Housing Crises and Balanced Governments

Local First News (News of the North)

Emily Wright has been selected as Juneau's new Municipal Attorney, effective August 26. Wright, currently CBJ Assistant Attorney, will succeed Robert Palmer. The Assembly will formally appoint her at a Special Meeting on August 7. Wright has served as an Assistant Attorney for nearly five years and is recognized for her legal skills and strong relationships with city departments. She brings extensive experience from her roles in the Alaska Court System and State of Alaska.

Juneau experienced record-high flooding from the Mendenhall Glacier, leading to over 100 vehicles being flooded and significant damage. The City and Borough of Juneau Assembly declared a local disaster emergency, and Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a state emergency. Federal disaster assistance is expected. No injuries were reported, but officials are assessing damage and coordinating with state and tribal responses. An emergency shelter has been opened for affected residents.

Evictions reveal the severity of America's rental housing crisis, with millions of tenants facing displacement each year. In 2022, over half of all renters spent more than a third of their income on housing. Data gaps hinder understanding of the full scope of evictions, which can lead to severe consequences for families. Advocates call for better data collection and standardization to address the affordable housing crisis and improve tenant protections.

Alaska is often perceived as a strong Republican state, but a closer look reveals a more complex political landscape.
The Senate has a supermajority caucus with nearly equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats. The House is equally divided between Republicans and Democrats, with the majority caucus including three Democrats.