Advocacy

The Anchorage Downtown Partnership is here to work for you.


Our end goal is to help ensure that Downtown Anchorage is not only a place to build and sustain thriving local businesses, but also that it remains clean, safe, vital, and a world-class neighborhood that instills awe in visitors and pride in those lucky enough to call our city home.

Our priorities are guided by our members. This year, we are focused on advocating for solutions to address homelessness and increase public safety in downtown, and asking for new public investments into downtown facilities and infrastructure. We engage regularly with city and community leaders to share our members’ top issues, and speak with one voice for downtown. 

 

Want to get involved?

Your voice is important. Here are some ways you can help influence outcomes and determine the future of our downtown: 

  • Downtown Community Council: The Downtown Community Council is open to the public – if you are resident, business owner, or property owner downtown, you’re already a member! The Downtown Community Council meets on the first Wednesday of every other month, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
  • ADP’s Membership Meetings: Join us at our monthly membership meetings to stay updated about current downtown projects, learn about new businesses opening downtown, and share your thoughts with ADP. And of course, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on current issues affecting our neighborhood.
  • Mayor’s Monthly Meeting with Downtown Business Owners: Downtown business owners are invited to a monthly meeting with Mayor Bronson & senior Municipal staff, to discuss public safety and other needs. Please email trista.espe@anchorageak.gov to be added to the calendar invitations for these meetings (generally held on the second Wednesday of the month at 11AM). 

 

How We’re Advocating for Downtown:

Here are some of the projects and issues that we’re currently engaged in, and the results this work has had for downtown:

  • Homelessness: Homelessness is the top issue for downtown property and business owners, and for those who live, work, and play downtown. Read our letter to city leaders advocating for action on homelessness and public safety, and asking for major public investments in downtown. ADP has also written in support of AO 2024-26 – read our letter here. 
  • Public Safety: For years, ADP has been at the forefront of advocacy for increased public safety in downtown. In January 2024, the Anchorage Police Department started a daytime downtown foot patrol, running from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7 days a week.
  • Wayfinding: Along with our partners the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, Visit Anchorage, and the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, ADP advocated in support of wayfinding funding on the 2024 road bond, which was approved by the voters. ADP will be working closely with partners and the Municipality as this project moves forward.
  • Advocating for the Future of Downtown: ADP is working with Municipal staff on the 2024 Anchorage Protected Bike Lane Study, the Municipality of Anchorage Transit Center Relocation Study (the online open house is open until May 3rd) and the Downtown Streets Engineering Study.

 

Have Questions?

Reach out to us to get involved, get connected, and help shape the future of downtown.