One size of municipal government doesn’t fit all in Alaska

The numbers on this map indicate Alaska's 19 boroughs. In addition, the state has 146 incorporated cities. (Local Boundary Commission map)

When I think of local governments in Alaska, I’m often reminded of just how different they are. There’s no easy way to say that one decision or another will impact all cities and boroughs equally as they’ll experience policy and budget decisions on a very individual basis.

Size is a pretty important factor, both in terms of staff but in available tax base. I know of some cities with maybe one employee, and others with hundreds. While each local government has basic obligations to the state and residents, these are felt and delivered differently depending on how much bandwidth you have. At the same time, with a limited tax base, a city or borough may focus on the essentials. With a larger tax base, it’s easy to see elected officials adding to the suite of services they deliver, which residents benefit from.

Classification is another way to think about local governments, and limits or expands the powers of a city or borough. Some of the most limited governments in the state are actually home rule governments, even as this classification is also where you’ll find the most expansive powers. Where there’s home rule, residents determine the rules through a charter. In general law, or second-class communities, the Legislature is more actively saying what can and can’t be delivered by a local government, and if a city or borough wants to add a power, they must ask the Legislature to change law, instead of local voters.

It ends up being an interesting and complex system when you’re trying to decide statewide policy. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, really, and what benefits your constituents or mirrors your experience locally, as an elected official, may look very different elsewhere in the state.

As our attention turns to this election cycle, and we listen to candidates for office talk about their priorities, it’s worth keeping in mind how these match up with the needs of and serve to strengthen political subdivisions of the state, or don’t. I’ve always encouraged candidates for statewide office to sit down with city and borough officials to learn more about what’s on their plate and how they deliver it.

I bet you find a mix of answers that range from trying to keep the lights on, managing through workforce shortages, and facing critical infrastructure needs, to figuring out how to address housing availability and affordability, improve quality of life, and reduce the costs of doing business. I love how all-encompassing a local government’s work might be, where within each community their role in keeping that community whole means jumping in wherever need is greatest.

As candidates meet with mayors, council or assembly members, and staff, keep in mind that they each have different roles and responsibilities within the city or borough. One elected official may not speak for the body, and it’s the combination of perspectives and official positions taken where you get to a clearer vision of what’s at stake. While those elected officials are focused on policy and governance, the staff are trying to implement it, and understanding where limitations or innovation is coming from is an important facet to reflect on.

I hold the position of elected officials responsible for statewide policy in high regard. I understand the need to advocate for and effectively represent constituents, even as those interests end up being balanced against the needs and interests of others in a similar position. That’s when listening closely at the local level may be an essential part of the job – yes, cities and boroughs across the state are different, but they also have many things in common. Fundamentally, I imagine you’ll find that they prefer to keep decision-making as close to home as possible and avoid having costs being added to their plate, which is really that of local taxpayers.

This election cycle, spend some time getting to know local government . If you don’t know exactly where to turn, or are interested in a broader perspective too, I’m happy to serve as a resource. Thanks to all candidates for their interest in public office, and serving Alaskans in the public interest.

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