​​​​​​​​​​Project Anchorage Sales Tax Proposal

In fall 2024, Assembly Members Randy Sulte and Felix Rivera introduced AO 2024-105, initiating the legislative process​ described below. If approved by a 2/3 vote of the Assembly, the ordinance would send Project Anchorage to municipal voters. Project Anchorage is an initiative developed by a coalition of Anchorage businesses leaders and the Anchorage Economic Development Authority (AEDC) that proposes to enact a temporary 3% sales tax that offers property tax relief and funds the development of local projects. ​​

​The Latest Legislation
​​Project Anchorage is evolving through the public process. Legislative history is detailed below, so we're bringing the latest legislation to your fingertips.  
​​Read AO 2024-105
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Background

Driven by a vision to improve the quality of life in Anchorage through capital projects and property tax relief, AEDC and a coalition of local business leaders began developing this proposal in early 2023. Project Anchorage takes inspiration from Oklahoma City’s decades-long work to dedicate sales tax dollars to quality-of-life improvements.​

Public Process​

Enacting a sales tax requires amending Anchorage Municipal Charter, which can only be done on the ballot. There are multiple ways to get a proposition on the ballot, one being through Assembly action. 

​Public Testimony

An ordinance containing the proposed ballot proposition language is introduced and set for at least one public hearing. The Assembly can continue the public hearing to future meetings. 

The public is invited to weigh in during the hearingLearn more about providing public testimony.

​Assembly Action

The Assembly's legislative process may include committee hearings, worksessions and postponement until an ordinance is ready for action. 

The Assembly will take action after the public hearing is closed. A ballot proposition ordinance must be approved by at least 8 members, or 2/3 majority, to be placed on the ball​ot.​​

​Majority Vote

If the Assembly approves the ordinance no later than 70 days before Regular Municipal Election Day​, the ballot proposition will appear on the ballot. ​​

A ballot proposition can be approved by a simple majority of voters.​​


Legislative History

  • October 22, 2024 – Introduced Ordinance
    Assembly Members Randy Sulte and Felix Rivera formally introduce AO 2024-105 and set a public hearing on November 6, 2024.
  • October 10, 2024 – Worksession
    Assembly Members Randy Sulte and Felix Rivera present a draft of the ordinance to the Assembly during a worksession, alongside a ​Summary of Economic Effects (SEE)​.
  • August 16, 2024 – Worksession
    AEDC President Jenna Wright gives a high-level presentation to the Anchorage Assembly at a worksession. ​
  • December 15, 2023 - Project Anchorage Kickoff Meeting
    Formalizing the work of an ad-hoc AEDC committee that began meeting in Summer 2023, the Project Anchorage team meets to roll out the proposal to the public and sollicit capital project ideas. The Project Anchorage team continues meeting twice a month through the process. 
  • 2015 - 2022 – AEDC Visits Oklahoma City
    Over several years, AEDC organizes three delegations to Oklahoma City to glean insights from the city's "economic renaissance," which has been heralded as an example of how cities across the United States can engage their communities in revitalization efforts. After two inspiring visits in groups of 10-15, AEDC leads a group of 25 Anchorage locals to Oklahoma City in September 2022, igniting the work of Project Anchorage to develop a transformative proposal.

FAQs

What does Project Anchorage propose?

Project Anchorage proposes a temporary 3% sales tax in Anchorage, aimed at reducing property taxes and funding capital projects. Of the revenue generated, two-thirds would be used for property tax relief. The remaining one-third would be dedicated to public projects, intended to improve the quality of life in Anchorage.

Why is Project Anchorage in front of the Assembly?

Enacting a sales tax requires amending Anchorage Municipal Charter, which can only be done by majority vote of Anchorage voters. Before the question goes on a municipal election ballot, the Assembly must first approve, with at least 8 members in support, an ordinance to submit the ballot language to qualified, registered voters. 

Where can I learn more about Project Anchorage?

The Project Anchorage website offers more details about the proposal brought forward by business leaders, including a report​ which details estimated revenue and impacts. ​

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Participate​
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Email the Assembly

​Guide to Testimony

Project Anchorage Website
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​​​​​​​907-343-4311 PO Box 196650, Anchorage, AK 99519-6650​​​