§ 3.02. Initiative and referendum.

(a)

The powers of initiative and referendum are reserved for exercise by the people of Anchorage in the manner provided by law. The powers of initiative and referendum do not apply to ordinances establishing budgets, fixing mill levies, authorizing the issuance of bonds, or appropriating funds. A petition for initiative or referendum shall be signed by a number of qualified voters equal to at least ten percent of the voters who cast ballots at the last regular mayoral election.

(b)

Within ten days from the filing of a petition for initiative or referendum, the municipal clerk shall certify on the petition whether or not it is sufficient. An initiative shall be submitted to the voters at the next regular election held at least 45 days after certification of the petition. A referendum shall be submitted to the voters at a regular or special election held not later than 75 days after certification of the petition. However, the assembly may submit a referendum to the voters at a later regular or special election if the assembly suspends the ordinance until the election.

(c)

A referendum petition may be filed at any time. However, filing of a referendum petition suspends the ordinance or resolution if and only if the petition is filed within 60 days after the effective date of the ordinance or resolution. The suspension terminates on a finding of insufficiency of the petition or upon certification of a majority vote against repeal.

(d)

An initiative petition is void if the assembly enacts substantially the same measure prior to the election. A referendum petition is void if the assembly repeals the ordinance in question prior to the election.

(e)

The assembly may not repeal or substantially alter an ordinance enacted by initiative or enacted under (d) above, or re-enact a measure rejected by referendum within two years after certification of the election at which the enactment or rejection occurred.

(AO No. 79-139, prop. 9, 10-2-79)

Const. law reference— Initiative and referendum, Ak. Const. art. XI.

State law reference

Home rule charters must contain provisions for initiative and referendum, AS 29.10.030.