager Kester said Juneau issued a disaster declaration Jan. 6 after heavy snow overloaded municipal facilities, triggering evacuations, a shelter at Centennial Hall and a large mobilization of contractors and engineered roof shoveling; avalanche risk remains for the Barron subdivision.

Juneau has declared a disaster as record snowfall poses avalanche risks and prompts mass evacuations—find out how the city is responding to this emergency!

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3 months ago

Juneau officials detail flooding, roof‑load risks and shelter moves; city asks residents to report damage Juneau City and Borough, state and federal partners described localized flooding and roof-load stress after heavy rain on large snowpacks, moved shelters out of slide paths, provided reporting hotlines and said response costs will be substantial and documented for insurance and public-assistance claims.

Juneau is grappling with severe flooding and roof stress as officials scramble to respond to record rainfall and unstable conditions.

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3 months ago

Juneau issues evacuation advisory as avalanche hazard remains high after rare warm, wet storm Juneau City and Borough urged residents in known slide-path zones to leave their homes after an atmospheric-river event raised freezing levels, produced heavy runoff and triggered multiple avalanches; officials said reconnaissance, drone monitoring and shelter operations are underway.

Juneau officials are urging residents in avalanche-prone areas to evacuate as warm rains trigger dangerous slides and the risk remains high.

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3 months ago

Officials warn of continued avalanche risk; DOT reports multiple avalanches near Thane Road National Weather Service and local avalanche experts said hazard remains high as freezing levels rose and rain returns; DOT's infrasound system detected 8–10 events near Thane Road and agencies plan drone reconnaissance and LIDAR to assess slide paths before reopening roads.

Juneau officials are sounding the alarm as an unprecedented rise in freezing levels and heavy rainfall has triggered multiple avalanches, putting the region at an elevated risk.

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3 months ago

Juneau issues evacuation advisory, opens shelters as avalanches and flooding threaten communities Juneau City and Borough issued an evacuation advisory for known slide paths, moved cold-weather shelter operations off Thane Road and opened Red Cross shelter space as officials warned of continuing avalanche hazard, widespread drainage flooding and heavy roof loads; the city urged residents to document damage for insurance and potential aid.

Juneau officials have issued an unprecedented evacuation advisory as a historic warm storm threatens avalanche zones and disrupts community shelters.

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3 months ago

Southeast Childhood Collective outlines plan for childcare center, apprenticeship and statewide supports Southeast Childhood Collective told the Finance Committee about programs that stabilize child care — a Parents as Teachers home-visiting program, diaper bank distributing 66,000 diapers annually, apprenticeship training — and presented plans for a family and childcare center (Phase 1 capacity ~100 children) with a capital campaign underway.

The Southeast Childhood Collective is on a mission to transform child care in Alaska with innovative programs and a groundbreaking new center that could serve up to 100 children—are you ready to learn how they plan to make a difference?

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3 months ago

Juneau committee approves staff direction to transfer CIP funds toward Burns Building renovation The Finance Committee directed staff to reassign several CIP accounts and to appropriate $2 million to deferred maintenance so the borough can fund an $8.5M–$13M renovation of the Burns Building; an amendment to restore $525,000 to the Lemon Creek multimodal path failed 4–5.

The Juneau committee has taken a bold step toward renovating the Burns Building with a proposed $8.5 million plan, but what does this mean for other vital projects in the city?

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