The initiative comes as the city grapples with a growing homeless population, estimated to be over 750 individuals.
Bronson emphasized that the burden of addressing homelessness should not fall solely on Anchorage taxpayers. He argued that other cities in Alaska are sending their homeless populations to Anchorage, exacerbating the problem and placing an unfair burden on the city's residents.
"We have 40% of the population of the state, and we have 65% of the homeless population in the state. Our taxpayers here can't keep footing that entire bill. This is a statewide problem... If that's the way it's going to be, this needs a statewide solution, especially in the funding space," Bronson stated.
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The mayor's concern for the well-being of Anchorage's homeless population is evident, as he expressed his determination to prevent any further loss of life due to freezing temperatures. Last year, eight homeless individuals died in Anchorage during the winter months, a record number for the city.
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"If something doesn't happen, we're going to beat that record this next winter. And so, with that moral impetus for me, we're going to start giving airline tickets for people to go where they want to go... If they want to go to a warmer climate, it's far cheaper to give them $600 to get an airline ticket to anywhere, from San Diego, all the way to Seattle, or to Fairbanks where they've got family that can take them, or back to the Bush. I have no choice now," Bronson explained.
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Currently, Anchorage has nine smaller shelters that can accommodate over 600 beds for homeless individuals. However, without a large, dedicated winter shelter, many homeless residents will be exposed to subzero temperatures this winter. While the city searches for a new location for a winter shelter, it plans to allocate funds to support the controversial relocation program.
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Bronson believes that the program will not only provide homeless individuals with an opportunity to escape the cold but also allow them to reconnect with family and friends residing in other Alaskan cities or even the Lower 48.
"When people approach us and want to go to someplace warm or they want to go to some town where they have family or friends that can take care of them, if they choose to go there, we'll support that," Bronson stated during a press conference.
Alexis Johnson, the mayor's homelessness coordinator, expressed her support for expanding the city's current relocation program. She explained that the current program requires individuals to have someone at their destination who can receive and house them. However, an expansion of the program is being developed to allow clients to choose their destination.
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While the mayor's plan has garnered some support, Assembly Chair Christopher Constant has voiced his opposition. Constant argued that many homeless residents were born in Alaska and that the city should prioritize finding solutions within the state.
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"A good portion of our individuals experiencing homelessness are Alaska's first people. This is their place. There is no other place," Constant said.
The city has not yet announced how it plans to fund the relocation program, leaving some uncertainty surrounding its implementation. However, Mayor Bronson's commitment to addressing the issue of homelessness in Anchorage is evident, as he seeks to provide immediate relief for homeless individuals while advocating for a statewide solution to this pressing problem.
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