The Anchorage ADA Advisory Commission agreed to send a proposal seeking municipal guidance on using property tax exemptions as an incentive for assisted‑living facilities to accept more people with complex disabilities. The commission discussed institutionalization trends, licensing and funding constraints, and municipal authority before agreeing to ask staff how the idea could proceed.

Jessica presented a proposal that described a potential municipal strategy: define a subset of assisted‑living providers that would accept residents with higher medical or behavioral needs and consider property tax reductions to offset provider costs or encourage participation. The presentation referenced federal Olmstead precedent and described Alaska’s high rates of institutionalization and the state’s substantial network of small assisted‑living facilities.

Commissioners and guests cautioned that the space is heavily regulated by the Alaska Department of Health and that Medicaid waivers, licensing and payer rules govern whether facilities can accept higher‑acuity residents. One commissioner said many of Anchorage’s assisted‑living providers are small, family‑owned businesses and suggested the policy would need careful calibration to avoid unintended consequences.

The commission voted to send the proposal to Marie Huesta, director of boards and commissions, and asked staff to request a deeper review from the municipal property tax office and relevant state agencies to determine legal and fiscal feasibility. No municipal policy was adopted at the meeting; this was an exploratory step to obtain staff advice and clarify next steps.