The Anchorage Assembly will consider a resolution to be introduced during Tuesday’s meeting by Assemblyman George Martinez that would have the city attorney explore the possibility of suing the State of Alaska over its handling of homelessness and behavioral health services.
The resolution highlights a public health and safety crisis in Anchorage, which Martinez blames on the State’s failure to provide adequate behavioral health services, as required by Article VII, Section 4 of the Alaska Constitution. Martinez, formerly with Occupy Wall Street and other leftist activities in New York City, asserts that the State has not maintained an effective behavioral health system, particularly in rural areas, resulting in widespread deficiencies in mental health and substance use treatment.
Anchorage has become a hub for behavioral health crisis response, his resolution says. The city bears a disproportionate burden managing issues such as homelessness and untreated mental illness that stem from statewide service gaps. Rural communities send their misfits to Anchorage, where they line the streets, doorways, and green belts, as they cope with their mental health, criminal habits, and illegal drug issues.
The Martinez resolution outlines some of the economic and social impacts on Anchorage, including strain on public safety resources, increased costs for businesses, reduced tourism and hospitality revenue, and challenges in workforce recruitment. He also notes that Anchorage spends between $6 million and $10 million annually on emergency shelters, encampment abatement, and related services.
Behavioral health concerns account for about 20% of police activity, more than 15,000 EMS calls annually, and over 400 monthly Mobile Crisis Team calls, services that lack consistent state funding, the resolution says.
The resolution formally calls it a crisis and a sustained public health and safety issue caused by State of Alaska failures, and says Anchorage shoulders an unfair share of related costs and burdens. It directs the Municipal Attorney to explore legal remedies against the State, including tort claims, reimbursement for unfunded mandates, public nuisance actions, and claims of constitutional violations. The Municipal Attorney would be required to report findings and legal strategies within 90 days.
Additionally, the resolution encourages collaboration with other municipalities, Tribal governments, and stakeholders to advocate for statewide accountability.
If passed, the resolution will take effect immediately, triggering a potential legal challenge against the State to hold it accountable for its constitutional obligations and to address the city’s disproportionate burden related to homelessness and mental illness.
Martinez and other Marxist members of the Anchorage Assembly sabotaged former Mayor Dave Bronson’s proposed navigation center, where people who were having life crisis issues could get the specific help they needed, whether it was temporary housing, drug rehabilitation, or mental health services. The Assembly, which has been taken over by Democrats and socialists, is now the “dog that caught the car,” but is planning to push the responsibility to the Dunleavy Administration.
Resolution No. AR 2025-191 directs the Municipal Attorney to explore all legal remedies against the State of Alaska and other entities it holds responsible for the Anchorage homelessness and mental health crisis.
Additionally, Resolution No. AR 2025-192 urges the Anchorage Administration and Health Department to create a targeted strategy to support unsheltered individuals with untreated serious mental illness or behavioral health conditions. It emphasizes collaboration with partners to develop health-based interventions and establish stabilization facilities, aiming to provide compassionate, health-focused solutions rather than relying solely on law enforcement or emergency services.
The meeting is in the Assembly Chambers at the Loussac Library, 3600 Denali, Room 108. starting at around 5 pm.
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