About Us
The Alaska Municipal League (AML) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, statewide membership organization serving 165 cities, boroughs, and unified municipalities across Alaska. Originally organized in 1950, the League of Alaskan Cities became the Alaska Municipal League in 1962 when boroughs joined the League.
Our Mission
Our mission is to strengthen local governments and improve the conditions of communities.
Our Purpose
To safeguard the interests, rights and privileges of Alaskan municipalities as they may be affected by Federal and State governmental actions;
To secure cooperation among municipalities of the State in a thorough study of local problems and in the application of efficient methods of local government;
To provide means whereby municipal officials may interchange ideas, experiences, and obtain expert advice.
What We Do
Member Support
AML is a member organization comprised of and directed by our member local governments. Our daily operations center around supporting our members, including working through the challenges they encounter in relation to the State or stakeholders in their community. AML staff serve as a hub that connnects members to the information, contacts, and resources they need to be succesful.
Publications
We produce two publications each year. Our Salary Survey includes salary and benefits information for over 60 cities and boroughs across the state. The Municipal Officials Directory (MOD) includes contact information, governance, and responsibilities of each of our member communities. MODs are distributed annually to our members, the Legislature, and agency officials.
Communications
We maintain regular communications with our members by email. Weekly Leaning Local newsletters are sent to members with information about upcoming events, opportunities, and resources. The Legislative Update provides weekly updates on bills, upcoming legislation, and municipal priorities. Informational emails about federal funding, grant opportunities, and more are sent on an as-needed basis. Sign up for our Leaning Local newsletter.
Advocacy
We work with our members, board of directors, and lobbying team to evaluate the impact and response to federal and state policy. Our Legislative Committee meets regularly to determine our legislative positions, which are advanced to the board and members for review and approval.
AML advocacy decisions and actions are not motivated by politics and are not a result of partisanship. We present information that is factual and reflects the position of the vast majority of our members. Our goal and responsibility is to advocate for federal and state legislation that is beneficial to municipalities, and safeguards their rights, priveleges, and interests.
Conferences
AML hosts four annual conferences to provide our members with opportunities to exchange ideas, experineces, and obtain expert advice. Learn more about our conferences and other events here.
Programs
AML offers members access to shared services, which provide affordable routes to build their capacity. Our services include tools for financial success, effective operations, and employee benefits.
Additionally, AML has focused efforts on developing projects and securing funding to support community resilience, energy security and affordability, and transportation and land use.
Our Objectives
The objectives of the Alaska Municipal League are as follows:
- To perpetuate and develop the League as an agency for the cooperation of municipalities in the state of Alaska for the practical study of municipal affairs.
- To promote application of the best methods in all branches of municipal service by holding at least one conference annually for the discussion of problems of administration.
- To gather and circulate information and experience concerning the most approved methods of municipal administration.
- To secure general and municipal legislation at the state and federal levels which will be beneficial to the municipalities and inhabitants thereof, and to oppose legislation injurious thereto.
- To engage in the study and preparation of uniform ordinances, resolutions, and practices; and to do any and all other things necessary and proper for the benefit of the municipalities of Alaska.
- To develop appropriate membership services and programs that strengthen Alaskan local governments’ ability to govern their own affairs and improve the well-being and quality of life of their constituents.
AML Affiliates
AML brings elected officials and municipal employees together through Affiliate participation:
- Alaska Association of Municipal Clerks
- Alaska Municipal Management Association
- Alaska Government Finance Officers Association
- Alaska Fire Chiefs Association
Alaska Conference of Mayors
AML works with ACoM to form a municipal consensus on statewide and federal issues facing Alaska local governments.
The Alaska Conference of Mayors (ACoM) offers an opportunity for mayors to discuss issues of common concern, to work together for the betterment of their municipalities, and to improve the understanding of information about municipalities in Alaska.