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Greetings!
I recently introduced my annual city budget, and Assembly members will begin their review of it soon; be sure to take advantage of opportunities to share your opinions about city spending. The State of the City shows some positive trends, and organizations working to help the homeless are the primary recipients of this year's Block Grants. For daily updates, follow me on Facebook or Twitter. You can email me, too, at mayor@muni.org.
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State of the City: Annual Report Shows Anchorage on the Right Track
I delivered my annual State of the City speech to the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce several weeks ago. I used the occasion to give an update about how key aspects of city business are performing-public safety, economic development, financial outlook and quality of life, among others.
On the public safety front, overall crime was down 2010, according to the Uniform Crime Report. Also, our roads continue to become safer as indicated in this year's traffic report, which shows a steady decline in traffic accidents. We have new fire stations and in-car video for police on the way, and we'll host both a fire and police academy in 2011. Read more....
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Mayor Sullivan reading Llama Llama Red Pajamas to kindergarteners at Inlet View as part of Read for the Record.
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Mayor Sullivan Announces Recommendations for Community Development Block Grant & HOME Program Recipients
Recently, I announced my recommendations for this year's Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and HOME Program (see chart).
My recommendations focus heavily on services for homeless citizens, particularly $750,000 in funding for Catholic Social Service's Clare House, a shelter for homeless women and their children, as well as funding for Covenant House and the Brother Francis Shelter.
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Father Medlock and Mayor Sullivan at the Community Development Blog Grants announcement.
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CDBG are federal funds designed to assist programs and organizations that serve low- and moderate-income households. These funds can also assist neighborhood revitalization programs, economic development, junk car removal, demolition of blighted buildings, capital projects, and public services for vulnerable populations. The city's administration plays a key role in applying these monies to high priorities, such as homelessness, seniors and persons with disabilities. Read more...
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Mayor Sullivan recognizes the Nunaka Valley Jr. Little League Girls Softball Team for their 3rd place finish at the Little League World Series.
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Mayor Introduces Ordinance to Make Synthetic Cocaine Illegal
This week, I submitted an ordinance to criminalize compounds currently being marketed and sold as bath salts, plant food, incense or dietary supplements to the Anchorage Assembly.
Much like the marketing of Synthetic Cannabinoids (Spice/K2) as incense, these substances are commercially available and in some cases are being marketed as "bath salts" under names such as "Vanilla Sky," "Ivory Snow," "Bliss," "White Lightning," "Hurricane Charlie," and "Red Dove," and in other cases, packaged or marketed as plant food, dietary supplements, insect repellent, potpourri or incense.
These products pose a real threat to our community's health, as well as to our public safety personnel who are dealing with individuals under the influence of these dangerous drugs. Locally, we've seen an explosion in growth in the number of people using "bath salts", and we need to act locally now.
Also, like Spice, the active ingredients in these products are creating challenges for both medical and public safety professionals because people think they are a safe alternative to illegal drugs, and the ease with which they can be purchased in locations like convenience stores and pawn shops. Read more...
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Assembly Member Drummond, Mayor Sullivan and Chief Hall at the Medic 7 ribbon cutting.
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2012 Proposed Budget Now Available for Public Review, Comment
My proposed 2012 budget is now before the Anchorage Assembly. You are welcome to provide feedback to me, but be sure to let your Assembly representatives know as well, as they begin the amendment process. You can contact them via email or phone. Also, be sure to visit www.munibudget.org frequently for budget-related updates throughout the public hearing process.
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Connect with the Mayor
If you haven't already, follow me on Twitter (@MayorSullivan ) and like my page on Facebook (Dan Sullivan, Mayor of Anchorage) to get updates from me on what's happening in Anchorage.
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Mayor's Photo Contest
Please submit your best Anchorage photos to my Facebook Page to be featured in the Newsletter.
This week's winner is:
Cindy Holdal Just (above)
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Mayor's Calendar
- October 11
Assembly Meeting - October 12
Kick-Off for VA Home Front project - October 14
Ribbon-Cutting for Margaret Eagan Sullivan Playground - October 20
Alaska Federation of Natives convention
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