Greg Smith - Juneau Assembly Member

I filed to run again for the Juneau Assembly! It has been an honor and privilege to represent our community on the assembly and to work with so many neighbors on issues critical to our community like affordable housing, economic development, childcare, tourism, and sustainability. There is more work to be done (always!) but I look forward to working with you and others to get it done.

Thanks for allowing me the privilege of serving, Juneau!

Santa’s coming!

Santa Claus is coming to town! Capital City Fire Rescue is looking forward to bringing some holiday cheer to the Juneau community with the annual Santa Rides events: Santa Rides Mendenhall Valley and Santa Rides Downtown.

On Friday, Santa will begin his Mendenhall Valley route at 6 p.m. at Glacier Valley Elementary School and end at Glacier Valley Church of God.

Today’s the (last) day y’all! Get out there and VOTE!

After another marathon session of meetings, I am pretty excited about (and a little proud of) the work of this Assembly. The mortgage and utility program approved last night will provide Juneau families financially impacted by the coronavirus (with incomes of less than $94,240) with up to $2,000 in direct assistance. Applications may be accepted in the next couple weeks, but if you are eligible and have sustained hardship, start gathering tax returns, rent or mortgage documents, and utility payments so you can be ready to submit when the application period starts. CBJ and many others are working to spread the word about this program, but please share this information widely.

The Assembly also approved an additional $2 million in business sustainability grants. With this appropriation, we've dedicated $17 million of our $53 million CARES Act allocation (almost a 1/3) as grants to local businesses and nonprofits. We've done this because we know how critical they are to the strength and resiliency of our community.

Both of these programs are funded with federal CARES Act dollars.

Juneau Assembly OKs up to $2,000 to households in rent and mortgage relief In addition to the housing assistance grants, the Assembly approved millions more in pandemic relief grants for schools, businesses and a destination marketing campaign.

Here's my op-ed from yesterday's Juneau Empire. I wanted to share some of my reflections for my (almost) year on the Juneau Assembly. Please take a read if you have a moment.
https://www.juneauempire.com/opinion/opinion-finding-good-stories-and-inspiration-in-2020/

And (even more) exciting news, it's Fat Bear Week!!! Look at these big ol' bears!!!
https://explore.org/fat-bear-week

Opinion: Finding good stories and inspiration in 2020 | Juneau Empire By Greg Smith