City and Borough of Juneau Leadership Reflect on 2026 Municipal Election Results

~ Juneau voters approved renewing the city's existing 3% sales tax for five years and creating a 1% seasonal sales tax to support recreation, according to certified results from the 2026 Regular Municipal Election.

A proposal to raise the property tax rate to 12 mills from the current cap of 9 mills did not pass. The seasonal sales tax is scheduled to begin collection on April 1, 2027.

Mayor Beth Weldon said the results reflected voters' interest in fiscal responsibility, efficient city operations and community recreation. She said the new tax would provide dedicated revenue for recreation programs, facilities and improvements.

City Manager Katie Koester said the seasonal tax would help address a budget gap, but added that the city would need to continue focusing on operational efficiency and fiscal discipline. The fiscal year 2027 budget included more than $11 million in reductions, she said, while the Assembly chose to use budget reserves to maintain existing service levels and allow more time to assess the city's finances.

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The city is continuing to evaluate the effects of inflation, flood and hazard mitigation costs, the new tax and the first full year of sales tax exemptions and other tax code changes, according to the announcement.

The Assembly is scheduled to discuss budget priorities and set goals for the coming year at its annual retreat on Nov. 21.

Weldon and Koester also thanked outgoing Assembly members Christine Woll and Alicia Hughes-Skandijs for their service. Weldon cited Woll's work on the Assembly's budget review process and praised Hughes-Skandijs for advocating for underrepresented and disadvantaged residents.

Weldon said she looked forward to working with incoming Assembly members Joyce Niven and Mila Cosgrove.

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