Assembly postpones 'Penny for Progress' sales-tax ballot measure indefinitely
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Summary
The Assembly voted unanimously to postpone indefinitely AO2025-596 (a proposed dedicated sales tax called Penny for Progress) after sponsors said the economic timing and data alignment were not right for a voter proposition.
The Anchorage Assembly on Dec. 16 voted to postpone indefinitely a proposed ballot charter amendment nicknamed "Penny for Progress," a dedicated sales-tax proposal intended to raise revenue for infrastructure, housing and behavioral health.
Member Randy Martinez, who moved the indefinite postponement, told the Assembly he supports the policy goals but said current economic conditions and uncertainties mean voters are unlikely to approve the measure now. Martinez outlined the program's history and the three priority “buckets” — infrastructure, housing and behavioral/mental-health services — and said the administration and Assembly should return with better alignment to the Anchorage Economic Development Framework before seeking voter approval.
The motion to postpone indefinitely passed on a roll call vote of 12–0. Members said postponement is a strategic pause to allow more policy work, audits, and education with the public and to refine the framework for a future voter question.
What this means: The measure will not appear on an upcoming ballot as drafted; sponsors said they intend to continue policy work and potentially return with a retooled proposal once economic and public-engagement conditions improve.
