Mayor LaFrance announces continued APD foot patrols to support downtown revitalization and safety

Mayor Suzanne LaFrance's administration is deploying dedicated Anchorage Police Department (APD) foot patrols in the downtown area to promote a safe and welcoming environment for businesses, residents and visitors this spring and summer.

The foot patrol detail initially launched ahead of Fur Rondy and has been extended through the end of 2026 to support the Mayor's ongoing downtown revitalization efforts.

Two officers are patrolling the downtown corridor from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week, as a dedicated overtime detail paid for by the hotel bed tax.

The foot patrol is designed to put officers on the sidewalks, creating a visible, accessible public safety presence. By walking the downtown corridor, these officers focus on proactive community policing and serve as a consistent resource for everyone in the area.

"Downtown is Anchorage's living room. It's often the first stop for commuters and tourists, and it's where our residents, local businesses, and visitors gather and connect," said Mayor LaFrance. "By putting officers on the ground, we are proactively addressing community needs and making downtown a safer and more welcoming place for everyone. Public safety is the foundation of a vibrant community, and these patrols help build the direct relationships that ensure our downtown remains a hub for growth."

APD's foot patrol is focused on building community safety through:

• Business check-ins: Meeting directly with local shop owners and staff to understand their specific concerns and safety needs.
• Community responsiveness: Providing immediate law enforcement assistance to residents and visitors in the downtown area and addressing evolving community needs.
• Enforcement: Proactively patrolling to increase safety and address crime.
• Public presence: Ensuring that the heart of Anchorage is a welcoming place for all to enjoy.

"Downtown business owners are already seeing the impact of officers walking the streets," said Deborah Bonito, owner of The Kobuk. "It is great to see officers interacting with folks and building trust."

About downtown revitalization

The LaFrance administration is committed to a multi-faceted approach to revitalize Anchorage's urban core. This approach combines strategic public safety investments-such as the APD foot patrol and the expansion of the Real Time Crime Center with live cameras in Town Square-with transformative infrastructure and property redevelopment.

This summer, the Municipality will break ground on over 20 improvement projects in the downtown core, including a new downtown library branch in Historic City Hall and reconstruction of Town Square and Peratrovich Parks, and adding live cameras to Peratrovich Park. In coordination with the Anchorage Community Development Authority (ACDA), the administration is also driving the redevelopment of key downtown properties and fostering community growth through the "Beyond the Beige" and "Park It Forward" grant programs. Together, these efforts aim to create a more vibrant, active, and economically resilient downtown for all residents and visitors.

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Contact: Emily Goodykoontz [email protected] 1 (907) 205-6683 ​

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