Assembly of the City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska facts for kids

The Assembly of the City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska is like the main decision-making group for Juneau, Alaska. It's the part of the local government that makes laws and rules for the city. Juneau is a special kind of city because its official boundaries include the downtown area, suburbs, and even huge areas of wilderness.

The Assembly is led by the Mayor of Juneau. There are nine members in total, including the Mayor. They are elected for three-year terms, with elections held on the first Tuesday of every October.

How Juneau's Government Works

Juneau uses a "council–manager" style of government. This means the Mayor is the official head of the city and leads the Assembly meetings. However, a city manager handles the day-to-day running of the city.

The Mayor and two other members of the Assembly are elected "at-large," which means everyone in Juneau votes for them. The other six members are elected from specific areas called districts.

Juneau's Districts

The Assembly has divided Juneau into two main districts for elections. Each district elects three members to the Assembly.

• District 1 includes areas like:

* Douglas * Juneau No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 (parts of downtown Juneau) * Juneau Airport * Lemon Creek * North Douglas

• District 2 includes areas like:

* Auke Bay * Lynn Canal * Mendenhall Valley (four different areas)

How the Assembly Gets Help

The Assembly gets advice and help from many different groups of volunteers. These groups are made up of people from the community who care about Juneau. They help the Assembly make good decisions by giving their opinions and ideas on various topics.

Advisory Boards

These boards give advice to the Assembly on specific topics.

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Committee: Helps make sure Juneau is accessible for everyone.
• Building Code Advisory Committee: Gives advice on rules for buildings.
• Douglas Service Area Advisory Board: Helps with issues specific to the Douglas area.
• Fisheries Development Committee: Focuses on fishing and related industries.
• International Relations Advisory Committee (JIRAC): Helps Juneau connect with cities in other countries.
• Juneau Commission on Aging: Works on issues important to older adults.
• Juneau Economic Development Council (JEDC): Helps Juneau's economy grow.
• Juneau Commission on Sustainability (JCOS): Focuses on making Juneau a more environmentally friendly place.
• Juneau Historic Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC): Helps protect Juneau's history.
• Juneau Human Rights Commission (JHRC): Works to make sure everyone in Juneau is treated fairly.
• Juneau Public Libraries Endowment Board: Helps support Juneau's libraries.
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC): Gives advice on parks, trails, and fun activities.
• Passenger Fee Proceeds Committee: Helps decide how money from cruise ship passengers is used.
• Social Services Advisory Board (SSAB): Advises on services that help people in need.
• Wetlands Review Board (WRB): Helps protect Juneau's wetlands.
• Utility Advisory Board: Gives advice on services like water and electricity.
• Youth Activities Board (YAB): Helps plan and support activities for young people.

Appeal Boards

These boards hear appeals when people disagree with a decision made by the city.

• Animal Hearing Board
• Bidding Review Board
• Building Code Board of Appeals
• Personnel Board
• Sales Tax Board of Appeals

Enterprise and Special Boards

These boards manage specific city services or facilities.

• Juneau International Airport Board: Helps manage the airport.
• Bartlett Regional Hospital Board of Directors: Oversees the local hospital.
• Docks and Harbors Board: Manages Juneau's docks and harbors.
• Eaglecrest Ski Area Board of Directors: Helps run the local ski area.
• Planning Commission: Helps plan how Juneau grows and develops.

Other Committees

The Assembly also works with various other committees and groups that focus on specific projects or events.

• Capital City Emergency Planning Committee
• Economic & Employment Diversification Strategy Committee
• Fluoride Study Commission
• Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Juneau Coalition for Youth
• Performing Arts Center Commission
• West Douglas Development Working Group
• Friends of the Flag Committee
• Juneau & Douglas Fourth of July Committees
• Hank Harmon Rifle Range Inc.