Anchorage Assembly Checks Mayor — Overrides Veto.

This afternoon, the Anchorage Assembly flexed its supermajority strength — overriding Mayor Bronson's veto of AO 2021-26, which means the city will see the creation of the ‘Houseless Lived Experience Advisory Board.'

The proposed ordinance had previously been approved by a 9-2 vote of the Assembly, demonstrating a veto-proof level of support. Still, Mayor Bronson used his first veto to torpedo the proposed board last Friday in what appears to have been an attempt to silence the voices of those who could provide both the Anchorage Assembly and Mayor Bronson with a meaningful perspective of homelessness.

In a Friday press release, Mayor Bronson expressed disinterest in the advisory body, saying it “replicates the work” done by two other boards. But, of course, it's possible Mayor Bronson simply wasn't interested in hearing from the homeless population at all, given his repeated use of the word "vagrants" when speaking of Anchorage's unhoused population.

Neither Mayor Bronson nor Homelessness Coordinator Dr. John Morris attended today's special meeting.

The ‘Houseless Lived Experience Advisory Board' will consist of 9 members serving three-year terms who self-identify as having experienced homelessness.

The vote to override Mayor Bronson's veto passed 9-1.