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Mayor LaFrance launches major ACCEE Fund investments

CommunityGovernmentPress Release

Mayor Suzanne LaFrance
Municipality of Anchorage
 
 June 26, 2025
Mayor LaFrance launches major Anchorage
Child Care and Early Education Fund investments
Mayor Suzanne LaFrance today announced the first disbursement of funds from the Alaska Child Care and Early Education (ACCEE) Fund, a landmark initiative made possible by Proposition 14, co-sponsored by Mayor LaFrance and Assembly Member Kameron Perez-Verdia and approved by voters in April 2023. The fund, supported by Anchorage’s cannabis tax revenue, is now delivering an unprecedented investment — estimated at $5–6 million per year — for the community’s child care system.
“This is the most comprehensive investment in early childhood education Anchorage has ever made,” said Mayor LaFrance. “It’s the result of years of community input, research, and collaboration with families, providers, and experts.”
“This is a transformational moment for Anchorage. With the ACCEE Fund, we’re not just investing in child care — we’re investing in working families, our economy, and the future of our city,” said Assembly Member Kameron Perez Verdia. “I’m proud to have helped lead this effort, and I look forward to seeing these funds strengthen providers, support parents, and give more children a strong start in life.”
The fund began accumulating in January 2024 and was initially guided by a volunteer implementation team. The team comprised small business owners, members from the child care sector, parents, experts, as well as representatives from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. Their nine-month process produced a white paper and a final report with strategic recommendations, drawing from national best practices and extensive public engagement.
In fall 2024, the Assembly confirmed the ACCEE Fund governing board, appointed by the Mayor, to steward the fund. Chaired by Alaska Children’s Trust President and CEO Trevor Storrs and implemented by executive director Austin Quinn-Davidson, the fund is now launching three flagship programs:
  1. Operational Assistance Funding – Supporting child care businesses, many of which are at risk of closure. Administered in partnership with thread, this program is live now and accepting applications through July 6.
     
  2. Child Care Subsidies for Providers – Covering child care costs for child care workers. This program allows parents to stay in the workforce while ensuring kids across the community can access good care. Administered in partnership with Alaska Family Services, applications for this program opened on June 25 and will run through July 25.
     
  3. Pilot Projects Program – Through a competitive process, $2 million has been awarded to support 22 innovative and capital projects across the city. The Assembly approved the recipients at its June 24 meeting. Funds will begin to go out in July, with all funds required to be spent by December 2025.
Additionally, the ACCEE Fund Board has produced its draft proposed 2026 budget and is actively seeking public input. Residents can share their ideas through a brief online survey at CareForKidsAnchorage.com or at the next board meeting, scheduled for July 1.
Mayor LaFrance emphasized that this investment builds on other early education successes, including programs supported by the city’s alcohol tax, which helped the Anchorage School District launch eight early education classrooms in Title I schools.
“Every child in our community deserves a strong, safe start,” said Mayor LaFrance. “That begins with investing in the people and programs who care for them every day.”
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Mayor LaFrance launches major ACCEE Fund investments

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