ANCHORAGE, AK — Americans for Prosperity–Alaska (AFP-AK) today applauded Anchorage residents and grassroots volunteers after Mayor Suzanne LaFrance withdrew her proposed 3% citywide sales tax from Tuesday’s Anchorage Assembly agenda following intense public opposition.
The decision comes after weeks of testimony, outreach, and organizing by everyday Alaskans who made clear that higher taxes are not the answer to Anchorage’s budget challenges.
“Alaskans showed up, spoke up, and made their voices impossible to ignore,” said AFP-Alaska State Director Brett Huber. “This is a major win for taxpayers, and it proves that when citizens engage, they can stop bad policy.”
AFP-Alaska volunteers and supporters filled Assembly chambers, submitted written testimony, and mobilized neighbors across Anchorage, an effective effort that directly influenced the mayor’s decision to back down.
But Huber warned that the fight is not over.
Mayor LaFrance has now placed a last-minute $12 million “special levy” on the agenda for Tuesday’s Assembly meeting, using what Huber labeled a “switcheroo” tactic to bypass the public backlash against the sales tax.
“This is a tax increase under a different name,” he said. “It still raises the cost of living for Anchorage families, and it’s being rushed through at the last possible moment to avoid public scrutiny.”
How the process works
Under Anchorage rules, the mayor may introduce the special levy on Tuesday, January 13, triggering a public hearing two weeks later before any final vote. However, residents can and should testify immediately during the Assembly’s Open Public Testimony portion of Tuesday’s meeting to oppose this maneuver.
Audience Participation appears near the end of the agenda. The meeting is scheduled to adjourn at 11:00 p.m., so attendees should be prepared to stay.
AFP-Alaska volunteers will be present to help residents sign up and ensure their voices are heard.
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