PoliticsAnchorage · December 11, 2025
Anchorage pushes back on sales tax
Dozens of Anchorage residents testified against a proposed 3% sales tax, pushing the Assembly to delay its vote to January 13.
Daily Alaska staff · December 11, 2025 · Anchorage
More than 30 Anchorage residents packed an Anchorage Assembly hearing to testify against a proposed 3 percent sales tax backed by the mayor, during a session that stretched for hours. After hearing extensive public testimony, the Assembly voted to postpone a final decision on the tax until January 13, giving both sides more time to make their case.
Residents raised concerns about cost of living pressures, pointing to rising prices for groceries, housing and winter utility bills. They said an added sales tax would further strain household budgets that are already stretched thin.
Testimony came from across the city, including Midtown, East Anchorage and Southside, with residents delivering a consistent message that now is not the time for a new tax.
The delay sets up a pivotal Assembly meeting in January, when members are expected to take up the tax proposal again and move toward a final vote.
In this story
Questions people ask
What sales tax is Anchorage's mayor proposing?
A 3 percent sales tax, which would hit your grocery bill, heating costs and rent.
When will the Anchorage Assembly vote on the sales tax?
The vote was delayed to January 13.
Why are Anchorage residents against the proposed tax?
They cited cost of living pressures from groceries, housing and winter bills that are already straining household budgets.
Who testified against the tax at the Assembly hearing?
More than 30 residents, including people from Midtown, East Anchorage and Southside, testified against it.
Evidence
Sources
Claims and where they come from
- More than 30 Anchorage residents testified against a proposed 3 percent sales tax at an Assembly hearing. · alaskapublic.org
- The Anchorage Assembly delayed its vote on the sales tax to January 13. · alaskapublic.org
- Residents from Midtown, East Anchorage and Southside testified at the hearing. · alaskapublic.org
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