Emily Goodykoontz

The city also is seeing the return of Mark Spafford, a former general manager of Anchorage’s Solid Waste Services, who will now serve as LaFrance’s deputy municipal manager.

The Anchorage Assembly approved a contract with nonprofit Henning Inc. to open a 50-person warming area on the eastern side of downtown.

Officials say the municipality will continue to press its yearslong legal action against the federal Maritime Administration.

Advocates of last year’s move to halt jaywalking fines said it is meant to improve safety and help the city move toward improving infrastructure for bicyclists, pedestrians and other modes of non-motorized transportation.

The move is prompting outcry from elected officials and Anchorage residents who have long advocated for the project, which aims to connect the Spenard-area Fish Creek Trail to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.

The rate hike, as proposed by the Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility, will now go to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska for approval.

The Anchorage Assembly unanimously approved the new law on Tuesday night.

Key details remain unclear about a vehicle fire involving multiple dogs that has spurred some Assembly members to propose a review and possible overhaul of Anchorage’s animal cruelty laws and Animal Care and Control system.

The Anchorage Assembly on Tuesday narrowly approved a $2.3 million contract with local firm MASH Property Management to run the additional shelter beds.

The grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration will go toward the Don Young Port of Alaska’s massive modernization project.

The city is in final negotiations for a $2.3 million contract with a property management company to open more shelter beds.

An effort to include funding to explore independent civilian oversight of Anchorage police failed.

The move comes after a recent spike in fatal pedestrian-vehicle crashes.

Proposed projects include four-season trail facilities, an aquatic center and a children’s museum.

The proposed budget amendment would fund a national group to explore the oversight concept. Some police employees oppose the concept already.