CBJ, Tlingit & Haida Declare Local Disaster, Governor Dunleavy Declares State Disaster Ahead of Incoming Storm

The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) and Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) late yesterday issued a local disaster declaration and submitted a formal request for additional state assistance due to the prolonged heavy snowfall and resulting impacts creating an ongoing threat to critical infrastructure. Governor Dunleavy followed shortly after with a verbal State disaster declaration, opening access to emergency and operational resources needed to recover and prepare for an incoming atmospheric river. 

Local disaster declarations are made when additional resources are needed to address an ongoing emergency. CBJ and Tlingit & Haida have determined that resources beyond those presently available are necessary to keep critical public facilities, including schools, safe.  There is a local need for both funding and staffing resources to clear public facilities of ice and snow before additional weather events push loads beyond their design and safety capacities, making them unsafe for the students, staff and entire community of Juneau that rely on these facilities. 

 “This joint disaster declaration reflects the seriousness of what our community is facing and the responsibility we share to protect our people and critical infrastructure,” said Tlingit & Haida President Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson. “The prolonged snowfall, combined with variable warming and freezing temperatures and additional storms ahead, poses real risks. We are grateful for the State of Alaska’s swift response and partnership, and we will continue working closely with CBJ, state agencies and our community to ensure safety, support recovery efforts and prepare for what’s next.” 

Through the joint request, Tlingit & Haida and CBJ have requested state resources and expertise to addressing roof snow loads, drainage issues and hydrant access, as well as avalanche monitoring, and related operational support as we move closer to another storm. The National Weather Service predicts high precipitation levels and rapidly warming temperatures at the end of the week, that bring with them increased avalanche and landslide risk. The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and partner agencies have already begun mobilizing resources and support.  

“This disaster has shown us what our community can accomplish when we all come together. The partnership provided by Tlingit & Haida, Alaska DOT&PF, the National Weather Service and, most of all, our residents has been essential,” says CBJ City Manager, Katie Koester. “However, what we are experiencing is unprecedented. Our community is exhausted, the impacts are ongoing, and winter has just begun. We couldn’t be more grateful to our partners at the State of Alaska for recognizing this prolonged threat to our isolated community and providing the resources to help us recover.” 

Per CBJ Code and State Law, the CBJ Assembly will make a ratification determination at a special meeting this evening, January 7th at 5:15 p.m. Public participation details are available at juneauak.portal.civicclerk.com.

CBJ and Tlingit & Haida appreciates the quick response from the SEOC, who began mobilizing staff from state agencies outside of Juneau to come assist even prior to the disaster declaration. Both governments also thank those state and local workers, residents and citizens who live here and have been engaged in the snow response from the beginning. 

Key Ways Residents Can Stay Informed

  1. Sign up for emergency alerts at bit.ly/CBJAlerts
  2. Check in with the CBJ Avalanche Advisory webpage at bit.ly/CBJavalanche
  3. View road closures at 511.alaska.gov
  4. Stay tuned to the National Weather Service Juneau page at www.weather.gov/ajk
  5. Review the interactive Avalanche Risk maps available at bit.ly/4pjkGBA 
  6. Follow partner agencies on social media

For inquiries, contact Ashley Heimbigner at [email protected] or (907) 586-5240. 

January 7th, 2026|

CBJ Accepting Public Proposals For Marine Passenger Fee Proceeds Starting December 1

The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) invites the public to submit proposals for how proceeds from the 2026 Marine Passenger Fee (MPF) are used. Proposals can be made via webform from December 1 to December 31, 2025. This annual process ensures that all members of the community can have a say in how fees from the cruise ship industry are reinvested in local business and services. 

Various fees and taxes make up a $13 total fee per cruise ship passenger. These fees are designated to fund projects directly related to the visitor industry which enhance the tourism experience in Juneau and offset community impacts created by the cruise ship industry.  

The use of these fees is constitutionally restricted. CBJ and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) settled a lawsuit in 2019 with an agreement that governs how and where CBJ spends the fees. CBJ therefore encourages project proposals that benefit cruise ship passengers as well as Juneau residents. For a full description of project eligibility, please see CBJ 69.20.120. 

Exciting examples of past projects funded in part through the MPF include the Downtown Seawalk project, growing pedestrian access to Juneau’s waterfront, and improvements to Juneau’s wastewater systems, increasing utility effectiveness and efficiency for all of Juneau’s residents and visitors. For more details, please see the full list of FY26 projects & associated funding totals. 

After the proposal period has ended, the City Manager will develop a draft recommendation list followed by a 30-day comment period that can be found on the Marine Passenger Fee Program website. All materials will then be submitted to the Assembly Finance Committee for review, and then to the Assembly for consideration during the upcoming budget cycle. 

Proposals must be submitted by December 31 on the webform or the City Manager’s Office, attention Alexandra Pierce, 155 Heritage Way, Juneau, Alaska 99801. 

For more information, contact CBJ Visitor Industry Director Alexandra Pierce at [email protected] or visit the Marine Passenger Fee Program website. 

December 1st, 2025|

CBJ Implements Voter-Approved Sales Tax Exemptions for Essential Food and Utilities

The City and Borough of Juneau announces implementation plans for the sales tax exemptions for essential food and non-commercial utilities for residents put forth in Proposition 2 and approved by voters in the October 2025 municipal election. The exemptions are scheduled to take effect on November 20, 2025. Below is a summary of what residents can expect.

Essential Food 

Proposition 2 follows the same definition of “essential food” utilized by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and defined by the federal Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. § 2012(k). No action is required by residents to receive the essential food sales tax exemption. Residents do not need to obtain an exemption card or number.  

Examples of exempt foods include dairy products, fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, bakery items, cereals, snack foods, cold sandwiches for off-premises consumption, seeds and plants that grow food, and items with a Nutrition Facts label.  

Non-exempt items include hot prepared foods, restaurant meals, foods intended to be eaten on-site, pet food, vitamins, cough drops, alcohol, tobacco and tobacco products, and items with a Supplement Facts label.  

It may take merchants time to adjust point-of-sale systems to reflect the new sales exemption. For this reason, senior sales tax exemption cardholders are encouraged to continue carrying their card until this transition is complete.  

Noncommercial Essential Utilities 

Proposition 2 defines “essential utilities” as those sold to individuals for non-commercial use within the City and Borough of Juneau. This includes the sale of electricity, heating fuel, water and wastewater service, refuse and recycling collection at a City and Borough of Juneau resident’s principal place of abode, and the non-commercial use of landfill facilities by CBJ residents.  

Because most, if not all, utilities already designate commercial and residential rates for billing purposes, and to ensure that the intent of the ballot sponsors and the will of the voters is honored, CBJ is working with utilities to utilize their definition of residential and commercial while maintaining the intent of the ballot initiative. CBJ also provided definitions for guidance where utilities do not already designate rates as commercial or residential.  

In practice, this means that residents are not required to obtain an exemption number or card to receive the exemption for billed utility use (electricity, water, etc.). However, residents may choose to apply for an exemption card if they intend to make retail purchases of eligible essential utilities (wood pellets, propane, etc.). If residents believe they are mistakenly designated as commercial by billed utilities, they may also apply for a utility sales tax exemption card and submit their exemption card to the utility to receive the exemption. Essential utilities exemption card application details will be available at juneau.org/finance/sales-tax and at the CBJ Sales Tax Office prior to the November 20 enactment date.  

CBJ is working with utility providers on the implementation process as quickly as possible. It may take time for providers to apply the new exemptions to their many thousands of accountholders. 

For questions, contact [email protected]. For media inquiries, please contact [email protected]. 

November 14th, 2025|

City and Borough of Juneau Releases Body-Worn Camera Footage from July 30 Arrest Incident; Probationary Officer Resigned

Press Release: City and Borough of Juneau Releases Body-Worn Camera Footage from July 30 Arrest Incident; Probationary Officer Resigned

August 29, 2025, Juneau, Alaska –Today, the City and Borough of Juneau released body-worn camera footage and related materials from the July 30, 2025 incident in which a Juneau Police Department (JPD) officer used force during an arrest that resulted in a serious head injury to the arrested individual.  The officer, who was in his probationary period, resigned on August 28, 2025.

This release is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability and in accordance with CBJ Code, Ordinance 2025-05(c)(am). In addition to the body-worn video, the City has published dashboard camera footage and applicable policies. All materials are available online at below and at bit.ly/jpd-incident-july30.

City Manager Katie Koester stated, “This has been a painful event for our community. The officer’s resignation reflects the seriousness of what occurred, and our obligation to uphold the standards of conduct our community expects. Accountability means not only reviewing the facts but acting on them. I want to be clear: the Juneau Police Department is full of good and hardworking people who serve with professionalism, empathy and integrity. One incident does not define the department. We’re committed to using this moment to strengthen relationships and to listen and learn from all impacted voices.”

She added, “Chief Bos has been in contact with the family of the individual who was injured and we are keeping them in our thoughts. Out of respect for their privacy, we will defer any questions regarding his condition or legal matters to the family.”

The officer was placed on administrative leave following the incident. JPD immediately requested an investigation of the incident by an independent third party. That investigation is ongoing.

JPD Chief of Police Derek Bos stated, “What happened on July 30 was not consistent with department policy, values or the conduct we expect from our officers. As Chief, I take responsibility for ensuring our department earns and maintains the public’s trust. We have already begun reviewing JPD directives, implementing policy clarifications as well as additional training focused on de-escalation, proportionality in use-of-force, and medical response protocols.”

As part of the City’s commitment to long-term healing and improved relationships, the Juneau Police Department will also participate in cultural sensitivity training. This training is designed to deepen officers’ understanding of Indigenous history, values, and lived experiences in Juneau, and to reinforce the department’s role as a respectful and responsive community partner.

“This training is not a checkbox. It’s a step toward meaningful connection,” said City Manager Katie Koester.

In addition, Tlingit & Haida has offered to co-host a community dialogue with the City to create space for open and respectful conversations about the community’s relationship with law enforcement. The event will be designed to elevate voices, share perspectives, and chart a path forward rooted in trust, accountability, and shared values.

“We need to approach the dialogue in a thoughtful manner and recognize that it will be difficult for many in our community who have experienced trauma. We’re grateful to Tlingit & Haida for their leadership and willingness to engage with us on this important work,” said Manager Koester. Details about the training and dialogue event will be shared in the coming weeks.

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

 

VIDEOS: Body Worn and Dashboard Camera Footage from the July 30 Incident

WARNING: Video content and language may not be suitable for all viewers. Please exercise caution before viewing.*  

The community is encouraged to seek the support services available through local resources at www.juneaumentalhealth.org/services.

 

*Please be aware that YouTube guidelines for sensitive content may mean some users encounter difficulty playing the video if their user account or network has content restrictions enabled.

 

Relevant Current JPD Regulations & Policies

JPD follows the DPS Academy training curriculum for Arrest Control Tactics:

August 29th, 2025|

City & Borough of Juneau and Tlingit & Haida issue coordinated disaster declarations ahead of 2025 glacial lake outburst

CBJ and Tlingit and Haida Logos

 

 

JOINT PRESS RELEASE
August 8, 2025

City & Borough of Juneau and Tlingit & Haida Issue Coordinated Disaster Declarations ahead of 2025 Glacial Lake Outburst

 

Juneau, Alaska – Today, the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) and the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) issued coordinated emergency disaster declarations in anticipation of a potentially imminent and record level glacial lake outburst flood, or jökulhlaup, from Suicide Basin/Kʼóox Ḵaadí Basin above the Mendenhall Glacier.

The decision to issue declarations prior to an actual flood event is a proactive measure aimed at protecting life, property, and critical infrastructure in the Mendenhall Valley. Hydrologic monitoring confirms the volume of water currently impounded in the Basin has the potential to meet or exceed thresholds associated with historic flooding. CBJ and Tlingit & Haida are confident in the HESCO barrier flood mitigation system recently installed along the Mendenhall River, officials are emphasizing that no chances will be taken when it comes to public safety and emergency preparedness.

“Tlingit & Haida’s first priority is always the safety and well-being of our people and our community,” said Tlingit & Haida 1st Vice President Jackie Pata. “We know the trauma and hardship last year’s flood brought to Juneau. By taking this proactive step together under a unified command, we are making sure every tool is in place before the water rises. Our shared commitment is to protect lives, safeguard homes, and stand united in readiness for whatever comes.”

The proactive emergency declarations enable the mobilization of resources ahead of time, rather than after flooding begins. Based on current monitoring data from the National Weather Service, the volume of water impounded in Suicide Basin/Kʼóox Ḵaadí Basin has already reached historic thresholds known to cause major flooding along the Mendenhall River.

“This year is different. We’re not just responding—we’re ready,” said CBJ City Manager Katie Koester. “The HESCO barriers are in place, and we believe they will perform as designed, but our job is to plan for every scenario—especially in the face of what could be another historic flood event. This proactive emergency declaration gives us the tools to act swiftly and decisively.”

In August 2024, an unprecedented flood from Suicide Basin overwhelmed homes and infrastructure—some well outside mapped flood zones. It triggered hazardous spills, emergency evacuations, and a major state and federal disaster response. That experience, officials say, shaped this year’s aggressive and coordinated preparation.

The coordinated declarations allow for:

  • Pre-positioning of emergency response equipment and personnel
  • Activation of expedited permitting for emergency riverbank work
  • Enhanced interagency coordination and public alerts
  • Requests for continued state and federal assistance and funding
  • Implementation of any necessary emergency protective orders

The declarations are effective immediately and will remain in place for 180 days. The CBJ Assembly and Tlingit & Haida Executive Council will ratify each government’s respective declarations.

The incident Unified Command from CBJ and Tlingit & Haida urges residents in vulnerable areas to stay informed through official channels and to prepare for possible evacuation orders. Updated flood risk maps are available at JuneauFlood.com and emergency preparedness resources are available on the CBJ website at bit.ly/JuneauFloodReady. For questions on how to prepare for a potential flood, please contact [email protected].

 

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For media inquiries, please contact

August 8th, 2025|
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