Anchorage Assembly approves ordinance restricting camping near schools, playgrounds and trails after heated debate

The Anchorage Assembly on July 15 passed AO 2025‑74 S2, an ordinance amending Anchorage Municipal Code chapter 8.45 to prohibit camping and construction of structures on certain protected public premises, including near schools, playgrounds, major trails and waterways. The measure passed on a 7‑5 vote after multiple amendments and nearly five hours of debate.

Supporters said the ordinance provides law enforcement and outreach teams with an enforceable tool to address entrenched encampments in sensitive locations and to link people to services. “It’s not about criminalizing homelessness,” Assemblymember McCormick said during debate, “It gives our mobile crisis teams and mobile intervention teams more than just a referral slip.”

Opponents and several speakers cautioned that Anchorage does not yet have guaranteed, widely available alternatives — such as year‑round shelter, expanded behavioral health treatment or an established pretrial diversion program — and said the…