I, Mike Dunleavy, Governor of the State of Alaska, under the authority of Article III, Sections 1 and 24, of the Alaska Constitution, and in accordance with AS 44.19.145(c), revoke Administrative Order 294, and issue Administrative Order 327 to re-establish the Alaska Council on the Homeless (Council) within the Office of the Governor.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The Council was initially established by Administrative Order 214 in April of 2004, amended by Administrative Order 236 in 2007, and Administrative Order 294 in 2018. The Council’s statewide action plan addressing homelessness in Alaska underwent a five-year review and reframing in 2015, which led to the adoption of Alaska’s Plan to End Long Term Homelessness.
Homelessness continues to be one of the most challenging domestic issues facing the United States, and Alaska is no exception. Persons experiencing homelessness are at elevated risk for many adverse medical conditions and premature death. Recent estimates indicate that approximately 10,538 people across Alaska experience homelessness.
MEMBERSHIP
The Council is comprised of 11 members who are appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Governor. The Council must include a minimum of one person who is currently experiencing, or has previously experienced, homelessness, not specific to any seat. The Council is comprised of the following:
One representative from each of the following State agencies:
- Department of Health and Social Services.
- Department of Education and Early Development.
- Department of Public Safety.
- Department of Corrections.
- Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
- Alaska Housing Finance Corporation.
- Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.
Public Membership
Four public members with experience and expertise in housing development or as consumers of affordable housing. The initial term for public members will be for three years. Continued service of public members on the Council, beyond the initial term, will be subject to re-appointment by the Governor every three years.
The Council may invite to its meetings non-voting representatives from federal and local government agencies, the business community, providers of services to the homeless, philanthropic agencies, faith-based organizations, homeless advocacy organizations, homeless persons, and community leaders. The Council may elect a chair and other officers, as determined necessary.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Council will:
- Request input and take testimony from the public and other interested parties on issues surrounding housing and homelessness, to be documented in an annual report to the Governor.
- Conduct research on the causes of homelessness, best practices related to addressing homelessness, and other issues or activities related to affordable housing and homelessness.
- Work with local governments, community partners, and service providers to implement Alaska’s Plan to End Long Term Homelessness.
- Establish collaborative partnerships across State agencies to coordinate services and resources for plan implementation, including strategies for housing stability, increased employment and income, and a focus on homeless subpopulations (including veterans, previously incarcerated persons, youths, and the chronically homeless.)
- Review homeless data to inform Council discussions.
- Monitor and review implementation of Alaska’s Plan to End Long Term Homelessness to include national best practices.
- Annually report to the Governor the Council’s findings and recommendations regarding implementation of Alaska’s Plan to End Long Term Homelessness and how state resources were and may be used to end homelessness.
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Consistent with law and available appropriations, the Office of the Governor shall provide administrative support for the Council using existing personnel and monetary resources.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
The following general provisions apply to the activities of the Council:
- Council members receive no compensation or other remuneration from the State as members of the Council. Members of the Council who are not state or federal employees are entitled to per diem and travel expenses in the same manner permitted for members of state boards and commissions. Per diem and travel expenses for members of the Task Force who are a representative of a state or federal agency are the responsibility of that agency.
- To reduce costs, the Council will use teleconferencing or other electronic means to the maximum extent practicable in order to gain the widest public participation at minimum cost.
- The Council will meet at least twice per year. Additional meetings may be called by the Chair.
- The Council may create advisory-only subcommittees.
- The Council shall establish procedures for voting and meetings of the Council.
- At times and locations to be determined by the Chair, the Council may convene public meetings to present information and receive comments.
- A majority of the members of the Council constitutes a quorum for conducting business.
- Meetings of the Council and all committees formed by the Council shall be conducted, and notice of the meetings provided, in accordance with AS 44.62.310 – 44.62.319 (Open Meetings of Governmental Bodies).
- All records of the Council and committees are subject to inspection and copying as public records under A.S. 40.25-100 – 40.25.295 (Alaska Public Records Act).
EFFECTIVE DATE
This Order takes effect immediately.
DATED this 14th day of December, 2021.
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Mike Dunleavy
Governor
