The Juneau City and Borough Assembly adopted Resolution 4038, declaring a local emergency in response to the December 2025–January 2026 winter storm and requesting state and federal assistance, the assembly clerk said. The resolution is intended to make state resources available to address critical borough infrastructure needs, including snow-load clearing, drainage assistance, access to fire hydrants, stormwater infrastructure repairs and avalanche monitoring and mitigation.

Deputy Manager said the borough has “exhausted public resources” and recommended adoption so the borough can request additional state support. When asked whether a disaster declaration would enable direct assistance to homeowners, Deputy Manager said, “the declaration and assistance from the state is unfortunately not available to help clear snow from private residences or commercial properties” and that an individual assistance program requires documented and significant damage to be eligible. He also said the state’s disaster relief fund “is nearly or potentially completely, I’m not sure, exhausted,” and that availability of state funds would affect what aid is possible.

Madam Mayor asked whether individuals may dump snow in the channel under the DEC emergency permission; Deputy Manager said he believes the answer is no and that staff will follow up and communicate if the guidance differs. Assemblymembers asked about formal volunteer coordination; Deputy Manager said neighbors are helping neighbors and staff will ask partner agencies such as the United Way whether they can stand up more formal assistance, while noting capacity limits.

Missus Gandy moved to adopt Resolution 4038 and requested unanimous consent. Seeing no objection, the assembly adopted the resolution by unanimous consent. The clerk noted a press conference earlier with partners including the National Weather Service for more information. The meeting was adjourned at 05:30.

What happens next: staff said they will follow up on DEC guidance about snow disposal, check whether the governor’s verbal state disaster declaration will be documented in writing, explore partner-led volunteer coordination, and may return with an appropriation ordinance to cover storm-related costs.