Anchorage accommodation contract extended as investigation into leaked text messages stalls

The Anchorage-based nonprofit organization under scrutiny for its managers’ unprofessional text messages received a contract extension worth $1,033,600 on Friday.

With some hesitation, the Anchorage Assembly voted 9-1 to award the contract to Henning Inc. The extension will keep the city’s 200-bed homeless shelter on 56th Avenue in operation until mid-October.

MP Karen Bronga voted no.

“We had a lot of fuss about text messages exchanged at a meeting,” she said. “There should have been an investigation. But nothing was done and we are extending the contract until October 15. This doesn’t feel right.”

In May, Anchorage Assembly Chairman Chris Constant shared screenshots of selected texts from a group thread between Henning managers and Alexis Johnson, who was then former Mayor Dave Bronson’s homeless coordinator. The texts were unflattering and had an unprofessional tone, but the context was not clear.

The assembly then called on the city’s health department, which is responsible for homeless shelter contracts, to investigate the matter and report back.

Constant said he has seen a draft of the investigation report and is discussing next steps with city attorneys. He said the final report will not be public due to personnel issues and its inconclusive nature, and the Assembly will have to discuss it in closed session.

“We’ve been discussing what the goal is. And it’s difficult,” Constant said. “I’ve had emails for several days trying to get to the point where things are moving forward again.”

Chief Administrative Officer Bill Falsey told the meeting that the contract extension would allow the shelter to continue operating without interruption while also allowing time for a more thorough contract process.

Jeremy Hsieh covers Anchorage with a focus on housing, homelessness, infrastructure and development. You can reach him at[email protected]or 907-550-8428. Read more about JeremyHere.