Emily Goodykoontz

The upcoming city election has the potential to drastically reshape Anchorage’s political landscape — or leave it firmly intact. Here’s who is running for both Anchorage Assembly and School Board.

A big shift in membership is ahead for the Anchorage Assembly this year.

Joe Gerace resigned in August, just before the publication of an investigation that revealed he fabricated or exaggerated credentials and work history on his resume to the city.

Blair Christensen would not comment on former City Manager Amy Demboski’s accusations against Mayor Dave Bronson and his administration, and whether they played a role in her decision to leave.

Joe Gerace fabricated credentials and work history on his resume to the city, and resigned in August just before the publication of investigation results.

Brice Wilbanks resigned this week, but lawyers representing him on Thursday said in a letter that he was rescinding the resignation and accused the city’s ombudsman of acting inappropriately. A spokesman for the city said Friday that Wilbanks “is no longer employed” with the city.

Anchorage’s ombudsman said he was referring the matter to municipal prosecutors, citing his belief that “there may have been a breach of duty, misconduct, or illegal activity.” The Municipal Prosecutor’s Office said Thursday evening it had referred the case to the Alaska Department of Law.

Assembly attorneys will advise members about the scope of their powers, liabilities and actions the Assembly may consider to respond to the allegations raised by former Municipal Manager Amy Demboski.

Even if all goes as planned, hundreds of people currently staying in Anchorage’s emergency winter shelters, including at Sullivan Arena, may have nowhere to stay if the facilities shutter as usual this spring, city officials told Assembly members Wednesday.

Anchorage’s former municipal manager is accusing a top adviser to Mayor Dave Bronson of pressuring the city attorney to drop criminal charges against his business associate. The victim still works at City Hall.

In a letter to Mayor Dave Bronson, former Municipal Manager Amy Demboski accused him and his administration of violations of the law, acting unethically, discriminating against women and creating and tolerating a hostile work environment.

The facility has been at the center of a protracted fight for years over opening more beds for treatment and support services.

Yutrzenka has been serving as acting chief fiscal officer since September. The Assembly must vote to confirm him as CFO before he takes the permanent role in the Bronson administration.

Assembly members Jamie Allard and Forrest Dunbar are leaving to serve in the Alaska Legislature. The Assembly will choose temporary members to fill their seats for a few months, until voters elect new representatives during the 2023 city election.

After Tuesday’s Assembly vote approving the expansion, there was some confusion between city officials, slowing the process of adding beds.