Advocacy

AML’s advocacy is based on our Articles of Incorporation, “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.” With 165 members – cities and boroughs across the state – the majority depend on AML to advocate on their behalf, and to amplify their voices. AML is a statewide, non-partisan organization.

Advocacy means that we:

  • Review and assess state and federal budgets and legislation
  • Maintain communication with state and federal officials and lawmakers
  • Identify potential positive or negative impacts – maintain community budget data to review how decisions might impact members
  • Confirm with members municipal impact – the key indicators here are increased costs, decreased revenue, reduced or improved service, and local control
  • Take a position on budgets or legislation based on impact
  • Communicate position through individual meetings, letters, op eds, and committee meeting presentations

In addition to staff lobbying responsibilities, AML contracts with registered lobbyists to advance municipal priorities.

AML’s positions should not negatively impact members, nor advocate for one member over another. AML does not take a position on projects.

We acknowledge that taking a position in opposition to a bill or budget may feel personal, but the approach we take should accurately describe municipal impacts and the choices faced by our members. Policy positions may be contrary to the political beliefs of an individual within a local government, but they are based on well-vetted research and reflect the majority opinion of AML members.

Alaska Legislative Guide

Local elected officials are in the best position to know the needs of their community and to share how legislation affects their city or borough. This guide from the Alaska Municipal League has something for every municipal leader, beginner to experienced, to help make your advocacy even more successful.

Download the Guide

Member Advocacy

AML members are encouraged to share examples of their advocacy whether through resolution, project, or plan. The following are examples of that advocacy:

FY2027 Legislative Priorities for the City and Borough of Sitka: Final FY27 Legislative Priorities 012126 | Final FY27 Unfunded Mandates 012126

Public Employee Retirement System (PERS): Matanuska Susitna Borough – Resolution 2023-RS-018

Equitable Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) payments: Ketchikan Gateway Borough – Resolution to Support for Equitable PILT Payments

Full funding of the State of Alaska Municipal Harbor Facility Grant Program in the FY 2027 State Capital Budget: City and Borough of Wrangell – Res 11-25-1998