Local governance locally: City councils, Borough assemblies, and community councils

In Alaska, local governance is carried out through various entities, including City Councils, Borough Assemblies, and Community Councils. While these bodies serve similar purposes in representing the interests of their communities, they differ in their structure, jurisdiction, and responsibilities. Many people have told me they don’t understand those differences, so we'll explore these local governing bodies to help you better understand how they work together to shape your community.

City Councils are the governing bodies of incorporated cities in Alaska. They are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the city, such as passing ordinances, managing city budgets, and overseeing city departments. City Council members are elected by the residents of the city and typically serve four-year terms. The size of a City Council varies depending on the population of the city. There are many levels of cities, including second class, first class, and home rule. How your City Council is elected depends on the class of city you live in.

Borough Assemblies, on the other hand, govern boroughs, which are regional governments that can encompass multiple cities and unincorporated areas. In Alaska, there are 19 organized boroughs, each with its own Assembly. Borough Assemblies are responsible for providing services that span multiple communities, such as education, transportation, and emergency services. Like City Councils, Borough Assembly members are elected by the residents of the borough and serve three-year terms unless modified by local ordinance. Some boroughs have no incorporated cities, and some are a Unified Municipality where the Borough and City are the same entity.

Unlike counties and cities in other states, they are subsidiaries of each other. Just because a city is within a borough, that does not mean that the borough has jurisdiction over the city or the city’s adopted powers. This is why there is a separation between areawide and non-areawide taxes; those powers that are not exercised in cities are not taxed to those residents.

Community Councils are a bit different from City Councils and Borough Assemblies. They are not official governing bodies but rather voluntary organizations that advocate for the interests of their neighborhoods or communities. Community Councils provide a platform for residents to discuss local issues, share concerns, and make recommendations to the City Council or Borough Assembly. They also help foster a sense of community and encourage citizen engagement in local governance. There are a tool for unincorporated areas to be heard by the governing council.

While City Councils and Borough Assemblies have the authority to make binding decisions for their jurisdictions, Community Councils serve an advisory role. They can influence decision-making by providing input and recommendations to the elected officials, but they do not have the power to enact laws or policies. Some Community Councils in the Mat-Su charge a nominal fee for membership and that is allowed by state and local laws.

One similarity between all three entities is that they provide opportunities for public participation. By a state law called the Open Meetings Act, meetings are open to the public and residents can attend to voice their opinions or concerns. Community Councils hold regular meetings where residents can discuss issues affecting their neighborhoods and brainstorm solutions. Even in those communities where their council charges a fee, they can still attend and speak – they just cannot vote on decisions made by the Community Council.

You might wonder how can you get involved and make a difference in your community. Start by attending meetings of your local City Council, Borough Assembly, and Community Council. Share your thoughts and ideas during public comment periods, and don't hesitate to reach out to your elected officials with concerns or suggestions. You can also volunteer for local boards, commissions, or committees to contribute your skills and expertise to shaping your community. If you have any questions about what council covers your area, call the Mat-Su Borough Clerk’s office at 907-861-8683.

Remember, local governance is about working together to build strong, vibrant communities that meet the needs of all residents and our future generations. With everyone’s participation and support, we can help improve the quality of life in your corner of Alaska.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.