Anchorage Assembly approves Mayor LaFrance’s ordinance to enhance safety in public spaces

In an 11-1 vote on Tuesday, the Anchorage Assembly approved a measure to improve safety in public spaces, proposed by Mayor Suzanne LaFrance and cosponsored by Assembly Members Zac Johnson and Kameron Perez-Verdia.

AO 2026-10 updates Anchorage Municipal Code with new legal tools that will enable law enforcement to address certain behaviors that are unsafe or inappropriate in public areas, including public intoxication and public indecency.

The approved ordinance closes legal gaps that previously limited the Anchorage Police Department's ability to intervene in certain unsafe conduct that prevents others from using a communal space. At the same time, these tools will provide more opportunities for first responders to connect individuals experiencing crisis in public spaces with shelter and treatment services.

"Thank you to the Assembly for passing these common-sense code changes to stop inappropriate behavior in our public spaces. I want every Anchorage resident and visitor to enjoy our community and feel safe while doing so," said Mayor Suzanne LaFrance. "Public safety is my top priority, and these changes will enable APD to swiftly engage with people causing safety concerns."

The measure updates Title 8 of Municipal Code to prohibit the following behaviors:

• Public Indecency: Sexual conduct or indecent exposure in public areas.
• Threatening Behavior: Menacing conduct that unreasonably interferes with others' use of public spaces.
• Physical Harassment: Spitting or transferring bodily fluids onto others without consent.
• Public Intoxication: Being intoxicated in parks, on school grounds, in public government facilities such as libraries, or on sidewalks in a manner that obstructs public use or after refusing transport to an appropriate location.

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

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