Member News
Does your business have exciting news it wants to share with the rest of the Anchorage Chamber membership? To submit an announcement, log in to your Anchorage Chamber profile and complete a News Release. For assistance accessing your account, call (907) 272-2401.
Anchorage Chamber staff will review and approve all submissions.
Mayor LaFrance proposes new ordinance to support safety in Anchorage public spaces
Mayor Suzanne LaFranceMunicipality of AnchorageJanuary 14, 2026Mayor LaFrance proposes new ordinance to support safety in Anchorage public spacesToday, Mayor Suzanne LaFrance announced a new ordinance to help ensure Anchorage’s public spaces are safe and accessible for all residents. Assembly members Zac Johnson and Kameron Perez-Verdia are cosponsoring the measure alongside Mayor LaFrance.The proposal, which was introduced during Tuesday’s Assembly meeting, will allow law enforcement to address certain
Mayor LaFrance and Assembly members propose one-time education levy to reduce Anchorage School District funding gap
Mayor Suzanne LaFrance today announced a proposal for a one-time, $12 million education tax levy to appear on the April municipal ballot as the Anchorage School District faces an $83 million funding shortfall for the 2026-27 school year. Cosponsored by Assembly Vice Chair Anna Brawley and Members Felix Rivera and Erin Baldwin Day, this proposed levy will give Anchorage voters the opportunity to help reduce forecasted class size increases and cuts to student programs. “I strongly believe public education
2026 Real Heroes | Nomination Deadline Extended
Alaska, it's time to honor or heroes! Do you know someone, child or adult, whose courage or compassion made a real difference this year? Someone who stepped up in an emergency, saved a life, or worked tirelessly to strengthen our communities?The American Red Cross of Alaska's 26th Annual Real Heroes Awards honors extraordinary Alaskans who embody bravery, selflessness, and service. This is your chance to share their story and give them the recognition they deserve.Nomination Deadline: January 31,
Chugach Electric secures new gas storage contract with Hilcorp Alaska Gas Storage
Chugach Electric Association, Inc. continues to strengthen its natural gas supply strategy by entering into a five-year firm storage service contract with Hilcorp Alaska Gas Storage (HAGS). The agreement allows Chugach to gradually expand its reserved gas storage capacity over a three-year period, beginning with 1.5 billion cubic feet (BCF) in 2026, increasing to 3.5 BCF in 2027, reaching the full contract capacity of 5 BCF in 2028, and continuing through 2030. This phased approach aligns with Chugach’s
Foundation Welcomes Dave Karp to Board of Directors
Anchorage, ALASKA – Lifelong Alaskan Dave Karp has joined the Rasmuson Foundation board of directors. Karp, who was raised in Nome but has lived in Anchorage for the past 34 years, is the senior vice president and managing director for Saltchuk in Alaska. He joins the board for a three-year term, replacing Curtis McQueen, who stepped down after seven years of service. Karp credits his unique childhood in Nome for inspiring his entrepreneurial spirit. The same work ethic that led him to sell handmade
Mayor LaFrance announces two executive appointments
Mayor Suzanne LaFrance today announced the appointments of two key executives, strengthening the Municipality of Anchorage’s leadership in public communications and child care and early education initiatives.Nora Morse will join the administration as Communications Director starting Jan. 20. Morse brings to the position more than 11 years of experience in public communications, campaign management, and government affairs in Alaska. Most recently, Morse served as Communications Director for NEA-Alaska.Her
APD Retail Crime Initiatives Show Measurable Results
APD Retail Crime Initiatives Show Measurable Results Through Enforcement, Partnerships, and VisibilityAnchorage, AK — December 30, 2025 — The Anchorage Police Department (APD) is reporting significant progress in reducing retail theft through a coordinated enforcement strategy that combines a dedicated Retail Crime Unit, targeted Retail Blitz operations, and an increased patrol presence during peak shopping periods. APD implemented these initiatives to address repeat and organized retail theft while
R&M Achieves CMMC Level 2 Certification with Guidance from Stratus Services
R&M CONSULTANTS, INC. (R&M) has achieved Level 2 certification under the Department of Defense’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). This certification strengthens R&M’s ability to continue supporting federal clients and reflects the firm’s commitment to safeguarding sensitive project information.Working with Anchorage-based IT consultant Stratus Services, R&M completed the rigorous process required for Level 2 certification, which includes enhanced security requirements for handling
Municipality of Anchorage will require registration for short-term rentals
The Anchorage Assembly yesterday approved an ordinance proposed by Mayor Suzanne LaFrance and Assembly Members Erin Baldwin Day, Zac Johnson, and Daniel Volland that will require short-term rentals (STRs) in the Municipality of Anchorage to be registered by July 31, 2026. The ordinance, AO 2025-115(S-2), enables the Municipality to gather essential, localized information on the number of short-term rentals operating in the Municipality. This data is critical for informing future policy decisions,
EasyPark Lights Up Fourth Avenue with LED Snowflakes
Downtown Anchorage is shining brighter this winter as EasyPark installs 40 illuminated LED snowflakes along Fourth Avenue from A Street to E Street, adding seasonal charm and warmth to one of Anchorage’s most iconic streets. The snowflake installation complements other Park It Forward-supported projects, including the installation of the Anchorage Mushing District Arch and Illuminate Anchorage’s City of Lights program, which together are transforming downtown through light, art, and community
ACDA Releases RFI to Develop Multifamily Workforce Housing on Fireweed Lane Property
The Anchorage Community Development Authority (ACDA) invites Request for Interest (RFI) from qualified developers, design teams, and housing development entities interested in working with ACDA to design, develop, and construct a multifamily workforce housing project on Fireweed Lane in Anchorage, Alaska. This RFI is intended to gauge market interest, solicit conceptual approaches, and identify qualified companies for future development of the site. Information and question submission can be found on
Red Cross of Alaska Seeking Real Heroes Nominations
Anchorage, it's time to honor our Alaskan heroes! Do you know someone, child or adult, whose courage or compassion made a real difference this year? Someone who stepped up in an emergency, saved a life, or worked tirelessly to strengthen our communities?The American Red Cross of Alaska's 26th Annual Real Heroes Awards honors extraordinary Alaskans who embody bravery, selflessness, and service. This is your chance to share their story and give them the recognition they deserve. There are 10 hero categories,
Urban Snow Modeling to Advance Resilience for Today and Tomorrow (USMARTT)
Project USMARTT: Business Surveys Mission Statement University of Alaska researchers want to understand how previous years of heavy snow affected your business.Background In Anchorage, Alaska, the urban area has faced the top three snowiest years in the last decade. Specifically, from 2022 to 2024, heavy snow loads caused 24 buildings to collpase, resulting in one fatality.Survey Goals Objectives of the research project’s business surveys include: Assessing risk perceptions.Understanding actions taken
A Business Owner’s Guide to Securing Digital Intellectual Property
Launching and growing a business today means more than securing customers and building brand recognition — it also means safeguarding your intellectual property (IP). In a world where digital assets can be copied, shared, or misused within seconds, protecting your IP is not optional; it’s essential. This guide explores practical strategies you can implement to keep your ideas, content, designs, and innovations secure while still running a thriving business. Understanding Intellectual Property in the
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Awards the Anchorage Chamber with 5-Star Accreditation
ANCHORAGE, AK — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce a 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective procedures, and positive community impact. Of the 7,500 chambers in the United States, 187 of these are Accredited. These elite chambers represent the top 3% of all chambers in the United States. “Chambers of commerce nationwide play a vital role in their communities every day,” said Raymond P. Towle, Vice President, Federation Relations and Coalition
