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- calendar_today November 2, 2026
Juneau Assembly Welcomes New Members and Elects Deputy Mayor
The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) Assembly convened Monday night for its regular reorganizational meeting, marking a period of leadership transition. Joyce Niven and Mila Cosgrove were sworn in as newly elected members, while Paul Kelly took the oath for another term. Departing after years of service were Christine Woll and Alicia Hughes-Skandijs, who served six and eight years, respectively. Greg Smith was retained as deputy mayor in a unanimous vote before the Assembly moved to other agenda items.
Electric Motorcycle Use on City Trails Sparks Debate
Following public testimony, the Assembly rejected an ordinance that would have restricted the use of electric motorcycles in city parks, on multi-use trails, and in areas of the Eaglecrest Ski Area. Instead of implementing the targeted ban, members directed city staff to develop a more comprehensive policy addressing all motorized vehicles throughout Juneau.
Several residents, including Alexandra Reich of the Juneau Mountain Bike Alliance, voiced concerns about electric motorcycles on trails. Reich labeled the presence of such vehicles on non-motorized trails as “insane,” citing the potential damage caused by young teens who operate motorcycles weighing up to 130 pounds and reaching speeds of 50 miles per hour. She noted that repairs have been necessary in the Under Thunder Bike Park, which has seen significant city investment. Reich urged for more substantial penalties for unauthorized use, emphasizing community safety concerns.
$11 Million Allocated for Aurora Harbor Drive Float Capital Improvement Project
A significant decision of the night was the Assembly's approval of $11,154,002 for the Aurora Harbor Drive Float Capital Improvement Project. This project is supported by a U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration Port Infrastructure Development Program grant. The funding will go toward constructing a drive-down float and vehicle bridge at Aurora Harbor, as well as obtaining two float-mounted electric cranes with a three-ton lifting capacity each.
The grant required a local match of $4,182,750. Of this, $2.8 million came from previously approved appropriations. City manager Katie Koester explained that the remaining $1,382,750 will be sourced from future project closeout transfers from Aurora Harbor Improvements and Taku Harbor Improvements capital improvement projects (CIPs), in addition to a Harbor Facility Grant from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
Arts Funding Adjusted for Juneau Arts and Humanities Council
The Assembly approved a reallocation of $80,000 in general funds for the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council (JAHC). This funding, for fiscal year 2027, was redirected from regranting programs to operational support as a one-time measure. An ordinance is being prepared to offset impacts on smaller arts organizations and individuals who typically benefit from the grants.
Mila Cosgrove commented on the importance of continuing support for the arts community, while noting the challenges faced by smaller organizations due to the temporary reallocation. The ordinance includes $60,000 for major grants, $10,000 to assist rental costs for small organizations, $7,000 for individual artist grants, and $3,000 for catalyst grants.
Funding Allocated for Airport Air Traffic Control Tower Repairs
The Assembly also passed an ordinance to appropriate $75,000 from the Airport Fund balance to the Air Traffic Control Tower CIP. The funds will be used for design work to replace the roof, hatch, and ladder of the tower—components that have not been updated since 1987. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to fund 93.75% of both design and construction, and appropriated funds will be returned to the Airport fund balance once the FAA grant is secured. Construction is anticipated for 2027.
Additional Code Amendments and Fiscal Policy Changes
One final ordinance amended the CBJ Code to remove prior requirements on the distribution of state-shared raw fish tax revenue, streamlining local fiscal policy. The Assembly's meeting highlighted a period of change and adaptation as new leadership guides decisions on infrastructure, community funding, and city-wide policy.
Source: juneauempire.com.
